The Illinois National Guard Medal of Valor honors Illinois National Guard members who execute a feat of heroism or bravery that exceeds expectations and that typically entails risk of life.
The Illinois Army National Guard and the Illinois Air National Guard make up the Illinois National Guard. With roots as far back as a 1712 colonial militia, the Army component makes its headquarters in Springfield and boasts a membership of nearly 10,000. The Air component, also based in Springfield, originated in 1927 with the 108th Observation Squadron in Chicago.
The ribbon features a thick vertical dark blue stripe in the center flanked on either side by a vertical red stripe and a thin vertical white stripe proceeding outward.