Established on December 29, 1945, the Army Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service recognizes sustained conduct or service of unusual merit.
Qualifying criteria are as follows:
-Execute assigned duties of major significance in a noteworthy manner
-Advance or develop protocols, technology, equipment, or other procedures to improve overall operations of the Air Force, federal government, or Department of Defense
-Demonstrate exceptional bravery in an act on behalf of the United States government or other service members
-Demonstrate notable leadership to achieve or facilitate Air Force objectives or in the event of an emergency
The Army Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service is the greatest honor that civilian employees of the Army may be granted by the Secretary of the Army.
The medal is gold and features an image of the eagle from the United States Seal encircled by a laurel wreath. On the reverse is a space for the recipient’s name to be engraved and an inscription reading “FOR DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY EXCEPTIONAL CIVILIAN SERVICE.” The ribbon is dark blue with three thin dashed vertical white lines at the center.