Army Soldier’s Medal – Heroism

Criteria:

The Army Soldier’s Medal for Heroism (SM) is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who while serving with the Army distinguishes themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. Per Army Regulation 600-8-22, “The performance must have involved personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life” and is not solely awarded on the basis of having saved a persons life.

While the award was created by an act of Congress on July 2nd, 1926 the first awards were not presented until October 17th, 1927. Any American service member who has received the award and is eligible for retirement pay will receive a 10% increase in their retirement pay, and amount that is equal to that as if they had earned the Distinguished Service Cross. The largest issuing of the award came in 2001 following the terrorist attack on the Pentagon. 28 service-members received the award for their actions while risking their lives to assist their fellow soldiers.