New York City Police Department Medal of Honor
Encyclopedia
The New York City Police Department Medal of Honor is the highest law enforcement medal
of the New York City Police Department
. The Medal of Honor is awarded for individual acts of extraordinary bravery performed in the line of duty at extreme risk and danger to life.
The present NYPD Medal of Honor was created on October 23, 1973. Early versions of the decoration date as far back as 1871, where the Medal of Honor was known by a variety of names such as the “Police Silver Medal” and “Gold Medal of Valor”. That medal was a silver or gold medal, either of which could be awarded at the discretion of the police commissioners, in the shape of the then shield of the department. On the obverse are the arms of the City of New York
, the names of the police commissioners, and the words Municipal Police
. On the reverse is an inscription describing the act for which the medal was awarded. Later that medal was changed to a silver medal in the shape of a police shield. On the obverse is the figure of a draped female placing a wreath upon the head of a police officer
. On the reverse is an inscription of the act of bravery and the names of the city's commissioners. The medal hangs from a ring and suspender on which the letters NY are interlocked (much like the current logo of the New York Yankees
) and attached to a top bar that is inscribed with the word "valor".
The “Police Silver Medal” and “Gold Medal of Valor” was first awarded on August 17, 1871 to Patrolman Bernard Tull of the 19th Precinct who arrested a burglar after being shot at. It was last awarded on January 21, 1884.
The New York City Police Department Medal of Honor was created in 1912 and was awarded until 1972, when it was redesigned.
The New York City Police Department also maintains a Medal of Valor, presented for acts of bravery above the call of duty but not at the level required for the Medal of Honor, and the Combat Cross for life-threatening armed engagements with criminals, in addition to a wide variety of other medals.
(Link out of date)
United States law enforcement decorations
United States law enforcement decorations are awarded by the police forces of the United States of America. Since the United States has a decentralized police force, with separate independent departments existing on the state and local level, there are literally thousands of law enforcement...
of the New York City Police Department
New York City Police Department
The New York City Police Department , established in 1845, is currently the largest municipal police force in the United States, with primary responsibilities in law enforcement and investigation within the five boroughs of New York City...
. The Medal of Honor is awarded for individual acts of extraordinary bravery performed in the line of duty at extreme risk and danger to life.
The present NYPD Medal of Honor was created on October 23, 1973. Early versions of the decoration date as far back as 1871, where the Medal of Honor was known by a variety of names such as the “Police Silver Medal” and “Gold Medal of Valor”. That medal was a silver or gold medal, either of which could be awarded at the discretion of the police commissioners, in the shape of the then shield of the department. On the obverse are the arms of the City of New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, the names of the police commissioners, and the words Municipal Police
Municipal police
.Municipal police are law enforcement agencies that are under the control of local government, including the municipal government, where it is the smallest administrative subdivision. They receive pay from the city budget, and usually have fewer rights than the "state paid" police...
. On the reverse is an inscription describing the act for which the medal was awarded. Later that medal was changed to a silver medal in the shape of a police shield. On the obverse is the figure of a draped female placing a wreath upon the head of a police officer
Police officer
A police officer is a warranted employee of a police force...
. On the reverse is an inscription of the act of bravery and the names of the city's commissioners. The medal hangs from a ring and suspender on which the letters NY are interlocked (much like the current logo of the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
) and attached to a top bar that is inscribed with the word "valor".
The “Police Silver Medal” and “Gold Medal of Valor” was first awarded on August 17, 1871 to Patrolman Bernard Tull of the 19th Precinct who arrested a burglar after being shot at. It was last awarded on January 21, 1884.
The New York City Police Department Medal of Honor was created in 1912 and was awarded until 1972, when it was redesigned.
The New York City Police Department also maintains a Medal of Valor, presented for acts of bravery above the call of duty but not at the level required for the Medal of Honor, and the Combat Cross for life-threatening armed engagements with criminals, in addition to a wide variety of other medals.
See also
- Medals of the New York City Police DepartmentMedals of the New York City Police DepartmentThe New York City Police Department presents medals to its members for meritorious service. The medals the NYPD awards are as follows :-Medal of Honor: is awarded for:...
- New York City Police Department Medal for ValorNew York City Police Department Medal for ValorThe New York City Police Department's Medal for Valor is the department's third highest medal. It is conferred upon police officers for acts of outstanding personal bravery intelligently performed in the line of duty at imminent personal hazard to life under circumstances evincing a disregard of...
- New York City Police Department Combat CrossNew York City Police Department Combat CrossThe Police Combat Cross is the second highest departmental award of the New York City Police Department. The Police Combat Cross is awarded to police officers who, "having received Honorable Mention awards, successfully and intelligently perform an act of extraordinary heroism while engaged in...
External links
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