DA Form 7499-A: Defense of Freedom Medal Certificate – If you’re a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) civilian, Army awards administrator, or HR professional searching for DA Form 7499-A, you’ve come to the right place. This specialized certificate recognizes extraordinary sacrifice by America’s civilian workforce—the backbone of our national defense.
In this SEO-optimized guide, we cover everything you need to know about DA Form 7499-A, the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom, eligibility requirements, how the form is used, and the official way to obtain it. Whether you’re preparing an award package or honoring a fallen or wounded colleague, this article provides current, trusted information for U.S. service members and civilians.
What Is DA Form 7499-A?
DA Form 7499-A is the official U.S. Army certificate titled “Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom (With ASA Signature Block)”.
- Form Date: July 1, 2003
- Proponent: G-1 (Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel)
- Purpose: Serves as the formal certificate that accompanies the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom.
- Signature Block: Specifically includes the Assistant Secretary of the Army (ASA) signature block, making it the authorized version for Army-processed awards.
This is a certificate (CERT) form, not a standard fillable administrative form like a DA 4187. It is printed and issued through official supply channels and prescribed by Army Regulation 672-20 (Incentive Awards).
Note: Variants exist, including the standard DA Form 7499 and DA Form 7499-B (often a blank or alternate signature version). The “-A” version is tailored for Army use with the ASA signature block.
History of the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom
Established on September 27, 2001, by Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld (with input from Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Henry H. Shelton), the medal was created in direct response to the September 11 terrorist attacks. It serves as the civilian counterpart to the military’s Purple Heart.
The medal honors DoD civilian employees who are killed or wounded by hostile action while performing official duties in support of U.S. national security. The U.S. Army’s Institute of Heraldry designed the medal, which features an eagle and shield (symbolizing freedom and defense) and a laurel wreath (honor and achievement). The ribbon uses red, white, and blue with specific symbolism tied to 9/11.
Since 2001, thousands of DoD civilians and contractors have supported operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other theaters. This medal ensures their sacrifices are formally recognized.
Who Is Eligible for the Medal (and the DA Form 7499-A Certificate)?
Eligibility is strictly defined and closely mirrors Purple Heart criteria for military members:
- Must be a DoD civilian employee (per 5 U.S.C. § 2105), including non-appropriated fund (NAF) employees.
- Killed or wounded by hostile action (terrorist acts, conventional/nuclear/chemical/biological weapons, explosives, missiles, etc.) while serving under competent DoD authority.
- The injury must require treatment by a medical officer, with official medical records.
- The employee must be eligible for awards under DoD Instruction 1400.25-M, Subchapter 451.
Key points:
- The medal is not recommended—eligible employees are entitled if criteria are met.
- Awarded for the first qualifying incident (subsequent wounds may receive a device).
- Can be awarded posthumously to next of kin.
- The Secretary of Defense has discretionary authority for certain non-DoD personnel involved in DoD activities.
Army Component heads (including the Secretary of the Army) have approval authority for Army civilians. Nominations for contractors are handled through their employers and forwarded to DoD.
How DA Form 7499-A Is Used in the Award Process?
Once eligibility is confirmed:
- Supporting documentation (medical records, incident reports, witness statements) is compiled.
- The DA Form 7499-A certificate is prepared with the recipient’s name, citation, and date.
- It is signed using the ASA signature block and issued alongside the physical medal and ribbon.
- The completed certificate becomes a permanent part of the official award record.
The form ensures standardized, professional presentation of the award across the Army.
How to Obtain or Request DA Form 7499-A? (Official Channels)
DA Form 7499-A is not available for direct public download on armypubs.army.mil like routine administrative forms. It is a controlled certificate supplied through official channels.
Official Request Address (as listed on the form itself):
S&I ODCS, G-1
ATTN: DAPE-CPS-ES
Hoffman 1, Room 476
2461 Eisenhower Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22331-0300
For award processing or certificate requests, contact your local Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) or the G-1 awards office. Units and organizations should follow AR 672-20 procedures.
Download Note: The user-provided download link (included in your query) is the recommended source for the fillable/official PDF version. Always verify it matches the exact form title and date before use.
Why This Medal and Certificate Matter to America’s Defense Workforce?
DoD civilians are often on the front lines—supporting logistics, intelligence, medical services, and reconstruction efforts worldwide. The Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom and its DA Form 7499-A certificate publicly affirm that their service and sacrifice are valued equally with their military counterparts.
Over 1,700 civilian contractors have died and nearly 40,000 have been injured in post-9/11 operations. This medal ensures their stories are honored.
Related Resources
- Army Regulation 672-20 – Incentive Awards (full policy details)
- DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 451 – Awards
- Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom Wikipedia overview (for general reference)
Need the form today? Use the official download link provided with your query or contact the G-1 office listed above for authenticated copies.
Questions about eligibility or processing? Reach out to your servicing CPAC or the address above. America’s civilian defenders deserve the highest recognition—and DA Form 7499-A is the official document that makes that recognition permanent.