Established on May 22, 1924, the Massachusetts National Guard Medal of Valor honors Massachusetts National Guard members who execute acts of valor or heroism typically entailing the risk of life and setting them apart from their peers.
The Massachusetts National Guard consists of the Massachusetts Army National Guard and the Massachusetts Air National Guard and dates back to colonial militia activity as early as 1636. Approximately 8,200 soldiers and airmen currently serve. The Army component is headquartered in Bedford, and the Air component, also based in Bedford at Hanscom Air Force Base, was established in February of 1947.
The ribbon is red with a thin vertical stripe of white and one of blue proceeding outward on each edge.
Subsequent awards may be indicated by oak leaf clusters.