Why Two Flavors of Medal of Valor & Lifesaving

[MIKE]

Why does CAP need two flavors of Medal of Valor and the Certificate of Recognition for Lifesaving?  The USAF has the Airman's Medal which seems to translate to the SMoV.  Couldn't you just have the one award that would be equivalent, and give a Commendation or Achievement Medal or something for the "lesser degrees."  No, I am not suggesting adding "V" devices to CCs and AMs, so don't ask.

[James Shaw]

The criteria for this was established many moons before most of us were around. I have listed some of the history for your pleasure.

The subject of a specific medal so dedicated for valor or honor was discussed many time over the years, moreover many members requested or submitted, letters, drawings and designs that actions be taken about this concept. At the CAP National Executive Board meeting of 1-2 September 1955, Colonel Freeman stated that in awarding the three class of awards in CAP there was not a sufficient line of distinction between recognition of outstanding administrative work and cases of actual heroism: and the Board should consider a medal of valor to be given to those members who perform an act of heroism as distinguished from a deed of outstanding administrative work.

The minutes of the National Executive Board 19-20 January 1956, This was again a subject of much discussion Colonel Freeman made a passionate and eloquent speech, and suggested that this medal be called "The Medal of Valor".. The Motion was made, seconded and unanimously carried by the Board that a Medal of Valor be established as top decoration in CAP.: the design and the medal be readily distinguishable from the present CAP awards: and the authorization for the award (once ribbon and medal are produce) would be the responsibility of the National Executive Board.

The question arose as whether the recommendations for this medal are retroactive. The National Commander (MGEN Walter R. Agee ) advised that it could be, but the final action would have to be taken by the NEB prior to their issuance.
Major General Walter R. Agee, Civil Air Patrol's National Commander so directed his staff to ask the U.S. Army, Office of the Quartermaster General to design a special award for CAP Valor. On 2 July 1956 an official letter was forward by CAP National Headquarters, The Office of the Quartermaster General gave it an action number of QMGRD-H 421.4, Civil Air Patrol Medal of Valor. Further correspondence and phone call between both CAP and US Army offices did occur. And was so order that a design be submitted to Civil Air Patrol no later than 1 November 1956.

Minutes, National Executive Board 5-6 February 1957. Selection of the Design for the Medal of Valor. Upon a motion by Colonel Whelen , seconded by Colonel Rushing , unanimously passed by the Board, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLVED by the National Executive Board of Civil Air Patrol that design number 2 (as presented by the Heraldic Branch) for the medal and design number 6 (as presented by the Heraldic Branch) for the ribbon are selected for the Medal of Valor.

The selected and approve designs by CAP and the NEB were re-submitted to the United States Army, Office of the Quartermaster General to be presented for review by the Commission of Fine Arts. They approve of the Medal and ribbon design. CAP Regulation 35-4, 1 March 1957 7. Medal of Valor. The Medal of valor was established as the highest Civil Air Patrol decoration by the National Executive Board. It is awarded to any person who, while serving as a member of Civil Air Patrol, distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and heroic action, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of normal duty. It must be conclusively established the bravery or self-sacrifice involve conspicuous risk of life and the omission of valiant act could not cause censure.

Minutes, National Executive Board, 9 May 1957. Medal of Valor. The NEB unanimously approved the purchase of 12 medals at an approximate cost of $40.00 each. The National Commander (MGEN Agee) was authorized to establish criteria for the awarding of the medal. The awarding of the medal will by the National Executive Board upon recommendation of the National Commander, and each case will be handled separately.

Minutes, National Board-National Executive Board, 22 April 1960. The following resolution was unanimously approved: The present Medal of Valor is changed to two types: the "Silver Medal of Valor", to recognize acts of heroism for which the present Medal of Valor is now awarded; and, the "Bronze Medal of Valor, to recognize act of heroism which do not meet the criteria for the award of the "Silver Medal of Valor". It was decided as a cost saving approach, that CAP rename the present Medal of Valor and casting it in a silver color with the accompanying ribbon having the addition of three silver stars. The second type of action could be the awarded using the present Medal of Valor, and so renaming it to the "Bronze Medal of Valor", with accompanying ribbon without stars.. It was noted that Silver stars are readily available for purchase at a small price. The Colorado Wing Commander Col. Charles F. Howard, suggested, and was approved, that the Distinguished, Exceptional and Meritorious Service Awards will no longer be awarded for acts of heroism. (AUTHORITY: p. 11, NEB Minutes, 22-23 April 1960.)

Civil Air Patrol Regulations 39-3, 15 August 1960. 9. Criteria for Awarding Decorations. The following is the minimum criteria established for the consideration of acts of service for CAP decorations. (AUTHORITY: p. 11, NEB Minutes, 22-23 April 1960.) a. Silver Medal of Valor. Distinguished and conspicuous gallantry and heroic action, at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of normal duty. b. Bronze Medal of Valor. Distinguished and conspicuous gallantry and heroic action, where danger to self is probable and known.

Because of the approval of the original designed "Medal of Valor" by the Fire Arts Commission Washington DC. To distinguish the difference between the Silver and Bronze Medals, it was necessary to add three Silver Stars to the "Silver Medal of Valor' Medal and Ribbon.

[CAPOfficer]

The answer is in the justification requirements, i.e.

Silver Medal of Valor – Distinguished and conspicuous heroic action, at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of normal duty.

