Medal of Sacrifice

Medal of Sacrifice
Medal of Sacrifice for law enforcement officers
Presented byThe president of the United States
EligibilityLocal, state, or federal law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty
StatusCurrently awarded
First awardMay 19, 2025
Total recipients3

The Medal of Sacrifice is a United States award that recognizes law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty. The medal is presented to the recipient’s family by the president of the United States.[1]

History

On May 19, 2025, Representative Brian Mast introduced the Medal of Sacrifice Act in the House of Representatives. Later that day, Mast and President Donald Trump presented the medal to the families of three Palm Beach County deputies. The inaugural recipients were Deputy Ralph “Butch” Waller, Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, and Corporal Luis Paez.[2]

Appearance

The medal is made of gold vermeil and was designed by Tiffany & Co. It features the coat of arms of the United States as well as three oak leaves, which, according to a statement from Representative Mast, represent “strength, resilience, and honoring the families of the fallen.” The medal is also inscribed with the word “sacrifice.”[3]

The medal is issued with a blue ribbon for law enforcement officers and a red ribbon for first responders.[4]

References

  1. ^ "Trump awards first-ever Medals of Sacrifice to fallen law enforcement officers". 19 May 2025. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  2. ^ "3 Fallen Fla. Deputies Awarded 1st Medal of Sacrifice by President Trump". 20 May 2025. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  3. ^ "President Trump and Rep. Mast Honor Fallen Law Enforcement Officers in Oval Office". 19 May 2025. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  4. ^ "H.R.3497 - Medal of Sacrifice Act". Retrieved 15 July 2025.