Since this is a complete revision, asterisks have not been used to denote changes. Personal awards publicly recognize military personnel for meritorious service and extraordinary acts of heroism above and beyond that normally expected.
Awards also provide incentive for greater effort and greatly enhance morale.
A robust awards program is an essential part of a military organization. Public recognition must be promptly and properly bestowed when warranted. To preserve credibility, awards and decorations must be recommended for acts or services which are clearly and distinctly outstanding in nature or magnitude. The acts or services must place a person's performance significantly above that of contemporaries and be of such importance that it cannot be appropriately recognized in any other way. Department Heads are responsible for monitoring personnel performance and submitting award nominations when appropriate.