Awards of the United States Department of State
Encyclopedia
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.
State Department awards are broken down into four types: honor awards, achievement awards, service awards, and recognition awards. In addition, there are awards which are no longer given but for which certificates, ribbons, or medals may still be occasionally seen.
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." Upon authorization, members of the U.S. military may wear the medal and ribbon in the appropriate order of precedence as a U.S. non-military personal decoration.
As delineated in numerous diplomatic cables
describing each one, achievement awards recognize specific service over the previous year in a specific field or job category. The majority of the awards include a certificate, signed by the Secretary of State
and a cash bonus. The cash bonuses range from zero to $10,000. Some awards are sponsored by private donors, who are often former members of the Foreign Service. There is a minimum requirement for several valid nominations in a category in order for some awards to be presented; if there are insufficient nominees or the nominations do not meet a specific threshold, then no award is presented that year. Currently, none of the achievement awards include a medal set.
Service awards are common for the Armed Forces but are not currently favored by the Director General of the Foreign Service. The Department of State currently awards two service awards, the Secretary's Career Achievement Award and the Expeditionary Service Award. The Expeditionary Service Award is a new award as of 2011 that recognizes service by Civil and Foreign Service employees in areas designated by the Director General of the Foreign Service.
The Secretary's Distinguished Service Award is presented at the discretion of the Secretary of State
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.
The award is personally authorized by the Secretary of State provided that one of the criteria eligibility in Foreign Affairs Manual is met. It may be presented to members of the foreign affairs communities.
The award consists of a gold medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary.
Secretary'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." This award could be presented to members of the foreign affairs communities who were held hostage or captive while serving overseas on official orders.
The award consists of a medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary.
Nominations for the Secretary's Award are submitted through supervisory channels to the Joint Country Awards Committee for review and recommendation to the chief of mission. Approved nominations will be forwarded through the appropriate area awards committee to the Department Awards Committee for final action. Nominations initiated in Washington are submitted through the appropriate area awards committee to the Department Awards Committee for final action.
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."
It may be granted for:
(1) Sustained superior performance while under threat of physical attack or harassment; or
(2) An individual act of courage or exceptional performance at the risk of personal safety.
The award consists of a sterling silver medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary.
Nominations for the Award for Heroism are submitted through supervisory channels to the Joint Country Awards Committee for review and recommendation to the chief of mission. Approved nominations will be forwarded through the appropriate area awards committee to the Department Awards Committee for final action. Nominations initiated in Washington are submitted through the appropriate area awards committee to the Department Awards Committee for final action.
Due to the nature of their jobs and the dangerous environment where they often operate, Foreign Service Special Agents of the Diplomatic Security Service
have earned this award on numerous occasions.
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." It is roughly equivalent to the Purple Heart
, though it is almost always issued posthumously due to the strict requirements.
The award consists of a gold medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary and the President.
Distinguished Honor Award
The Distinguished Honor Award is awarded to individuals or groups that provide:
The award consists of a gold medal set and a certificate signed, as appropriate, by the Secretary of State. Due to the strict requirements of this award, only two members of the Foreign Service below the rank of Ambassador have ever been personally honored with this award.
Superior Honor Award
The Superior Honor Award is presented to groups or individuals in recognition of a special act or service or sustained extraordinary performance covering a period of one year or longer. The following criteria are applicable to granting a Superior Honor Award:
The award consists of a certificate signed by an assistant secretary or an official of equivalent rank. The silver medal set is no longer awarded.
Meritorious Honor Award
The Meritorious Honor Award is presented to groups or individuals in recognition of a special act or service or sustained outstanding performance. The following criteria are applicable to granting a Meritorious Honor Award:
The award consists of a certificate signed by an assistant secretary or an official of equivalent rank. The bronze medal set is no longer awarded.
describing each one, achievement awards recognize specific service over the previous year in a specific field or job category. The majority of the awards include a certificate, signed by the Secretary of State
and a cash bonus. The cash bonuses range from zero to $10,000. Many of the awards were sponsored by private donors, who are often formerly members of the Foreign Service, but the nominations for the awards still go through the Department of State’s awards committee each year.
James A. Baker III – C. Howard Wilkins Jr. Award for Outstanding Deputy Chief of Mission
This award is presented annually to a Deputy Chief of Mission who demonstrates the proficiency, creativity, and overall capacity to serve effectively as Deputy Chief of Mission and as Charge d'Affaires in the Ambassador's absence. The award consists of a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $5,000. This award is made possible by C. Howard Wilkins, Jr., former U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands, and is named to honor him and former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III.
