Award Criteria

Medal of Heroism (ROTC and NDCC)

Criteria. The Medal of Heroism is a U.S. military decoration awarded by the Department of the Army (DA) to any Junior ROTC cadet who performs an act of heroism. The achievement must be an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding that it clearly sets the individual apart from fellow students or from other persons in similar circumstances. The performance must have involved the acceptance of danger and extraordinary responsibilities, exemplifying praiseworthy fortitude and courage.
Nominations will be—

Initiated by the SAI on the basis of achievements described in a above. Such acts may have been accomplished while on or off the institution property.
Submitted by the SAI to the appropriate subordinate commander concerned for approval or disapproval. DA Form 638 (Recommendation for Award) or a letter will be used. Statements of eyewitnesses (preferably in the form of certificates, affidavits, or sworn statements), extracts from official records, sketches, maps, diagrams, or photographs will be attached to support and amplify stated facts. The final approval authority is the Region Commander.

Requisitions for the medals may be submitted to Defense Personnel Support Center, ATTN: DPSC–T, 2800 South 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19101 through the supporting installation.
Presentation of this award will be made during an appropriate ceremony by a general officer or other senior officer of the Active Army.

Superior Cadet Decoration

The Junior ROTC medal and NDCC medal are U.S. military decorations awarded by DA and limited to one outstanding cadet in each leadership development class in each Junior ROTC and NDCC institution.
To be considered eligible for these awards, an individual must be—

A Junior ROTC or NDCC cadet.
In the top 10 percent of his or her class in Junior ROTC or NDCC academically and in the top 50 percent of his or her class in overall academic standing.
Recommended by the SAI and principal or head of the appropriate institution.

Nominations for this award will be made by the SAI on the basis of results of a selection board. The composition of the board will—

Be mutually agreed upon by the SAI and the head of the institution.
Provide military and civilian representation.
Be sufficiently competent to evaluate the individual, using criteria and procedures prescribed by this regulation.
Have the SAI as president of the board.
Include active duty members that may be assigned and at least one authorized Junior ROTC or NDCC instructor who has regularly instructed the class in which the cadet being considered is a member.
In the case of Junior ROTC and when possible, NDCC, include one or more selected civilian school official or faculty member not to exceed one—third of the board members.

The selection board (described in c above) will be constituted at the beginning of the school year and the members will observe the performance of the students in order to make sound selections. The president will convene the board at a date not later than 2 months before the scheduled end of the academic year, to review cadet records, and select the nominee of the award in each class. The criteria and the point weights for use in selection of recipients will be based on a maximum of 300 points, as follows:

Military scholarship and grades (grades earned in Junior ROTC or NDCC course) 50
Academic scholarship and grades (grades earned in all courses other than Junior ROTC or NDCC) 50
Military leadership 50
Academic leadership (separate from academic grades attained in Junior ROTC, NDCC, and regular courses. Includes all demonstrated qualities of leadership in student organizations, constructive activities, participation in sports, etc.) 50
Demonstrated qualities of discipline, courtesy, and character, and consistently demonstrated potential qualities as an officer (to be an overall estimate for all pertinent elements of the cadet’s performance) 100
Total point weight against which leading students are selected 300

Nominations will be forwarded annually to the Region Commander to be received not later than 45 days prior to the end of the academic year. Nominations will be typed on a single sheet of bond paper, size 8—1/2 by 11 inches, showing the name of the institution, the full name of each nominee, the class-year, and the signature of the SAI. If a multiple-unit selection board is convened, the DAI may endorse the nominations, but will not delay them. The nominations must be submitted by each school to the appropriate subordinate commanders and will not be placed on a consolidated list for forwarding purposes. The subordinate commander will retain nominations on file for 2 years following receipt.
The appropriate USACC Commander will approve the nomination by signing the proper certificate (DA Form 1773-1 (JROTC Citation) or DA Form 1773—3 (NDCC Citation)). These forms are available through normal publication supply channels and will be presented with the award.
The award consists of the blue pendant ribbon, blue-ribbon bar and clip, lapel button, and case with the appropriate certificate. A subsequent award (decoration, ribbon attachment, Superior Cadet Award) to the same cadet is indicated by a four-pointed star. Requisitions for the awards will be submitted through the appropriate supporting installation to Defense Personnel Support Center, ATTN: DPSC—T, 2800 South 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19101.
The names of the recipients will be announced annually by the SAI at a close-of-the-year ceremony. The SAI will notify appropriate news agencies in order that suitable news releases may be given to hometown and local press. It is not necessary to advise HQDA of the names of the recipients of the awards.

Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement

a. General. The Legion of Valor of the United States of America, Inc., to stimulate development of leadership, gives an award annually for achievement of scholastic excellence in military and academic subjects. This award, a bronze cross and certificate, is awarded to outstanding LET–2 (3-year program) and LET–3 (4-year program) cadets. The number of awards authorized per ROTC region or overseas command is based upon the following criteria: one award is authorized for each 4,000 LET–2/LET–3 cadets enrolled within an Army Junior ROTC region or overseas command, plus one additional award for each fraction of that. The total number of eligible Junior ROTC cadets and NDCC cadets are combined to determine the authorized number of awards per region or overseas command. (For example, 12,448 LET–2/LET–3 cadets, authorized four awards; 3,980 LET–2/LET–3 cadets, authorized one award.)

b. Criteria. The criteria for selecting students for the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement will be the same as that for Superior Cadet Decoration.

c. Selection. The selection board convened for the Superior Cadet Decoration Award will recommend one LET–2/ LET–3 cadet for the Legion of Valor Cross for Achievement. The SAI will submit the nomination, in quadruplicate, according to command guidance, endorsed by the principal or head of the school to the ROTC subordinate or overseas command not later than 1 February. The ROTC subordinate or overseas command will forward, in duplicate, the nominations of those determined best qualified in the numbers indicated in a above, to the Director of Awards of The Legion of Valor of the USA, National Adjutant, 92 Oak Leaf Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, telephone (919) 933–0989. The Legion of Valor will send Bronze Crosses and certificates to the appropriate ROTC region commanders concerned.

d. Presentation. These awards should be presented in early fall during the cadet’s last year in school by members of the Legion of Valor, when possible. The Legion of Valor will send along with the awards, names of members residing in the vicinity of the school having winners. The DAI/SAI will invite one or more Legion of Valor members to participate in the presentation. If no member is available, the award will be made by active military personnel who are recipients of the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, or who occupy positions of appropriate prestige. Junior ROTC parades or similar traditional school events, if held early in the school year, are considered suitable occasions for presentation.

Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Award

a. General. The Sons of the American Revolution gives the award to a meritorious cadet enrolled in Army Junior ROTC at each school (or one medal for each 500 cadets enrolled at time of the award). This award consists of a bronze medal pendant and ribbon bar.

b. Criteria. Recipient must—
(1) Be in good standing militarily and scholastically at the time of selection and presentation of the award.
(2) Show a high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, soldierly bearing, and excellence. Since there are many awards for scholarship alone that should not be duplicated, excellence is defined as all around excellence in the Army Junior ROTC program studies and activities.

c. Selection. The DAI/SAI or authorized representative will select the recipient. The award may be presented at the end of a cadet’s second year of a 3- or 4-year secondary school program.

d. Source. The National Headquarters, Sons of the American Revolution, 1000 South 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40203 will furnish the secretary of each applicable SAR State organization a list of the Army Junior ROTC units within their area. A DAI/SAI may inquire about the SAR award to State organizations or the National Headquarters.

e. Presentation. Arrangements for the presentation will be made by the applicable State society and the DAI/SAI. Award should be presented at an appropriate military ceremony. A recipient of the award will not be eligible for a second award.

The Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) Award

a. General. This award, which consists of a medal pendant, ribbon bar, and certificate is authorized for award annually to high school cadets and cadets at Class MI schools. The award in each case will be given for overall improvement in military and scholastic studies during the school year. Juniors in high schools and at military schools will receive the bronze medal; sophomores will receive the silver medal.

b. Criteria. Cadet must-
(1) Be in good standing in all military aspects and scholastic grades at the time of selection and presentation of the award.
(2) Have shown marked improvement in both military and scholastic grades at the time of selection and presentation of the award.
(3) Have indicated by military and scholastic grades, extracurricular activities, or individual endeavor a desire to serve his or her country.
(4) Not have previously received this award.

c. Selection. Selection will be made by the DAI/SAI with concurrence of the ranking school official present. Award may be made to a deserving cadet in each class or to a single cadet at a school. Approval must be obtained from the MOWW before awarding more than one medal at the school.

d. Source. The DAI/SAI may request medals from the nearest local chapter of The Military Order of the World Wars. If no local chapter is available, information may be obtained from the National Headquarters, The Military Order of the World Wars, 435 North Lee Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

e. Presentation. Arrangements will be made by the DAI/SAI for an MOWW member to present the award to the recipient at an appropriate military ceremony. If a member is not available, any active, reserve, or retired commissioned officer, or individual with prior commissioned service who served honorably by full time active duty in the armed forces during a period of hostilities may present the award.

