Valorous Unit Award

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Strap buckle badge for the Valorous Unit Award.
Exemplary flag ribbon for a VUA as part of a mission in Iraq.

The Valorous Unit Award is the second highest award given to units of the United States Army after the Presidential Unit Citation . It is awarded to those units that have shown extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. This can be done even if the unit is serving with friendly foreign forces, even if the United States is not a warring party. Military units above the battalion level can only qualify for the award in exceptional cases.

The badge of honor is worn by every (also future) member of the awarded unit. Those soldiers who took part in the mission that led to the awarding of the award can continue to lead the VUA beyond their service in the unit. It is worn on the right side of the uniform of the United States Army - details are regulated in Army Regulation 670–1 .

The honorary badge was introduced in 1966 and also awarded retrospectively to units that met the required criteria after August 3, 1963. The VUA is comparable to the Silver Star , which can be awarded as an individual award for special bravery in front of the enemy. This is also reflected in the color scheme based on the Silver Star.

The Valorous Unit Award is on a par with the Joint Meritorious Unit Award ( DoD ), the Navy Unit Commendation ( USN ), the Gallant Unit Citation ( USAF ) and the Coast Guard Unit Commendation ( USCG ). The award is followed by the Meritorious Unit Commendation (or the DoD's Joint Meritorious Unit Award), which also has its equivalent in every branch of the armed forces.

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