Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-102
§15201 Authorization of Medal
Title 42 › CHAPTER 145 — PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER MEDAL OF VALOR AND TRIBUTES › § 15201
Summary
After September 1, 2001, the President can give, in Congress' name, a Medal of Valor to a public safety officer when the Attorney General cites them after the Medal of Valor Review Board recommends it for extraordinary bravery. The Public Safety Medal of Valor is the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer.
Full Legal Text
Title 42, §15201
The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
After September 1, 2001, the President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a Medal of Valor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a public safety officer who is cited by the Attorney General, upon the recommendation of the Medal of Valor Review Board, for extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty. The Public Safety Medal of Valor shall be the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Short Title
Pub. L. 107–12, § 1, May 30, 2001, 115 Stat. 20, provided that: “This Act [enacting this chapter and amending section 2214 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade] may be cited as the ‘Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2001’.”
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
42 U.S.C. § 15201
Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102