Warren Christopher
This award, initiated in 1997 and named in honor of former Secretary of State Warren
Christopher, recognizes sustained excellence and initiative in the substantive policy areas of oceans, the environment, and science; democracy, human rights, and labor; population, migration, and refugees; and international narcotics and crime. The award consists of a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $10,000.
Civil Service
This annual award recognizes the high standards of performance which characterize the work of Civil Service Secretaries in the Department and abroad. It is granted annually to one Civil Service Secretary whose performance is judged by a selection committee to exemplify most clearly these high standards. The recipient receives a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $10,000. In addition, the recipients’ names are placed on a plaque in the Department.
to honor Career
Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, former ambassador to Lebanon, Kuwait, Pakistan, and Iraq, and first Chargé at the reopened U.S Embassy in Afghanistan. The award recognizes those who excel in the most challenging leadership positions overseas. The winner, if an employee of the agencies covered by the Foreign Affairs Manual, receives a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $10,000. In accordance with 3 FAM 4813.2(c), the winner, if a member of the military, may only receive the certificate.
over Lockerbie
, Scotland, in 1988. The award recognizes superior professional performance and outstanding leadership in the challenging field of site security management.
James Clement Dunn
This award was established in 1980 to recognize exemplary performance in the Department of State at the mid-career level. It is made possible by an endowment from the Vincent Astor Foundation and is named, at the request of the donor, in memory of Ambassador James Clement Dunn. Ambassador Dunn retired from the Service in 1956 with the rank of Career Ambassador. The recipient receives a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $10,000. The James Clement Dunn Award for Excellence recognizes leadership, intellectual skills, managerial ability, and personal qualities that most fully exemplify the standards of excellence desired of officers at the mid-career level.
Arnold Lewis Raphel
This annual award is named in honor of the late Ambassador Raphel and recognizes the special qualities that he brought to both U.S. diplomacy and the work of the Foreign Service. The award is granted to an individual in international affairs who embodies the special human qualities and extra effort put forth by Ambassador Raphel to promote and develop the people around him, especially entry-level officers. The award consists of a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $10,000.
Mary A. Ryan
This award recognizes achievement and extraordinary leadership in the provision of services to U.S. citizens domestically as well as abroad. The award consists of a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $10,000.
Expeditionary Service Award
The "Expeditionary Service Award" (ESA) was created in 2011 for employees who have successfully completed an assignment to designated field locations. Current field locations that confer eligibility for this award include Iraq and Afghanistan. Those who have served previously will receive their awards once their service records are verified.
The Expeditionary Service Award will include a citation signed by the Secretary, as well as an engraved medal or pin. It will also be noted in the official performance files for career Foreign Service and Civil Service employees.
The medal was later changed to be the Secretary's Career Achievement Award, and although the medal itself changed, the ribbon retained the same color scheme. The award consists of a gold medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary. Currently, the medal sets are not being issued with the certificate.
, often considered the United States’ first diplomat, it consists of a framed certificate, typically signed by the Chief of Mission or Office Director. It may also include a cash award from $200 to $750. Receipt of a Franklin Award is no longer included in a Foreign Service employee’s official personnel file, since it does not qualify as an honor award.
The original medal was solid gold. It had "Department of State" inscribed across the top and "Valor" inscribed across the bottom. There were laurels along the side, and in the center was the Great Seal of the United States
. There was a period of time when the recipients' name was inscribed across the back.
Notable recipients include Donald J. Cooke, L. Bruce Laingen, John W. Limbert Jr., Alan B. Golacinski, and Barry M. Rosen, all of whom spent 444 days as hostages after Iranian activists took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in November 1979.
John Jacob Rogers Award
This award has been discontinued and has been replaced by the Department of State Secretary’s Career Achievement Award. It was named for Congressman John Jacob Rogers
, for whom the Rogers Act of 1926 is named. The Rogers Act consolidated the diplomatic and consular officers in to one Diplomatic Corps, which is now the Foreign Service.
The original medal was sterling silver with the text "John Jacob Rogers Award" inscribed across the top, "U.S. Department of State" across the bottom, and the Great Seal of the United States
superimposed over a globe surrounded by laurel wreath.
, like many other federal civilian branches, awards and medals are presented to its civilian employees and may be displayed under appropriate circumstances. Miniature ribbons may be worn on tuxedo lapels, following the appropriate order of precedence, for black or white tie
events. Miniature lapel pins may be worn on tuxedos or suits for black tie events and other significant occasions. Full-size medals are not to be worn on civilian clothing but may be worn on military uniforms, per DOD regulations concerning the display of U.S. non-military personal decorations, or mounted in a shadow box or other appropriate display mechanism. Ribbons may be worn on military uniforms per DOD regulations concerning the display of U.S. non-military personal decorations.
on the ribbon; an individual who had received three Meritorious Honor Awards, for example, would be authorized to wear or otherwise display a Meritorious Honor Award with two gold star devices. When six awards are reached, rather than place five gold star devices on the award, a silver star device should be used. Subsequent awards would be indicated with additional gold star devices next to the silver star device.
