The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor for an outstanding act performed in the line of duty, while in combat against an armed adversary, with the knowledge of the risk involved, and imminent personal hazard to life. This is to be bestowed upon an individual, professional sworn Correctional Officer. Generally presented to its recipient by the Medal of Honor Committee of the American Correctional Officer.
Nomination Deadline is: August 30, 2014
The Award
The Medal of Honor Posthumous will be awarded to the family of an Correctional Officer killed in the performance of his/her duty.
The Medal of Honor will be awarded to a Correctional Officer who intelligently and in the line of duty, outstandingly distinguished him/herself while at imminent personal hazard to his/her own life. and/or successfully performing an act of extraordinary heroism while engaged in personal combat with an armed adversary at imminent personal hazard to his/her life in the performance of duty. Who may have received a wound in the line of duty that was inflicted by an adversary and results in severe puncture wounds, lacerations or a concussion. The mere fact that an officer was injured in the line of duty is not sufficient to warrant this award.
The Meritorious Service Medal will be awarded to Correctional Officer who commits an act of outstanding personal bravery intelligently performed in the line of duty while risking some degree of personal hazard to life under circumstances evincing a disregard for personal consequences.
The Life Saving Medal will be awarded to a Correctional Officer who performs an act outstanding personal bravery intelligently performed in the line of duty that saves or prolongs a human life.
Medal of Honor FAQs
Why was the Correctional Medal of Honor formed?
Acts of valor are a common occurrence in our profession. Every year throughout our correctional facilities officers perform great acts of courage, usually under extreme conditions and without recognition for their efforts and sense of personal safety. All too often, these acts of heroism are overlooked, and unfortunately never given recognition by the general public, the media, their departments, and regrettably their own unions. As Corrections Professionals we are constantly striving for image enhancement, updated state of the art safety equipment and supplies, and ultimately keeping the public informed about the dangers surrounding the corrections profession. In our continuous efforts to keep our corrections professionals at the forefront of the Law Enforcement occupation, we have planned the American Correctional Officer Medal Of Honor Award distinguishing those officers who have performed selflessly and without regard for danger to themselves in performing their everyday duties.
How do I nominate someone for a Correctional Medal of Honor?
As long as the person being nominated is a sworn correctional officer, all you need to is:
- Download and Complete all sections of the application. Applications not fully completed will not be processed.
- Attach any newspaper articles, reports, photos, or any relevant information on the incident.
- Incident must have occurred within one year of the date of the application.
- Mail completed Application to:
ACO Correctional Medal of Honor
70 West Lake Shore Drive
Rockaway NJ 07866
Do you have to be a member of ACO to make a nomination or be a nominee?
NO, but the nominee must be a sworn correction officer. Of course we would always appreciate your support and membership.
How are the Correctional Medal of Honor inductees selected?
The Medal of Honor committee meets once a year to look over all applications, and documentation in order to select the year’s inductees. All decision of the committee are final.
