[naturalman1975]

For actions above and beyond the call of duty; and exhibiting exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness and presence of mind; or an unusual swiftness of action, regardless of his or her personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life.

I am posting this because I have noticed on a number of threads in recent days, questions about what awards might be available to be received by Sgt Munley over her actions at Fort Hood (and also, for that matter, by any other law enforcement officer who was involved with similar heroism.) It became apparent to me that a lot of people seem to be unaware of this decoration probably because it is such a new one. Such things interest me, so I pay attention to them.

[armymarinemom]

Following the trail of links it looks like she cannot be nominated until next year. I hope her chain of command follows up and I hope the public pushes them along.

[Rembrandt]

“The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor is the highest decoration for bravery performed by public safety officers in the United States, comparable to the military’s Medal of Honor.”

The people who receive this award are certainly worthy of praise. However, I don’t agree that this award is comparable to the Congressional Medal of Honor. Just my opinion.

[Buffalo Head]

Yes. There are still a few good people.

[centurion316]

I have heard of this award, but had never seen a picture of the decoration itself. If the responding police officers had been Military Police, they would have only been eligible for an award of the Soldier’s Medal, the only valor award for actions not involving combat with enemy forces (the Air Force, and Navy/Marine Corps have their own equivilent).

It is a one size fits all type award, good for rescuing swimmers, pulling people from burning wrecks and all other acts of heroism. The British, Canadians, and Australians have several decorations that can be presented for non-combat heroism for both soldiers and civilians. For example, the British have the George Cross, the George Medal, and the Queen’s Gallantry Medal. The George Cross ranks next to the Victoria Cross and is only very rarely presented.

While the Soldier’s Medal is a relatively rare and respected decoration, it sometimes does not seem to fit the degree of courage exhibited. A non combat valor award on the level of the Distinguished Service Cross or Navy Cross might be warranted.

This Public Safety award might have a similar problem: it will either almost never be awarded, or presented for acts of courage that don’t rise to the level of a Medal of Honor type distinction.

[TXnMA]

If approaching (in the open and unarmored) a man firing a weapon -- and stopping his murderous rampage (as Sgt Munley did) does not qualify for this award, I find it difficult to imagine what would qualify.

It would appear that it is not too soon to begin a public campaign toward that end...