Multiple service awards (and achievement awards that might include a medal set) would be denoted with a bronze star device
. In lieu of five bronze star devices, a single silver star device should be used, with subsequent awards indicated by additional bronze star devices.
United States Department of State
The United States Department of State , is the United States federal executive department responsible for international relations of the United States, equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries...
, like other agencies of the U.S. federal government
Federal government of the United States
The federal government of the United States is the national government of the constitutional republic of fifty states that is the United States of America. The federal government comprises three distinct branches of government: a legislative, an executive and a judiciary. These branches and...
, gives civilian decorations
Civilian decorations of the United States
Civilian decorations of the United States are civil decorations of the United States of America which are bestowed by various agencies of the United States government for acts of accomplishment benefiting the nation as a whole. Contrary to the awards and decorations of the United States military,...
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.
State Department awards are broken down into four types: honor awards, achievement awards, service awards, and recognition awards. In addition, there are awards which are no longer given but for which certificates, ribbons, or medals may still be occasionally seen.
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." Upon authorization, members of the U.S. military may wear the medal and ribbon in the appropriate order of precedence as a U.S. non-military personal decoration.
As delineated in numerous diplomatic cables
Diplomatic cable
A diplomatic cable, also known as a diplomatic telegram or embassy cable, is the term given to a confidential text message exchanged between a diplomatic mission, like an embassy or a consulate, and the foreign ministry of its parent country....
describing each one, achievement awards recognize specific service over the previous year in a specific field or job category. The majority of the awards include a certificate, signed by the Secretary of State
Secretary of State
Secretary of State or State Secretary is a commonly used title for a senior or mid-level post in governments around the world. The role varies between countries, and in some cases there are multiple Secretaries of State in the Government....
and a cash bonus. The cash bonuses range from zero to $10,000. Some awards are sponsored by private donors, who are often former members of the Foreign Service. There is a minimum requirement for several valid nominations in a category in order for some awards to be presented; if there are insufficient nominees or the nominations do not meet a specific threshold, then no award is presented that year. Currently, none of the achievement awards include a medal set.
Service awards are common for the Armed Forces but are not currently favored by the Director General of the Foreign Service. The Department of State currently awards two service awards, the Secretary's Career Achievement Award and the Expeditionary Service Award. The Expeditionary Service Award is a new award as of 2011 that recognizes service by Civil and Foreign Service employees in areas designated by the Director General of the Foreign Service.
Honor Awards
Honor awards bestow recognition on an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to the Department’s mission. The honor awards vary in scope and magnitude. The impact of the act or deed which precipitates the nomination is carefully examined, and consideration is given to whether the act to be recognized benefits the post or bureau, the area, the Department of State, or the Federal Government as a whole.Secretary's Distinguished Service Award
Secretary of State
Secretary of State or State Secretary is a commonly used title for a senior or mid-level post in governments around the world. The role varies between countries, and in some cases there are multiple Secretaries of State in the Government....
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.
The award is personally authorized by the Secretary of State provided that one of the criteria eligibility in Foreign Affairs Manual is met. It may be presented to members of the foreign affairs communities.
The award consists of a gold medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary.
Secretary's AwardSecretary’s AwardThe Secretary’s Award is an award of the United States Department of State. It 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. It is somewhat similar in...
United States Agency for International Development
The United States Agency for International Development is the United States federal government agency primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid. President John F. Kennedy created USAID in 1961 by executive order to implement development assistance programs in the areas...
, and Marine guards
Marine Corps Security Guard
The Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, formerly Marine Security Guard Battalion, and also known as Marine Security Guards or Marine Embassy Guards, are members of the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, a battalion-sized organization of U.S...
assigned to diplomatic and consular facilities in recognition of sacrifice of health or life, in the performance of official duties." This award could be presented to members of the foreign affairs communities who were held hostage or captive while serving overseas on official orders.
The award consists of a medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary.
Nominations for the Secretary's Award are submitted through supervisory channels to the Joint Country Awards Committee for review and recommendation to the chief of mission. Approved nominations will be forwarded through the appropriate area awards committee to the Department Awards Committee for final action. Nominations initiated in Washington are submitted through the appropriate area awards committee to the Department Awards Committee for final action.
