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Medals

DAR Youth Leadership Medals

The DAR Youth Leadership Medal was established to foster among school-aged children a greater appreciation of the qualities of citizenship Americans must possess if our country is to remain sovereign and independent.

This medal is presented to a student (male or female) who exemplifies the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.

  • The medal is open to individuals in grades 5-11.
  • There may only be one medal awarded per grade per school per year.
  • The medal may also be awarded to youth service and patriotic organizations or their members.

Medal recipients are selected by school teachers or principals or the youth organization’s leadership.

Please note: The DAR Youth Leadership Medal (for grades 5-11) and the DAR Good Citizens Award (for grade 12 only) are two different programs. For information about the DAR Good Citizens Award, click here.

For additional information about DAR Youth Leadership Medals, please contact your local DAR chapter.

DAR Distinguished Citizen Medals

The DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal recognizes individuals (or groups), 18 years of age and older, who fulfill the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism. The DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal is awarded to emergency first responders.; emergency health responders, active duty military and veterans of the United States armed forces; and citizens who have contributed to the defense and security of the community, state, or nation in an exceptional manner. 

Medal recipients are nominated by DAR chapter leadership and are approved at the state DAR level.

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and Junior ROTC Medals

DAR began awarding medals to ROTC students in 1967 in recognition of the ROTC as an important program that prepares trained officers for service in the armed forces.

Medals are awarded to student cadets of outstanding ability and achievement in high school (Junior ROTC), college, or university (ROTC) programs of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force or Marine Corps. Medal recipients are selected by the professors of military science or the program's senior instructor.

  • Recipients must have demonstrated loyalty and patriotism and earned a record of military and scholastic achievement during their participation in an ROTC or JROTC program.
  • Students must be in the upper 25% of their classes in ROTC or JROTC and in academic subjects.
  • They must have shown qualities of dependability and good character, adherence to military discipline, leadership ability, and a fundamental and patriotic understanding of the importance of ROTC or JROTC training.
  • May be awarded to a male or female cadet. 

Gold ROTC Medal:
This medal is awarded to a graduating college or university student being commissioned in one of the U.S. armed forces. Medal recipients are selected by the Professor of Military Science or equivalent.

Bronze Junior ROTC (JROTC) Medal:
This medal is awarded to either a junior or senior student in a high school/secondary school JROTC program. Medal recipients are selected by the program's senior instructor.

For additional information about ROTC and JROTC Medals, please contact your local DAR chapter.

DAR Outstanding Cadet Medals

 DAR began awarding DAR Outstanding Cadet Medals in 2014. These medals recognize outstanding student cadets participating in a non-ROTC or non-JROTC, military-affiliated cadet program funded by a school or private organization, or to a cadet in a police, fire, or emergency medical services (EMS) department volunteer training program. 

Eligible programs include, but are not limited to, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Civil Air Patrol, National Defense Cadet Corps (NDCC), American Cadet Alliance (ACA), Young Marines, National Middle School Cadet Corps (NMSCC), U.S. Navy League Cadet Corps, Joint Military Cadets of America (JMCA), United States Cadet Corps, or police, firefighting or EMS cadet training programs. 

This medal recognizes a cadet who has distinguished him or herself through outstanding leadership, honor, service, courage, and patriotism (one medal per year per cadet unit.) May be awarded to a male or female cadet. Medal recipients are selected by the unit or department leadership.

For additional information about DAR Outstanding Cadet Medals, please contact your local DAR chapter.

DAR members should visit the Members’ website for additional information.