Office of the Secretary of the Defense Medal for Valor is the highest civilian award for valor presented by the United States Department of Defense . Created in 2001 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks , the medal recognizes government employees and private citizens who perform an act of heroism or sacrifice , with voluntary risk to their personal safety in the face of danger . The medal was created in late 2001 . The military equivalent of the medal for army soldiers is the Distinguished Service Cross
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Secretary of Defense Medal for Valor