Award for HeroismAward for HeroismThe Award for Heroism is an award of the United States Department of State. It is presented to employees of State, USAID and Marine guards assigned to diplomatic and consular facilities in recognition of acts of courage or outstanding performance under unusually difficult or dangerous...
It may be granted for:
(1) Sustained superior performance while under threat of physical attack or harassment; or
(2) An individual act of courage or exceptional performance at the risk of personal safety.
The award consists of a sterling silver medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary.
Nominations for the Award for Heroism are submitted through supervisory channels to the Joint Country Awards Committee for review and recommendation to the chief of mission. Approved nominations will be forwarded through the appropriate area awards committee to the Department Awards Committee for final action. Nominations initiated in Washington are submitted through the appropriate area awards committee to the Department Awards Committee for final action.
Due to the nature of their jobs and the dangerous environment where they often operate, Foreign Service Special Agents of the Diplomatic Security Service
Diplomatic Security Service
The U.S. Diplomatic Security Service is the federal law enforcement arm of the United States Department of State. The majority of its Special Agents are members of the Foreign Service and federal law enforcement agents at the same time, making them unique...
have earned this award on numerous occasions.
Thomas Jefferson Star for Foreign ServiceThomas Jefferson Star for Foreign ServiceThe Thomas Jefferson Star for Foreign Service is an award of the United States Department of State. It is presented to employees of State, USAID and civilian contractors assigned to diplomatic and consular facilities for events that lead to death or serious illness or injury. It is roughly...
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
, though it is almost always issued posthumously due to the strict requirements.
- a. 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.
- b. The award consists of a Foreign Service Star Medal and a certificate signed by the President and the Secretary.
- c. Posthumous awards shall be issued to the recipient employee's next of kinNext of kinNext of kin is a term with many interpretations depending on the jurisdiction being referred to. In some jurisdictions, such as the United States, it is used to describe a person's closest living blood relative or relatives...
.
The award consists of a gold medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary and the President.
Distinguished Honor AwardDistinguished Honor AwardThe Distinguished Honor Award is an award of the United States Department of State. Similar versions of the same award exist for the former U.S. Information Agency, Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, and USAID...
- (1) Exceptionally outstanding service to the agencies or the U.S. Government resulting in achievements of marked national or international significance;
- (2) Exceptionally outstanding service and/or leadership in the administration of one or more agency programs that results in the highly successful accomplishment of mission, or in a major attainment of objectives or specific accomplishment to meet unique or emergency situations; and
- (3) Outstanding accomplishments over a prolonged period that involve the exercise of authority or judgment in the public interest.
The award consists of a gold medal set and a certificate signed, as appropriate, by the Secretary of State. Due to the strict requirements of this award, only two members of the Foreign Service below the rank of Ambassador have ever been personally honored with this award.
Superior Honor AwardSuperior Honor AwardThe Superior Honor Award is an award of the United States Department of State. Similar versions of the same award exist for the former U.S. Information Agency, Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, and USAID...
- (1) Contributions, which had a substantial impact on the accomplishment of the agency's missions, goals, or objectives;
- (2) Accomplishments, which substantially contributed to the advancement of U.S. Government interests;
- (3) Exceptional performance in one or more areas of the employee’s official duties as defined in the Work Requirements Statement (Foreign Service) or Performance Plan (Civil Service);
- (4) Innovation and creativity in accomplishing long-term tasks or projects;
- (5) Contributions that resulted in increased productivity and efficiency, and economy of operations at agency level; and/or
- (6) Exceptional devotion to duty under adverse conditions.
The award consists of a certificate signed by an assistant secretary or an official of equivalent rank. The silver medal set is no longer awarded.
Meritorious Honor AwardMeritorious Honor AwardThe Meritorious Honor Award is an award of the United States Department of State. Similar versions of the same award exist for the former U.S. Information Agency, Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, and USAID...
- (1) Outstanding service in support of a one-time event (e.g., support for a major conference or summit meeting);
- (2) Innovation and creativity in accomplishing short-term tasks or projects;
- (3) Outstanding performance in one or more areas of the employee’s official duties as defined in the Work Requirements Statement (Foreign Service) or Performance Plan (Civil Service); and/or
- (4) Contributions that resulted in increased productivity and efficiency, and economy of operations at post or bureau level.
The award consists of a certificate signed by an assistant secretary or an official of equivalent rank. The bronze medal set is no longer awarded.
