DA Form 7498: Secretary of the Army Valor Award – Are you a U.S. Army civilian employee, supervisor, or someone connected to Army activities who wants to recognize extraordinary heroism? DA Form 7498, officially titled Secretary of the Army Award for Valor, is the prestigious certificate that accompanies the gold medal presented by the Secretary of the Army (SECARMY) for acts of bravery. This award honors civilian contributions that demonstrate courage above and beyond the call of duty.
In this comprehensive guide tailored for U.S. audiences, you’ll learn the award’s history, strict eligibility criteria, nomination process, what DA Form 7498 actually is, and how to pursue recognition through official Army channels. All information is drawn from the current Army Regulation 672-20 (Incentive Awards), certified current as of November 2024.
What Is the Secretary of the Army Award for Valor?
The Secretary of the Army Award for Valor recognizes single acts of heroism or bravery connected with an Army employee, Army activity, or that benefits the Army in some way. Established on 15 April 2002, it consists of:
- A gold medal (featuring a five-pointed star with a laurel wreath and the word “VALOR”).
- The official DA Form 7498 certificate, personally signed by the Secretary of the Army.
This is the highest honorary award for civilian valor in the Department of the Army. It is the civilian counterpart to the military Soldier’s Medal and sits just below the Department of the Army Distinguished Civilian Service Award in precedence.
Important distinction: DA Form 7498 is not a fillable nomination form like DA Form 1256 or DA Form 638. It is the award certificate issued only after SECARMY approval. The actual nomination package is prepared using other documentation and routed through command channels.
Who Is Eligible for the Secretary of the Army Award for Valor?
Eligibility is intentionally strict and limited to Army civilian employees (including U.S. Army Reserve technicians and certain foreign nationals paid from appropriated funds). In rare cases, it may extend to others whose actions directly benefit the Army.
To qualify, the nominee must:
- Exhibit great courage or sacrifice involving heroism or bravery.
- Perform a voluntary act above and beyond the call of duty.
- Face a situation involving personal hazard or danger and voluntarily risk their life (on or off the job).
- The act must be connected to an Army employee/activity or benefit the Army.
What does NOT qualify:
- Acts involving conflict with an armed enemy (use military valor awards instead).
- Routine lifesaving without significant personal risk.
- Sustained performance or multiple unrelated acts (only single incidents are recognized; one medal per incident).
The award may be given posthumously and presented to the next of kin.
Real-world example (2024): Robert Chase, a Sacramento District team member, received the award for heroically helping rescue a man and his dog from an overturned vehicle—demonstrating the type of off-duty bravery the Army recognizes.
How to Nominate Someone for the Award? (Step-by-Step Process)
Nominations are not submitted directly by the public. They must follow official channels under AR 672-20:
- Initiate the nomination — Any supervisor or individual with direct knowledge of the act (in coordination with the nominee’s supervisor) prepares the package. Submit promptly—ideally within 30 days of the incident.
- Required documentation (detailed and well-supported):
- Nominee’s full name, organization, and contact information (or name/contact for non-Government employees).
- Detailed narrative of the act: date, time, exact location, scene description, hazards faced, actions taken, and outcome.
- Notarized eyewitness statements (memorandum format) from first-hand observers, covering: Who (witness position), What (specific actions), When (date/duration/conditions), Where (location).
- Supporting evidence: official records, photos, diagrams, maps, medical reports if injuries occurred.
- Route through command channels — Forward to the appropriate command or activity for review.
- Army Incentive Awards Board (AIAB) review — All packages are sent to the AIAB at Headquarters, Department of the Army. The Board recommends approval, disapproval, or requests more information.
- Final approval — Only the Secretary of the Army (SECARMY) can approve the award.
Tip for supervisors: Use DA Form 1256 (Incentive Award Nomination and Approval) as the cover sheet where required for civilian incentive awards. Keep the entire package professional, factual, and concise.
What Does DA Form 7498 Look Like and How to Access It?
DA Form 7498 is a formal certificate (dated 1 July 2003 in current stock) bearing the Secretary of the Army’s signature, the recipient’s name, and a citation describing the heroic act. It is not publicly fillable or downloadable for self-use because it is an official award document produced and issued only upon SECARMY approval.
- Official source: Army Publishing Directorate (APD) at armypubs.army.mil. Search for “DA Form 7498” under forms/publications (available to authorized personnel via the Executive Secretary, AIAB).
- For recipients: The certificate is presented together with the medal during an official ceremony.
- Unofficial samples: Some third-party sites may host images for reference only—always verify against official Army sources to avoid outdated or incorrect versions.
Note: If your command has provided a specific download link for reference or archival purposes, use it only internally and cross-reference with the latest AR 672-20.
Why This Award Matters to the U.S. Army Community?
The Secretary of the Army Award for Valor publicly honors the extraordinary risks civilians take to protect lives, property, or the Army mission. It reinforces the Army’s values of courage, selflessness, and service—values that extend beyond uniformed personnel. Recipients join a select group whose actions embody the Army Civilian Corps Creed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is DA Form 7498 the same as the nomination form?
No. DA Form 7498 is the certificate awarded after approval. Nominations use supporting documentation and often DA Form 1256.
Q: Can military personnel receive this award?
Primarily for civilians. Soldiers use military valor decorations (e.g., Soldier’s Medal) under AR 600-8-22.
Q: How long does the approval process take?
It varies but can take several months due to AIAB review and SECARMY approval. Submit complete packages early.
Q: Where can I find the latest AR 672-20?
Download the current version from official Army sites (e.g., armypubs.army.mil or command portals). It remains the governing regulation as of 2026.
Q: Can the award be given for off-duty actions?
Yes—if the act involves voluntary risk of life and benefits the Army or is connected to Army activities.
Ready to Recognize Heroism?
If you have witnessed or know of an act that meets the high standards of the Secretary of the Army Award for Valor, begin the nomination process through your local command or civilian personnel office today. Timely, well-documented submissions give heroes the recognition they deserve.
For the most current forms, regulations, and guidance, always refer to armypubs.army.mil and AR 672-20. Questions? Contact your servicing Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) or command awards coordinator.