Outstanding Volunteer Service Military MedalOutstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Service: All Services
Instituted: 1993
Dates: 1993 to Present
Criteria: Awarded for outstanding and sustained voluntary service to the civilian community.
Devices: All Services: Bronze, Silver Star
The Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal was authorized in 1993 to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and reserve components and is awarded for outstanding and sustained voluntary service to the civilian community after December 31, 1992. It may be awarded to active duty and reserve members who perform outstanding volunteer service over time as opposed to a single event. The service performed must have been to the civilian community and must be strictly voluntary and not duty-related. The volunteerism must be of a sustained and direct nature and must be significant and produce tangible results while reflecting favorably on the Armed Forces and the Department of Defense. There are no specific time requirements as to how many hours must be spent on the volunteer activity, but the activity should consist of significant action and involvement rather than, for example, simply attending meetings as a member of a community service group. An individual would normally be considered for only one award during an assignment. Group level commanders, including commanders of provisional and composite groups, have approval authority for the medal.
The front of the bronze medal has a five-pointed star with a circular ring over each point; the star, a symbol of the military and representing outstanding service, is encircled by a laurel wreath which represents honor and achievement. The reverse has an oak leaf branch, symbolic of strength and potential, with three oak leaves and two acorns along with the inscriptions, “OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE,” and “UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES.” Bronze and silver stars are authorized to denote additional awards.