Achievement Awards
As delineated in numerous diplomatic cablesDiplomatic cable
A diplomatic cable, also known as a diplomatic telegram or embassy cable, is the term given to a confidential text message exchanged between a diplomatic mission, like an embassy or a consulate, and the foreign ministry of its parent country....
describing each one, achievement awards recognize specific service over the previous year in a specific field or job category. The majority of the awards include a certificate, signed by the Secretary of State
Secretary of State
Secretary of State or State Secretary is a commonly used title for a senior or mid-level post in governments around the world. The role varies between countries, and in some cases there are multiple Secretaries of State in the Government....
and a cash bonus. The cash bonuses range from zero to $10,000. Many of the awards were sponsored by private donors, who are often formerly members of the Foreign Service, but the nominations for the awards still go through the Department of State’s awards committee each year.
James A. Baker III – C. Howard Wilkins Jr. Award for Outstanding Deputy Chief of MissionDeputy Chief of MissionA Deputy Chief of Mission , is the number-two diplomat assigned to an embassy or other diplomatic mission. He or she is usually considered the second-in-command or top lieutenant to the Head of Mission...
This award is presented annually to a Deputy Chief of Mission who demonstrates the proficiency, creativity, and overall capacity to serve effectively as Deputy Chief of Mission and as Charge d'Affaires in the Ambassador's absence. The award consists of a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $5,000. This award is made possible by C. Howard Wilkins, Jr., former U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands, and is named to honor him and former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III.Warren ChristopherWarren ChristopherWarren Minor Christopher was an American lawyer, diplomat and politician. During Bill Clinton's first term as President, Christopher served as the 63rd Secretary of State. He also served as Deputy Attorney General in the Lyndon Johnson administration, and as Deputy Secretary of State in the Jimmy...
Award for Outstanding Achievement in Global Affairs
This award, initiated in 1997 and named in honor of former Secretary of State WarrenChristopher, recognizes sustained excellence and initiative in the substantive policy areas of oceans, the environment, and science; democracy, human rights, and labor; population, migration, and refugees; and international narcotics and crime. The award consists of a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $10,000.
Civil ServiceCivil serviceThe term civil service has two distinct meanings:* A branch of governmental service in which individuals are employed on the basis of professional merit as proven by competitive examinations....
Secretary of the Year
This annual award recognizes the high standards of performance which characterize the work of Civil Service Secretaries in the Department and abroad. It is granted annually to one Civil Service Secretary whose performance is judged by a selection committee to exemplify most clearly these high standards. The recipient receives a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $10,000. In addition, the recipients’ names are placed on a plaque in the Department.Sue M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service
The Sue M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service is presented to a Non-Career Ambassador who (a) has used private sector leadership and management skills to make a significant impact on bilateral or multilateral relations and (b) has done so in a manner that best reflects the foreign service culture of uncommon commitment in carrying out united states foreign policy through proactive diplomacy. The award is made possible by the generosity of Sue M. Cobb, former U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica. The honoree receives a certificate signed by the Secretary and the Embassy receives $5,000.Ryan C. Crocker Award for Outstanding Leadership in Expeditionary Diplomacy
This award was established by Secretary Hillary Rodham ClintonHillary Rodham Clinton
Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is the 67th United States Secretary of State, serving in the administration of President Barack Obama. She was a United States Senator for New York from 2001 to 2009. As the wife of the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, she was the First Lady of the...
to honor Career
Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, former ambassador to Lebanon, Kuwait, Pakistan, and Iraq, and first Chargé at the reopened U.S Embassy in Afghanistan. The award recognizes those who excel in the most challenging leadership positions overseas. The winner, if an employee of the agencies covered by the Foreign Affairs Manual, receives a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $10,000. In accordance with 3 FAM 4813.2(c), the winner, if a member of the military, may only receive the certificate.
Special Agent Daniel E. O'Conner Memorial Award for Excellence in Site Security Management
The award is named in honor of the late Daniel E. O'Connor, whose life was tragically ended in the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103Pan Am Flight 103
Pan Am Flight 103 was Pan American World Airways' third daily scheduled transatlantic flight from London Heathrow Airport to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport...
over Lockerbie
Lockerbie
Lockerbie is a town in the Dumfries and Galloway region of south-western Scotland. It lies approximately from Glasgow, and from the English border. It had a population of 4,009 at the 2001 census...
, Scotland, in 1988. The award recognizes superior professional performance and outstanding leadership in the challenging field of site security management.
Director General’s Award for Impact and Originality in Reporting
This award is conferred in recognition of the high standards that characterize the Department's reporting, analysis, and advocacy efforts. The recipient receives a certificate signed by the Secretary of State, $10,000, and an engraved desk pen set. The recipients’ names are engraved on a plaque that is permanently displayed in the Department.James Clement DunnJames Clement DunnJames Clement Dunn was an American diplomat and a career employee of the United States Department of State. He served as the Ambassador of the United States to Italy, France, Spain, and Brazil.-References:**...
