Posted on Jan 16, 2026
A Specialist was the first on scene to help passengers in a car crash. How do I push this to get him recognized?
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I was notified that one of our specialists in my platoon pulled over to provide aid and call 911 for a t-bone incident between a semi truck and a pickup truck. He doesnt have police reports that mention him in the incident, but he says he called 911 and checked on the drivers to ensure they were OK (pickup truck was hit on the bed, not the cab so that driver has minor injuries). How can I bring this up to get him a state or federal award? Will him not providing life-sustaining support affect if they'll even bother recognizing him since all he really did was call 911 and check on the drivers? Thanks!
Posted in these groups: 
Awards
Awards
Posted 1 d ago
Responses: 7
One would think the appropriate award would be the Soldier's Medal. But, looking at the criteria in AR 600-8-22 and what you described, would not warrant the Soldier's Medal. An Army Achievement Medal or the Army Commendation Medal would be more likely to be awarded. The criteria for the Soldier's Medal is below.
3–15. Soldier’s Medal
a. The SM was established by Act of Congress 2 July 1926 in accordance with 10 USC 7280.
b. EO 13830 authorizes the SECARMY to award the SM 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 RC Soldiers not serving in a duty status, as defined in 10 USC 101(d)(1), at the time of the heroic act, distinguished themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.
c. The minimum degree of heroism required is comparable to that of the DFC for heroism. The extraordinary act must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from their comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances.
d. The heroism must have involved a clearly recognizable personal hazard or danger and the voluntary
risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy.
e. Awards will not be made solely based on saving a life, assisting emergency personnel, or acting as a
good Samaritan.
f. The SM may be awarded for noncombat heroism in a combat zone, or an area designated for imminent danger pay, hostile fire pay, or hazardous duty pay.
(1) Since the SM is only awarded for noncombat heroism, the “V” and “C” devices are not authorized.
(2) This determination must be made solely on the specific circumstances of the event.
(3) If the heroism to be recognized was performed under combat conditions, a decoration for valor is
the appropriate award.
g. If downgraded, an SM recommendation will be downgraded to an ARCOM.
h. All SM award recommendations will be forwarded to the Chief, ADB, HRC for determination.
3–15. Soldier’s Medal
a. The SM was established by Act of Congress 2 July 1926 in accordance with 10 USC 7280.
b. EO 13830 authorizes the SECARMY to award the SM 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 RC Soldiers not serving in a duty status, as defined in 10 USC 101(d)(1), at the time of the heroic act, distinguished themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.
c. The minimum degree of heroism required is comparable to that of the DFC for heroism. The extraordinary act must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from their comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances.
d. The heroism must have involved a clearly recognizable personal hazard or danger and the voluntary
risk of life under conditions not involving conflict with an armed enemy.
e. Awards will not be made solely based on saving a life, assisting emergency personnel, or acting as a
good Samaritan.
f. The SM may be awarded for noncombat heroism in a combat zone, or an area designated for imminent danger pay, hostile fire pay, or hazardous duty pay.
(1) Since the SM is only awarded for noncombat heroism, the “V” and “C” devices are not authorized.
(2) This determination must be made solely on the specific circumstances of the event.
(3) If the heroism to be recognized was performed under combat conditions, a decoration for valor is
the appropriate award.
g. If downgraded, an SM recommendation will be downgraded to an ARCOM.
h. All SM award recommendations will be forwarded to the Chief, ADB, HRC for determination.
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If all that was really done was call 911, the SM completed a civic duty that barely warrants a certificate of appreciation. We need to be careful that we do not attach awards as an expectation of performing a civic duty.
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There's a specific award for that kind of action that you can submit - the Soldier's Medal. You'll need to look at the eligibility criteria though.
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2LT(P) (Join to see) I agree with MAJ Byron Oyler. Calling 911 and making sure the drivers are ok does not warrant special recognition.
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I had a Soldier who intervened when a neighbor was being stabbed by her husband. The soldier
1) Stopped the assailant from stabbing the woman and detain him.
2) Directed others in his apartment complex to call 911 and assist in other ways during the deadly attack
3) My soldier's wife was a nurse and she rendered medical aid.
4) For supporting documentation I had
a) A statement from the property manager saying what happened
b) A statement from a neighbor who witnessed the event, and at the time of the event was an ACTIVE DUTY USMC CAPTAIN
b) A statement from the local prosecuting DISTRICT ATTORNEY attesting to my soldier's participation in the event upon the conviction of the assailant.
I pushed a Soldiers Medal up three different commands.
It WENT NO WHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I suggest if you want to do anything for your soldier is you take him out to lunch, and write a memorandum for record.
Good Luck.
1) Stopped the assailant from stabbing the woman and detain him.
2) Directed others in his apartment complex to call 911 and assist in other ways during the deadly attack
3) My soldier's wife was a nurse and she rendered medical aid.
4) For supporting documentation I had
a) A statement from the property manager saying what happened
b) A statement from a neighbor who witnessed the event, and at the time of the event was an ACTIVE DUTY USMC CAPTAIN
b) A statement from the local prosecuting DISTRICT ATTORNEY attesting to my soldier's participation in the event upon the conviction of the assailant.
I pushed a Soldiers Medal up three different commands.
It WENT NO WHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I suggest if you want to do anything for your soldier is you take him out to lunch, and write a memorandum for record.
Good Luck.
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Kudos to him.
Make a request to the police department involved for the 911 call, any and all police body and dash cam footage, and all reports associated with the accident.
I would think a Certificate of appreciation would be the appropriate award, maybe an Army Achievement medal.
Make a request to the police department involved for the 911 call, any and all police body and dash cam footage, and all reports associated with the accident.
I would think a Certificate of appreciation would be the appropriate award, maybe an Army Achievement medal.
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2LT(P) (Join to see) I have been out of the military traffic for a long time. So, with regards to a state award, why not try calling the Highway Patrol Office that handles that area or the State Highway Patrol Office and speak to. Commander and ask if there is a state level recognition for your soldier, as a member serving in the state.
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