During peacetime, who is the approving authority for the Soldier's Medal?

• A. HQ Perscom
• B. The Battalion Commander
• C. The Secretary of the Army
• D. The President

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how Army decorations are approved and who handles noncombat heroism awards. The Soldier’s Medal recognizes heroism not involving direct combat, and in peacetime that approval authority rests with the Army’s personnel management channel, specifically Headquarters US Army Personnel Command (Perscom). Nominations come up through the chain of command and are finalized by Perscom, rather than by a battalion commander or by the President. The President or Secretary of the Army are generally involved for different, especially higher or combat-related awards, so for peacetime noncombat heroism the responsibility sits with Perscom.