Award for Excellence
This award was established in 1980 to recognize exemplary performance in the Department of State at the mid-career level. It is made possible by an endowment from the Vincent Astor Foundation and is named, at the request of the donor, in memory of Ambassador James Clement Dunn. Ambassador Dunn retired from the Service in 1956 with the rank of Career Ambassador. The recipient receives a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $10,000. The James Clement Dunn Award for Excellence recognizes leadership, intellectual skills, managerial ability, and personal qualities that most fully exemplify the standards of excellence desired of officers at the mid-career level.Equal Employment Opportunity Award
This annual award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments(by a Foreign Service or a Civil Service employee)in furthering the goals of the Department's EEO program through exceptionally effective leadership, skill, imagination, and innovation in extending and promoting equal opportunities for all employees. The award consists of a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $10,000.Swanee Hunt Award for Advancing Women’s Role in Policy Formulation
These awards specifically recognize achievements in the area of promoting women as participants in the political and economic processes or as policy shapers. An annual stipend of $10,000 will be given in two awards of $5,000 each: one to a Foreign Service or Civil Service employee and one to a Foreign Service National at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.Thomas Morrison Information Management Award
This award is presented to an exceptional employee of the Foreign Service or the civil service (except Senior Foreign Service and senior executive service) in the information management field, serving domestically or abroad. The award consists of a certificate signed by the secretary of state and $10,000.Office Management Specialist of the Year Award
This annual award recognizes the high standards of performance which characterize the work of Foreign Service Office Management Specialists in the Department and abroad. It is granted annually to one Foreign Service OMS whose performance is judged by a selection committee to exemplify most clearly these high standards. The recipient receives a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $10,000. In addition, the recipients’ names are placed on a plaque in the Department.Arnold Lewis RaphelArnold Lewis RaphelArnold Lewis Raphel was the 18th U.S. ambassador in Pakistan. He was killed when a plane in which he was a passenger mysteriously crashed near Bhawalpur with then Pakistani President Zia ul-Haq and Brigadier General Herbert M. Wassom, chief of the U.S. military group in Pakistan on August 17,...
Memorial Award
This annual award is named in honor of the late Ambassador Raphel and recognizes the special qualities that he brought to both U.S. diplomacy and the work of the Foreign Service. The award is granted to an individual in international affairs who embodies the special human qualities and extra effort put forth by Ambassador Raphel to promote and develop the people around him, especially entry-level officers. The award consists of a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $10,000.Luther I. Replogle Award for Management Improvement
This award was made possible by an endowment established by the late Luther I. Replogle, former American Ambassador to Iceland. It is granted to an employee of the Department of State or the U.S. Agency for International Development who has made an outstanding contribution to management improvement. The recipient receives a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $5,000.Mary A. RyanMary A. RyanMary A. Ryan is a retired United States career diplomat who served as United States Ambassador to Swaziland from 1988 to 1990 and as Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs from 1993 to 2002.-Biography:...
Award for Outstanding Public Service
This award recognizes achievement and extraordinary leadership in the provision of services to U.S. citizens domestically as well as abroad. The award consists of a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $10,000.Robert C. Frasure Memorial Award
This award is presented to the Department employee who most exemplifies the late Ambassador's commitment to peace and the alleviation of human suffering caused by war or civil injustice. The recipient receives a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $10,000.David E. Foy Memorial Award for Excellence in Facility Management
The award is named on behalf of the late David E. Foy, whose life was tragically ended by a car bomb in Karachi, Pakistan, in March, 2006. The award recognizes the recipient's achievements in the field of facilities management and is presented to the individual whose facility management program demonstrated exceptional leadership, sound management practices, and furthered the goals of the mission and OBO.Foreign Service Construction Engineer of the Year Award
The award recognizes the recipient's achievements in the field of construction management and considers the following factors: projects supported by the nominee, accomplishments in the field of construction management, actions taken on the job or in the community that exemplify the positive spirit that all FSCEs should strive for, and extenuating circumstances that the nominee managed effectively.Service Awards
In addition to the awards listed below, other government agencies may make awards to individuals who fall under the State Department's awards program.Expeditionary Service AwardExpeditionary Service AwardThe Expeditionary Service Award is an award of the United States Department of State. It is presented to employees in the Department who serve in designated field locations...
The "Expeditionary Service Award" (ESA) was created in 2011 for employees who have successfully completed an assignment to designated field locations. Current field locations that confer eligibility for this award include Iraq and Afghanistan. Those who have served previously will receive their awards once their service records are verified.The Expeditionary Service Award will include a citation signed by the Secretary, as well as an engraved medal or pin. It will also be noted in the official performance files for career Foreign Service and Civil Service employees.
