HONOR AWARDS CIA HONOR AWARDS PROGRAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-04718A000800120147-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 29, 2002
• Sequence Number: 147
• Publication Date: May 21, 1953
• Content Type: REGULATION

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HONOR AWARDS
CIA HONOR AWARDS PROGRAM
PERSONNEL
21 May 1953
1. In accordance ~,rith the referenced Regulation, the Ageney may grant
honor awards to CIA personnel who perform acts of valor or exemplary achieve-
ment in the national security interest. To this end, the CIA Honor Awards Bgard
has been created to set the standards for Agency awards, and to make recommenda-
tions to the Director for his approval.
2. The principle of recognizing individuals for deeds performed above and
beyond the call of duty is traditional. Deeds requiring a high order of personal
courage have been and will be performed by CIA. personnel who are engaged in the
support of United States intelligence activities. Similarly, CIA individuals
have made and will make singularly important and highly significant contributions
of a nonvalorous nature to the national intelligence effort. Although the
anonymity demanded by Agency activities militates against overt forms of recogni-
tion, certain honor awards are available which will meet security considerations
so that deserving personnel may"receive special recognition.
3. Awards Presently Available
a. National Security Medal
On lg January 1953, the President, by Executive Order 10+31,
established the National Security Medal to be awarded for an outstand-
ing contribution to the United States intelligence effort. The Medal
will be as~rarded for "exceptionally meritorious service performed in
a position of high responsibility" or for "an act of valor requiring
personal courage of a high degree and complete disregard of personal
safety." The National Security Medal may be awarded to civilians or
to military personnel.
(1) The President, by Executive Orders 9586 and 10336,
established the Medal of Freedom to be awarded for performance
of a meritorious act or service which
(a) in time of war, has aided the United States or
an ally against an enemy or enemies.
(b) during any period of national emergency has
furthered the interests of the security of the United
States or its allies.
(c) under special circumstance, without regard to
the existence of a state of war or national emergency, has
furthered the interests of the security of the United States.
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Security Information
PERSONNEL
21 May 1953
(2} The Medal of Freedom may not be awarded for any act
or service performed within the continental limits of the United
States nor to a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.
c. Military Awards
Active duty military personnel assigned to or detailed to
.the Agency may be recommended for appropriate military awards. In
general, civilians and reserve personnel not on active military duty
are not eligible for military awards.
4. Submission of Nominations
a. Nominations for Honor Awards may originate at any administra-
tive echelon.
b. All nominations shall be forwarded to the CIA Honor Awards
Board through the Executive Secretary, CIA Career Service Board with
endorsement by the appropriate Assistant Director or Office head.
Nominations affecting CIA military personnel will be coordinated by
the CIA Honor Awards Board with the Military Personnel Division of
the Personnel Office.
c. Each nomination shall be submitted either on AGO Form No. 638
"Recommendation for Award - Meritorious Achievement or Service" or AGO
Form No. 639 "Recommendation for Award - Heroism" and should be
accompanied by supporting data, if necessary, so as to afford the CIA Honor
Awards Board sufficient information on which to base its recommendations.
The above Forms are available from the Executive Secretary, CIA Career
Service Board.
WALTER REID WOLF
Deputy Director
(Administration)
DISTRIBUTION: All Employees
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