The
Distinguished Intelligence Cross is awarded by the
Central Intelligence AgencyThe Central Intelligence Agency is a civilian intelligence agency of the United States government.It is an independent agency responsible for providing national security intelligence to senior United States policymakers....
for "a voluntary act or acts of extraordinary heroism involving the acceptance of existing dangers with conspicuous fortitude and exemplary courage." This award is the CIA's equivalent to the
Medal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed on a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes themselves "conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while...
and like the Medal of Honor is often awarded posthumously. Only a few dozen individuals have been awarded this medal in the history of the CIA, making it one of the few, if not the rarest, awards for valor in the United States.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Distinguished Intelligence Cross' Start a new discussion about 'Distinguished Intelligence Cross' Answer questions from other users |
The
Distinguished Intelligence Cross is awarded by the
Central Intelligence AgencyThe Central Intelligence Agency is a civilian intelligence agency of the United States government.It is an independent agency responsible for providing national security intelligence to senior United States policymakers....
for "a voluntary act or acts of extraordinary heroism involving the acceptance of existing dangers with conspicuous fortitude and exemplary courage." This award is the CIA's equivalent to the
Medal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed on a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes themselves "conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while...
and like the Medal of Honor is often awarded posthumously. Only a few dozen individuals have been awarded this medal in the history of the CIA, making it one of the few, if not the rarest, awards for valor in the United States. The CIA has two awards for Valor; the other is the
Intelligence StarThe Intelligence Star is an award given by the Central Intelligence Agency for a "voluntary act or acts of courage performed under hazardous conditions or for outstanding achievements or services rendered with distinction under conditions of grave risk." The award citation is from the Director...
, which is analogous to the U.S military's
Silver StarThe Silver Star is the third highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is also the third highest award given for valor ....
. The Intelligence Cross is last believed to have been recommended for award to officers that were part of a group referred to as "Gray Walkers".