Secretary’s Career Achievement Award
This award is presented to members of the Foreign Service upon retirement after 25 or more years of service with the U.S. Department of State. It was initially issued as the Wilbur J. Carr Award, named after former Minister Carr, who has been referred to as the "father of the Foreign Service." Minister Carr served as the head of the legation to the former Czechoslovakia in 1937 before the mission was closed.The medal was later changed to be the Secretary's Career Achievement Award, and although the medal itself changed, the ribbon retained the same color scheme. The award consists of a gold medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary. Currently, the medal sets are not being issued with the certificate.
Recognition Awards
Recognition awards are awards that can be issued to members of the Civil or Foreign Service and Foreign Service Nationals/Locally Employed Staff. The award consists of a certificate signed by the approving official, usually a supervisor or someone of higher rank, and may include a cash award.Franklin Award
Named after Benjamin FranklinBenjamin Franklin
Dr. Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, satirist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat...
, often considered the United States’ first diplomat, it consists of a framed certificate, typically signed by the Chief of Mission or Office Director. It may also include a cash award from $200 to $750. Receipt of a Franklin Award is no longer included in a Foreign Service employee’s official personnel file, since it does not qualify as an honor award.
Extra Mile Award
The intention of the Extra Mile Award is to provide supervisors a mechanism to immediately recognize employees whose work performance merits recognition, but which may fall below the threshold for a Franklin Award or one of the honor awards. A cash award is usually included, ranging from $25 to $200 in increments of $25.Time Off From Duty Award
Just as its name implies, the Time Off From Duty Award recognizes special acts or other efforts that contribute to the quality, efficiency, or economy of U.S. Government operations. Time off from duty is granted without loss of pay or charge to leave.Length of Service Award
The Length-of-Service Award gives recognition to creditable service with the U.S. Government. For a Length of Service Award, a certificate, and lapel emblem are issued for between 10 and 50 years of service, depending on the agency.Safe Driving Award
The Safe Driving Award is given to full-time drivers for safety and ability. Employees who have driven one or more years without a preventable accident and whose performance is otherwise highly satisfactory and who meet standards and decisions of the National Safety Council regarding preventable and non-preventable accidents are eligible for consideration. Only Foreign Service National drivers employed full-time in a driving skillcode are eligible for this award.Certificate of Appreciation
The Certificate of Appreciation recognizes general contributions that further the objectives of the Department. All employees, regardless of pay plan or rank, members of other agencies and the armed services, and private citizens and foreign officials are eligible for the Certificate of Appreciation.Award for Valor
This award has been discontinued and has been replaced by the Department of State Award for Heroism.The original medal was solid gold. It had "Department of State" inscribed across the top and "Valor" inscribed across the bottom. There were laurels along the side, and in the center was the Great Seal of the United States
Great Seal of the United States
The Great Seal of the United States is used to authenticate certain documents issued by the United States federal government. The phrase is used both for the physical seal itself , and more generally for the design impressed upon it...
. There was a period of time when the recipients' name was inscribed across the back.
Notable recipients include Donald J. Cooke, L. Bruce Laingen, John W. Limbert Jr., Alan B. Golacinski, and Barry M. Rosen, all of whom spent 444 days as hostages after Iranian activists took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in November 1979.
John Jacob Rogers AwardJohn Jacob Rogers AwardThe John Jacob Rogers Award is an obsolete award of the United States Department of State. It has since been replaced with the Secretary’s Career Achievement Award. It was presented to retiring career employees in the Department who, over a period of 25 years or more, of U.S...
This award has been discontinued and has been replaced by the Department of State Secretary’s Career Achievement Award. It was named for Congressman John Jacob RogersJohn Jacob Rogers
John Jacob Rogers was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts.Rogers was born in Lowell, Massachusetts and graduated from Harvard University in 1904 and from Harvard Law School in 1907. He practiced law in Lowell, starting in 1908...
, for whom the Rogers Act of 1926 is named. The Rogers Act consolidated the diplomatic and consular officers in to one Diplomatic Corps, which is now the Foreign Service.
The original medal was sterling silver with the text "John Jacob Rogers Award" inscribed across the top, "U.S. Department of State" across the bottom, and the Great Seal of the United States
Great Seal of the United States
The Great Seal of the United States is used to authenticate certain documents issued by the United States federal government. The phrase is used both for the physical seal itself , and more generally for the design impressed upon it...
superimposed over a globe surrounded by laurel wreath.
Display of Awards
Although the Foreign Service is not part of the Uniformed Service of the United StatesUniformed services of the United States
The United States has seven federal uniformed services that commission officers as defined by Title 10, and subsequently structured and organized by Title 10, Title 14, Title 33 and Title 42 of the United States Code.-Uniformed services:...
