Awards of the United States Department of State

The United States Department of State, like other agencies of the U.S. federal government, gives civilian decorations for outstanding service, sacrifice, or heroism. The criteria for the awards are set down in 3 FAM 4820 - "Foreign Affairs Manual", 3 FAM - Personnel, section 3 FAM 4800 Department Awards Program.

The "Foreign Affairs Manual" described the purpose of Department of State honor awards as to "bestow recognition on an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to the agency's mission" and states that "The honor awards vary in scope and magnitude. The impact of the act or deed which precipitates the nomination must be carefully examined, and consideration given to whether the act to be recognized benefits the post or bureau, the area, the agency, or the Federal Government as a whole."

ecretary's Distinguished Service Award

The Secretary's Distinguished Service Award is presented at the discretion of the Secretary of State.

quotation|a. The Secretary's Distinguished Service Award is presented at the discretion of the Secretary in recognition of exceptionally outstanding leadership, professional competence, and significant accomplishment over a sustained period of time in the field of foreign affairs. Such achievementsmust be of notable national or international significance and have made an important contribution to the advancement of U.S. national interests.
b. The award is personally authorized by the Secretary of State provided that one of the criteria eligibility in 3 FAM 4813.2 is met. It may be presented to members of the foreign affairs communities.
c. The award consists of a gold medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary.

Nominations for the Secretary's Distinguished Service Award are normally initiated by the Secretary of State. However, officials at assistant secretary or higher level who wish to recommend an individual for this award may do so by submitting a memorandum of justification, cleared by the Director General, to the Executive Secretary of the Department.

ecretary's Award

The Secretary's Award is "presented to employees of State, USAID, and Marine guards assigned to diplomatic and consular facilities in recognition of sacrifice of health or life, in the performance of official duties."

Award for Heroism

The Award for Heroism is given "recognition of acts of courage or outstanding performance under unusually difficult or dangerous circumstances, whether or not in connection with the performance of assigned duties."

Thomas Jefferson Star for Foreign Service

The Thomas Jefferson Star for Foreign Service "recognizes those individuals who, while traveling or serving abroad on official business, are killed or incur a serious illness or injury that results in death, permanent incapacity or disability."