- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 9 January 1993
- Country: United States
The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) was established by George H. W. Bush through Executive Order 12830 on January 9, 1993, and the design was created by the Institute of Heraldry. It was first awarded in December 1993.
This medal honors members of the military—active duty, reserve, and National Guard—who go above and beyond their required duties by contributing significant volunteer service to their local communities. The volunteer work must be sustained, direct, and produce tangible results that reflect positively on the military and the Department of Defense. The definition of volunteer service is intentionally broad, encompassing a wide range of activities such as Volunteer Emergency Services (e.g., Civil Air Patrol, Coast Guard Auxiliary, or volunteer firefighting/EMS/Rescue Squad), involvement with organizations like the Boy Scouts of America or Habitat for Humanity, and various community initiatives within local, state, or federal parks and forests.
There is no specific time requirement to qualify for the MOVSM, as approval authorities assess each case to determine if the service merits this special recognition. The medal is intended to recognize ongoing and substantial community support rather than a single act or achievement. Additionally, direct involvement in community activities is emphasized, while merely attending membership meetings or social events of a community service group does not count as qualifying service.
MOVSM Multiple Awards: The Service Ribbons
- First award: service ribbon with no service stars.
- Second award: service ribbon with one service star.
- Third award: service ribbon with two service stars.
- Fourth award: service ribbon with three service stars.
- Fifth award: service ribbon with four service stars.
- Sixth award: service ribbon with silver service star.
- Seventh award: service ribbon with silver and bronze service stars.
- Eighth award: service ribbon with silver and two bronze service stars.
- Ninth award: service ribbon with silver and three bronze service stars.
The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal Design
The medal is bronze and measures 1 1/8 inches in diameter. On the obverse side, it features five interlaced annulets behind a five-pointed star, all encircled by a laurel wreath. The reverse side depicts an oak sprig with three leaves and two acorns, with the inscription “OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE” above and “UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES” below.
The suspension and service ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of various stripes: 1/8 inch bluebird, 1/8 inch goldenlight, 3/16 inch bluebird, 1/16 inch green, 5/32 inch goldenlight, center 1/16 inch green, 5/32 inch goldenlight, 1/16 inch green, 3/16 inch bluebird, 1/8 inch goldenlight, and 1/8 inch bluebird.
Additional awards are denoted by five-pointed bronze service stars (one per additional award) and five-pointed silver service stars (representing five awards each).
