DA Form 7498-A: Secretary of the Army Valor Award – If you’re searching for DA Form 7498-A, the Secretary of the Army Award for Valor certificate with Acting SA sig block, you’ve come to the right place. This official U.S. Army form is the formal certificate presented with one of the Department of the Army’s highest civilian honors for extraordinary bravery. Whether you’re an Army civilian employee, awards officer, HR professional, or nominator in the United States, this guide explains everything you need to know about the award, the form, eligibility, nomination process, and how to get your copy instantly.
What Is the Secretary of the Army Award for Valor?
The Secretary of the Army Award for Valor is a prestigious civilian honorary award established on April 15, 2002. It recognizes acts of heroism or bravery connected with an Army employee, Army activity, or that benefits the Army in some way. The award consists of a gold medal and an official certificate (DA Form 7498 or DA Form 7498-A).
Unlike combat-related military decorations, this award is specifically for non-combat heroism—voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty that involve great courage, sacrifice, and personal risk of life (on or off the job). It is not awarded solely for saving a life or for acts involving conflict with an armed enemy.
Key facts about the award:
- Approval authority: Secretary of the Army (SECARMY)
- Medal: Gold, 1.375 inches in diameter, with a five-pointed star on a laurel wreath, inscribed “VALOR.” It hangs from a red ribbon with blue and white stripes and includes a neck drape for formal wear.
- Precedence: Immediately below the Department of the Army Distinguished Civilian Service Award.
- Can be awarded posthumously to the recipient’s family representative.
What Is DA Form 7498-A (vs. DA Form 7498)?
DA Form 7498 is the standard Secretary of the Army Award for Valor certificate, signed by the full Secretary of the Army.
DA Form 7498-A is the authorized variant that includes the Acting SA (Acting Secretary of the Army) signature block. It is used when an Acting Secretary signs the certificate (dated March 2016 edition).
Both versions serve as the official certificate presented alongside the gold medal. They are not nomination forms—you receive them after the award is approved. The forms are controlled documents typically issued through the Army Incentive Awards Board (AIAB).
Who Is Eligible for the Secretary of the Army Award for Valor?
Eligibility is intentionally strict and focused on true heroism:
- Army civilian employees (appropriated or non-appropriated funds)
- Other individuals whose actions benefit the Army or are connected to Army activities
- Acts must demonstrate voluntary risk of personal safety in the face of danger
- Must be a single act of heroism or bravery (not sustained performance)
- The nominee must have been in personal hazard or danger
Awards are not given for routine lifesaving without significant personal risk or for combat-related actions (those fall under military valor awards like the Soldier’s Medal).
How to Nominate Someone for the Award? (Step-by-Step)
Nominations are processed under AR 672-20, Incentive Awards (current as of 2024 updates). Here’s the process U.S. Army commands follow:
- Initiate with DA Form 1256 (Incentive Award Nomination and Approval) – Your primary nomination document.
- Provide detailed documentation:
- Full description of the act (date, time, place, hazards faced)
- Names and contact info of the nominee and any rescued individuals
- Notarized eyewitness statements
- Supporting evidence (photos, maps, official records)
- Route through command channels to the Executive Secretary, Army Incentive Awards Board (AIAB).
- AIAB review → Recommendation to SECARMY for final approval.
Nominations should be submitted within 30 days of the heroic act whenever possible. Only the Secretary of the Army can approve it.
Download DA Form 7498-A – Official Secretary of the Army Award for Valor Certificate (Acting SA Sig Block)
✅ Instant Download:
Download DA Form 7498-A PDF Here
This is the exact fillable/editable version with the Acting SA signature block used by the Department of the Army. Perfect for official presentation once the award is approved. Always verify the latest edition through your command’s awards office or Army Publishing Directorate resources.
Tip for U.S. users: Store the PDF securely and print on official letterhead or certificate stock when presenting the award.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is DA Form 7498-A different from DA Form 7498?
A: Yes—only in the signature block (Acting SA vs. full SECARMY). Content and purpose are identical.
Q: Can military personnel receive this award?
A: Primarily designed for civilians, but eligibility can extend to others whose actions directly benefit the Army.
Q: How long does approval take?
A: Varies, but the AIAB and SECARMY review process is thorough—plan for weeks to months.
Q: Where is the official policy published?
A: Army Regulation 672-20 (Incentive Awards) and local command incentive awards guidance.
Why This Award Matters to the U.S. Army Community?
The Secretary of the Army Award for Valor publicly honors the extraordinary courage of America’s Army civilians and supporters. It reinforces the Army’s values of selfless service and bravery—qualities that strengthen our nation’s defense even outside the battlefield.
If you’re preparing a nomination packet or need the official certificate for a presentation, DA Form 7498-A is your go-to document.
Ready to download?
Click here to get DA Form 7498-A – Secretary of the Army Award for Valor (Acting SA Sig Block)