§ 578.15 - Soldier's Medal.

(a) Criteria. The Soldier's Medal was established by Act of Congress July 2, 1926 (10 U.S.C. 3750). It is awarded to any person of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a friendly foreign nation who, while serving in any capacity with the Army of the United States, including Reserve Component soldiers not serving in a duty status, as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(d), at the time of the heroic act, who distinguished himself or herself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. The same degree of heroism is required as that for an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. The performance must have involved personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Awards will not be made solely on the basis of having saved a life.

(b) Description. On a 13/8-inch bronze octagon, an eagle displayed, standing on a fasces, between two groups of stars of six and seven, above the group of six a spray of leaves. On the reverse is a shield paly of 13 pieces on the chief, the letters “U.S.” supported by sprays of laurel and oak, around the upper edge the inscription “Soldier's Medal,” and across the face the words “For Valor.” The medal is suspended by a rectangular-shaped metal loop with corners rounded from a moired silk ribbon 13/8 inches in length and 13/8 inches in width, composed of two outside stripes of blue (3/8-inch), the center containing 13 white and red stripes of equal width (7 white and 6 red). (Sec. 3750, 70A Stat. 217; 10 U.S.C. 3750.)