Military Decorations (E.O. 13830)

Summary

Allows military department secretaries to award medals like the Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star to deserving service members for heroism or great service.

What problem does this solve?

The process for approving important military medals could be slow and require too many steps. This order gives the power to approve these medals directly to the heads of each military branch, speeding up the recognition of brave service members.

What does this order do?

Secretaries can award top heroism medals

Gives the Secretary of each military branch the power to award the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, and Coast Guard Cross for extraordinary heroism.

Authority to award the Distinguished Service Medal

Allows the Secretary of each military branch to award the Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious service in a role of great responsibility.

Secretaries can award the Silver Star Medal

Permits the Secretary of each military branch to award the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action.

Rules for awarding the Legion of Merit

Allows military secretaries to award the Legion of Merit to U.S. forces. The Secretary of Defense can award it to foreign military members with State Department approval.

Authority for non-combat heroism medals

Gives secretaries the power to award the Soldier's Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Airman's Medal, and Coast Guard Medal for heroism not involving conflict with an enemy.

Replaces older executive orders

This order replaces Executive Order 4601 and Executive Order 9260, which previously governed military awards.

Who does this affect?

U.S. Armed Forces members
Veterans
Military families

What is the real world impact?

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Faster recognition for military heroes

Speeds up the process of awarding medals to service members. By giving the power to military leaders, it ensures that acts of bravery and great service are recognized more quickly without waiting for higher-level approval.

When does this start?

This order became effective on April 20, 2018, and includes several deadlines for specific historical awards.

Distinguished Flying Cross for acts before July 2, 1926

Awards for acts on or before July 2, 1926, could not be made after July 2, 1929, unless the recommendation was made a year prior.

Distinguished Flying Cross for WWII acts

Awards for acts between December 7, 1941, and September 2, 1945, could not be made after May 2, 1952, unless recommended a year prior.

Distinguished Flying Cross for post-WWII acts

For acts between September 3, 1945, and December 31, 1946, recommendations had to be made by June 30, 1947.

Distinguished Flying Cross for acts after September 11, 2001

For acts on or after September 11, 2001, time limits for awards are set by regulations from each military branch.