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The first Valor devices were authorized in 1944 as an attachment to the Bronze Star Medal. Since then, the Valor device is authorized to medals which are awarded both for combat and non-combat actions. This is to distinguish those who were awarded a decoration through combat, compared to those who were awarded a medal for support roles or meritorious service.

An example of medals which are authorized the Valor device are the Commendation Medals, Achievement Medals, Air Medal, and certain unit awards. Awards which are commonly bestowed for valor, such as the Medal of Honor and Silver Star are never awarded with the Valor device since valor is indicated by the award itself.

The Valor device is awarded as a single, one-time decoration only. A service member may not receive several Valor devices on the same decoration.

Notable recipients

• Jeremy Michael Boorda
• Daniel Brandenstein
• Michael Hagee
• Joseph P. Hoar
• John Kerry
• Charles C. Krulak
• Tommy FranksTommy Ray Franks (born June 17, 1945) is a retired General in the United States Army, previously serving as the Commander-in-Chief of United States Central Command, overseeing American military operations in a 25-country region, including the Middle East.
• Douglas MacArthurDouglas MacArthur GCB ( January 26, 1880— April 5, 1964) was an American military leader. He served in the U. Army his entire life, taking part in three major wars ( World War I, World War II, Korean War) and rising to the rank of General of the Army, one
• Chesty PullerLewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller ( June 26, 1898 October 11, 1971) was a United States Marine officer, notable as the most decorated Marine in history. Puller, whose nickname was inspired by his barrel chest, was born in West Point, Virginia. He resigned fro
• Robert L. StewartRobert L. Stewart is a retired Brigadier General of the United States Army and former NASA astronaut. Stewart was born August 13, 1942, in Washington D. He graduated from Hattiesburg High School, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, in 1960. He went on to receive a
• Strom ThurmondJames Strom Thurmond ( December 5, 1902 June 26, 2003), known as Strom Thurmond was the oldest and longest serving United States Senator, who represented South Carolina from 1954 to April 1956 and November 1956 to 1964 as a Democrat and from 1964 to 2003
• Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr.Elmo Russell Zumwalt, Jr. November 29, 1920— January 2, 2000) was an American naval leader. As an admiral and later Chief of Naval Operations in the U. Navy, Zumwalt played a major part in the Vietnam War, where he personally awarded future Democratic pre