, like many other federal civilian branches, awards and medals are presented to its civilian employees and may be displayed under appropriate circumstances. Miniature ribbons may be worn on tuxedo lapels, following the appropriate order of precedence, for black or white tie
White tie
White tie is the most formal evening dress code in Western fashion. It is worn to ceremonial occasions such as state dinners in some countries, as well as to very formal balls and evening weddings...
events. Miniature lapel pins may be worn on tuxedos or suits for black tie events and other significant occasions. Full-size medals are not to be worn on civilian clothing but may be worn on military uniforms, per DOD regulations concerning the display of U.S. non-military personal decorations, or mounted in a shadow box or other appropriate display mechanism. Ribbons may be worn on military uniforms per DOD regulations concerning the display of U.S. non-military personal decorations.
Order of Precedence
The order of precedence for Department of State awards for active duty Civil and Foreign Service personnel, for display purposes, is as follows. For individuals who are serving in active or reserve military duty and in uniform, they would follow the appropriate military order of precedence.- 1) US Military heroism personal decorations (Medal of HonorMedal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
, Service Crosses) - 2) US government personal decorations issued by the President or Congress
- 3) Secretary’s Distinguished Service Award
- 4) Secretary’s Award
- 5) US Military distinguished service personal decorations for valor (DSMs, Silver StarSilver StarThe Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
, Legion of MeritLegion of MeritThe Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
, etc) - 6) Award for Heroism
- 7) Award for Valor (no longer issued; replaced with the Award for Heroism)
- 8) Thomas Jefferson Star for Foreign Service (formerly the Foreign Service Star)
- 9) US government personal decorations for valor (Intelligence StarIntelligence StarThe Intelligence Star is an award given by the Central Intelligence Agency for a "voluntary act or acts of courage performed under hazardous conditions or for outstanding achievements or services rendered with distinction under conditions of grave risk." The award citation is from the Director...
, DOD Medal of Valor, DHS Award for Valor, etc) - 10) US Military other personal decorations for valor
- 11) Distinguished Honor Award
- 12) US Military non-combat heroism personal decorations (Soldier’s Medal, Purple HeartPurple HeartThe Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
, MSM, Lifesaving Medals, etc) - 13) US Military distinguished service personal decorations (not for valor)
- 14) US government first-order personal decorations (National Intelligence DSM, DOD Distinguished Civilian Service Award, etc)
- 15) Superior Honor Award
- 16) US Military commendation personal decorations (Army Commendation Medal, etc)
- 17) US government second-order personal decorations (Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award, etc)
- 18) Meritorious Honor Award
- 19) Personal U.S. government decorations for current or previous government service, including personal military awards not listed above (Air Force Achievement Medal, etc)
- 20) US government third-order personal decorations (Army Superior Civilian Service Award, etc)
- 21) Expeditionary Service Award
- 22) Secretary’s Career Achievement Award (also briefly known as the Wilbur J. Carr Award)
- 23) John Jacob Rogers Award (no longer issued; replaced with the Secretary’s Career Achievement Award)
- 24) Group U.S. government decorations for current or previous government service, including group or unit military awards (Presidential Unit Citations, Meritorious Unit Commendations, Superior Unit Awards, etc)
- 25) Public Service Award
- 26) US Military Good Conduct Medals
- 27) US Military Campaign, Service, and Training Medals
- 28) U.S. government service awards for current or previous government service, including military service awards
- 29) Foreign and international personal awards, in order of date of receipt
Award Devices
As the "up or out" structure of the Foreign Service was drawn heavily upon the structure of the U.S. Navy, the Foreign Service uses a similar system of award devices to denote multiple awards. Multiple honor awards are denoted by 3/16" gold star devicesAward star
An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force...
on the ribbon; an individual who had received three Meritorious Honor Awards, for example, would be authorized to wear or otherwise display a Meritorious Honor Award with two gold star devices. When six awards are reached, rather than place five gold star devices on the award, a silver star device should be used. Subsequent awards would be indicated with additional gold star devices next to the silver star device.
Multiple service awards (and achievement awards that might include a medal set) would be denoted with a bronze star device
Service star
A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service...
. In lieu of five bronze star devices, a single silver star device should be used, with subsequent awards indicated by additional bronze star devices.
See also
- Awards and decorations of the United States governmentAwards and decorations of the United States governmentAwards and decorations of the United States government are civilian awards of the U.S. federal government which are typically issued for sustained meritorious service, in a civilian capacity, while serving in the U.S. federal government. Certain U.S...
- United States Department of State
- U.S. Foreign Service