Bronze Medal of Valor – Distinguished and conspicuous heroic action where danger to self is probable and known.

Certificate of Recognition for Lifesaving – Awarded for saving a human life (However, no danger to self exist).

If I recall correctly, the Certificate of Recognition for Lifesaving was established because of the outcry from the membership to have something more tangible for those who didn't qualify for one of the Medal's of Valor (MoV), but due to their actions, saved a life.

Bearing in mind the history of the MoV, it isn't difficult to imagine the National Executive Board (NEB) utilized this same reasoning earlier for the justification of splitting of the MoV into the Silver and Bronze degrees (risk of life, above and beyond & danger to self is probable and known).

However, that is just one opinion.

[isuhawkeye]

OK guys,

Would this write up be eligible for an award.  If so who gets it, and what award would you issue?

1.   On (Some date)  a ground team  was involved in mission number 01MXXXXX.  This memorandum is to account for the actions of members of this team.  These members preformed above and beyond the call of duty associated with a Civil Air Patrol Ground team.  These members worked efficiently and affectively in a difficult environment, performing actions that turned the scene of a significant car accident into an environment in which care, rapid evacuation could be delivered to the victims.  Scene safety could be maintained, and support could be given to augment local authorities.  All of this was accomplished while continuing to search for an active ELT.
2.    After working all day at an Air Show a ground team was departing the National Guard armory when they were alerted to a an AFRCC assigned mission.   Two separate search areas were identified.  One was north of the city and the second was south.  Planning a search in the southern area the team was then informed that the signal from that search area had gone negative three passes (no signal for three satellite passes).  As a result of this we proceeded to the northern search area.  The aircraft got into position first and searched for a signal.  The aircraft received no signal, and the mission coordinator informed us that the most recent satellite pass had come up negative.  At the same time the cap flight involved in the search was notified by the tower that an aircraft was heading towards (Redacted) with an active ELT.  The aircraft was instructed by ATC to deactivate their ELT when they landed.
3.   Given that information the ground team began to return to home base.  Traveling south through (Redacted) the driver of the vehicle noticed that things "didn't look quite right".  In front of the team lay a chaotic scene.  the driver parked the team vehicle across both southbound lanes making the scene relatively secure.  The team then sprung into action.
4.   Senior member #1 overviewed the scene and upon finding the driver of a motorcycle who had been ejected 10-15 feet began providing critically needed first aid.
5.   SM #2 supported SM #1 by providing assistance with medical care, and then protecting both SM #1 and his patient by directing traffic away from the scene.  At one point in the accident SM #2 placed himself in-between SM #1 and a vehicle traveling at an excessive rate of speed.  SM#2 using his body (orange vest) flashlight and glow sticks was able to stop the driver.  SM #2 exemplified the courage and fortitude of a CAP officer by protecting SM #1, and his patient from potentially serious injury from a driver who was not paying attention to her car, and was transfixed by the accident unfolding in front of her.
6.   Cadet #1 not being a regular member of this ground team did not miss a step.  She climbed from the Bronco and took up a position at the North end of the Accident scene.  This position provided Cadet #1 with the bulk of our crowd control efforts.  With little direction or much direct oversight she preformed above and beyond what is expected of a ground team member trainee.  She single handedly insured that no vehicles could enter the accident scene from the north.  This cadet's actions were exceptional in a hectic/chaotic accident scene.
7.   Finally SM #3 being the most senior ES operator on the scene functioned more as an Incident commander than a ground team leader. SM#3 coordinated the positioning of team members, facilitated crowd control with bystanders, and worked to insure that the active mission could continue in spite of our delays.   SM #3 encouraged safety providing all members with safety vests, scene lighting, and impromptu traffic control devices.  Without SM #3's direct guidance scene safety and management would not have been possible.  SM #3 exemplifies those characteristics required to be a leader in this organization.  He will make an excellent incident commander some day. 
8.   With out the Actions of this Civil Air Patrol ground team the condition of the scene, and the victims associated with it, would not have faired as well as they did.  Upon wrapping up this accident scene representatives from both the fire department, and police department requested contact information for the Civil Air Patrol so that their Chief's could write our commanding officers with commendations.  I am unaware if these commendations were ever sent (they may have been misdirected to the national guard).  I strongly feel that the actions of this team were above and beyond the call of duty, and that the members listed in this after actions should be awarded accordingly.  Attached are CAPF 120's for the members of this team who I felt performed in an outstanding, or heroic matter.  These members should be considered for the highest decorations possible. 

[RiverAux]

SM1 - lifesaving certificate provided the aid that they gave actually saved the persons life.  Hard to tell from the write-up.  If the guy was bleeding to death and he stopped it - yes.  But, if it was just wrapping some gauze and other minor first aid -- no.

SM2.  Probably the Bronze Medal of Valor. 

SM3/Cadet1 -- Commanders Commendations. 

[MIKE]

Topic.

[isuhawkeye]

Mike,

Sorry for the side track.  I probably should have seperated this out into a different thread.

John

[JohnKachenmeister]

SM1 - lifesaving certificate provided the aid that they gave actually saved the persons life.  Hard to tell from the write-up.  If the guy was bleeding to death and he stopped it - yes.  But, if it was just wrapping some gauze and other minor first aid -- no.

SM2.  Probably the Bronze Medal of Valor. 

SM3/Cadet1 -- Commanders Commendations. 

Concur.

There was some element of danger, but not quite "Voluntary risk of life."