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Award

a. General. This award, which consists of a bronze medal and ribbon bar, is presented annually by the Daughters of the American Revolution to a cadet at each school for outstanding ability and achievement.

b. Criteria. The cadet must—
(1) Be a member of the graduating class.
(2) Be in the top 25 percent of the cadets in Junior ROTC and academic subjects.
(3) Have demonstrated qualities of dependability and good character, adherence to military discipline, leadership ability, and a fundamental and patriotic understanding of the importance of Junior ROTC training.

c. Selection. Selection will be made by the DAI/SAI and the head of the school.

d. Source. Requests for sponsorship of the DAR award may be made by the DAI/SAI to the local DAR Chapter Regent. If local contacts are unavailable, information may be obtained from the National Defense Committee, National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, 1776 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.

e. Presentation. The award should be presented at an appropriate ceremony by a DAR Chapter Regent, a National Defense Chairman, or an appointed DAR representative.

Association of Military Colleges and Schools (AMCSUS) of the United States Award

a. General. This award, which consists of a gold medal pendant, is called ’The AMCS President’s Medal’ and may be awarded annually at those schools holding membership in the association. One award per year per school is authorized.

b. Criteria. This award may be presented at the discretion of the member school according to criteria that best suits the individual school’s standards and programs. The individual selected should be a full-time student/cadet who has completed at least 2 full years before being considered for the award.

c. Selection. Selection will be made by a board composed equally of academic and military faculty members. They will nominate a recipient to the principal or head of the school, who will make the final selection.

d. Source. Address requests for information about this award to the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States, 515 Wythe Street, Suite 201, Alexandria, VA 22314.

e. Presentation. Presentation will be made by the principal, the head of the school, or his or her representative at an appropriate ceremony during the commencement period at the end of the normal academic year.

American Legion Awards

General. These awards are given annually to outstanding cadets at each school for general military and scholastic excellence. Not more than one student at a school may be nominated per year for these awards. Students participating in Junior ROTC programs conducted at high schools will receive the bronze medal; students participating at military schools during their junior year will receive the silver medal. A miniature reproduction of the official Junior ROTC crest is attached to the medal awarded for scholastic excellence. Recipients of either award will also receive a ribbon bar to which the crest or scroll is attached.

Criteria. A cadet may receive an award for general military excellence and an award for scholastic excellence for the same school year or for more than one year.

General Military Excellence Award. The cadet must—

Be in the top 25 percent of his or her class in academic subjects and Junior ROTC subjects.
Have demonstrated outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship.

Scholastic Excellence Award. The cadet must—

Be in the top 10 percent of his or her class in academic subjects.
Be in the top 25 percent of his or her class in Junior ROTC subjects.
Have demonstrated qualities of leadership.
Have actively participated in related student activities such as student organizations, constructive activities, or sports.

Selection. Selection will be made by the DAI/SAI or head of the school or both.

Source. Requests for awards may be made to the local posts of the American Legion. If no local post exists, information may be obtained from the National Security Division, The American Legion, K Street NW, Washington, DC 20006.

Presentation. Arrangements will be made by the DAI/SAI for an American Legion representative to present the awards at an appropriate military ceremony.

Reporting. Send a follow-on report to the National Security/Foreign Relations Division, The American Legion, that includes—

Name of recipient and type of award.
American Legion Post Number and date award was presented.
Name and title of American Legion representative presenting the award.

The National Sojourners Award

a. General. This award, which consists of a ribbon with medal pendant, is made annually to an outstanding cadet at each school who contributed the most to encourage and demonstrate Americanism within the Corps of Cadets and on the campus.

b. Criteria. The cadet must—
(1) Be in the second or third year of Junior ROTC.
(2) Be in the top 25 percent of his or her academic class.
(3) Have encouraged and demonstrated the ideals of Americanism by deed or conduct or both.
(4) Have demonstrated a potential for outstanding leadership. (5) Not have previously received the award.

c. Selection. The DAI/SAI or head of the school or both may make the selection. Final approval rests with the sponsoring chapter of National Sojourners.

d. Source. Request for National Sojourners Award sponsorship may be made by the DAI/SAI to the nearest local chapter. Requests are normally made in January for presentation in April or May. If no local chapter exists, information may be obtained from the National Sojourners, Inc., 8301 E. Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308.

e. Presentation. The DAI/SAI will make appropriate arrangements for presentation of the award.

Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Junior ROTC Award

a. General. This award, which consists of a bronze metal pendent, a ribbon, and a certificate may be awarded annually to one outstanding cadet who demonstrates scholastic excellence and Americanism.

b. Criteria. The cadet must—
(1) Have contributed the most among cadets on campus to encourage and demonstrate Americanism, by deeds or conduct during participation in extracurricular activities or community projects.
(2) Have demonstrated academic excellence by being in the top 25 per cent of his or her academic class.
(3) Have demonstrated a potential for outstanding leadership by exhibiting qualities of dependability, good citizenship, and patriotism.
(4) Be in the second year of a 3-year program or in the third year of a 4-year program. (5) Not have previously received this award.

c. Selection. Selection will be made by the DAI/SAI or other senior service official or the head of the school (or both).

d. Source. Requests for the award should be made to the nearest Scottish Rite Valley of the Southern Jurisdiction. Requests may be made at any time during the calendar year. If the location of the nearest Valley is unknown, that information is available from the National Headquarters. Call (202) 232–3579 or write to the Supreme Council, Thirtythird Degree, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, USA, 1733 Sixteenth Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20009–3199.

e. Presentation. With 30 days prior notice of the presentation ceremony, the local Scottish Rite Valley that provided the award will select and provide a presenter.

U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) Award for Junior ROTC

General. This award is presented annually by USAREC to a cadet at each school in recognition of outstanding achievement and contributions to the Junior ROTC program. The award consists of a bronze medal and ribbon bar.

Criteria. The cadet must–

Be in the second year of a 3-year program or in the third year of a 4-year program.
Be in the top 25 percent of his or her academic class.
Have demonstrated outstanding leadership traits and possess the potential for assuming positions of increased responsibility.
Participate in extracurricular activities that foster both scholastic and military excellence.
Demonstrate qualities of dependability and good character, respect military discipline and standards, and possess a fundamental and patriotic understanding of the importance of Junior ROTC training.
Not have previously received the award.

Selection. School officials will make the selection with the assistance of the DAI/SAI.

Source. The bronze medal and ribbon bar will be provided by USAREC. Submit requests to Commander, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, ATTN: RCAPA–PA, Ft Knox, KY 40121–2726.

Presentation. The award will be presented at the end of the school year along with the annual awards program. A representative of USAREC will make the presentation.

Noncommissioned Officers Association (NCOA) Award for Junior ROTC

General. This award is presented annually by NCOA to each unit’s most outstanding noncommissioned officer cadet during the past school year. The award consists of a medal, ribbon, and certificate.

Criteria. The cadet must have consistently exhibited the best military bearing, personal appearance, deportment, and leadership ability in his or her unit.

Selection. Candidates for this award should appear before a board composed of Junior ROTC instructors who will select the cadet in accordance with the above criteria. The board’s recommendation including the cadet’s name and rank, and date, time, and place of ceremony will be sent in writing to the nearest NCOA chapter, the nearest NCOA Service Center, or Roadrunner Chapter #153, NCOA, P.O. Box 2027, Glendale, AZ 85311–2027.

Source. This program is administered by the Roadrunner Chapter #153, NCOA. For additional information, call or write NCOA Junior ROTC Award Coordinator, P.O. Box 2027, Glendale, AZ 85311–2027, Telephone (602) 347–7657, FAX (602) 814–6771.

Presentation. The medal, ribbon, and certificate, provided by NCOA, will either be presented by an NCOA representative at an appropriate ceremony or will be mailed to the SAI.

Qualification badge

The basic qualification badges for marksmanship will be centered on the flap of the left breast pocket of the issue- or cadet-type coat or shirt. When displayed on shirt worn as an outer garment, only the latest award will be worn.

Schools awards

To ensure ribbon awards are uniformly designed, DA has approved 36 designs that will be made based on criteria specified in appendix F and by subordinate commanders. These designs are divided into four series:

Academic awards - 10 designs.
Military awards - 15 designs.
Athletic awards - 5 designs.
Miscellaneous awards - 6 designs.