The Valorous Unit Award (VUA) is a United States Army decoration awarded to units of the U.S. Armed Forces for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States. It is the second‑highest unit award that may be bestowed upon an Army unit, ranking directly below the Presidential Unit Citation and above the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Origin and Authority
- Establishment: 23 April 1966, Department of the Army, Department of the Army General Orders 13, 1966.
- Retroactive applicability: Effective from 1 January 1963.
- Governing regulations: Army Regulation (AR) 600‑8‑22, Military Awards and Decorations; AR 670‑1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia.
Eligibility Criteria
A unit is eligible for the VUA when it has displayed:
- Extraordinary heroism comparable to that required for the individual Silver Star Medal; and
- Sustained combat operations against an armed enemy, involving risk of life and displaying conspicuous gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps.
The award may be presented to any Army unit, or to units of other services when attached to, or operating under the command of, an Army unit, provided the unit’s actions meet the above criteria.
Description of the Award
- Ribbon: A 1 ⅜‑inch wide ribbon that is primarily purple with a narrow central white stripe.
- Device: Subsequent awards to the same unit are denoted by bronze oak‑leaf clusters (silver oak‑leaf clusters represent five awards).
- Streamer: Units authorized the VUA may display a corresponding unit streamer on their organizational flag, matching the ribbon colors.
Presentation and Wear
- The VUA is presented as a unit citation; individual members of the cited unit are authorized to wear the ribbon on their uniform while assigned to the unit, and may retain it for the duration of their service.
- The award is recorded in the official military personnel file (OMPF) of each eligible service member.
Comparison with Other Unit Awards
| Award | Relative precedence | Typical citation basis |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) | Highest | Extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy, comparable to the Distinguished Service Cross. |
| Valorous Unit Award (VUA) | Second | Heroism comparable to the Silver Star. |
| Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) | Third | Meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. |
Notable Recipients
Units that have received the VUA include, but are not limited to:
- 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment (Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003)
- 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Operation Enduring Freedom, 2002)
- Various aviation and support units for actions during the Vietnam War and the Global War on Terrorism.
Related Awards
- Presidential Unit Citation – highest unit award for extraordinary heroism.
- Meritorious Unit Commendation – awarded for outstanding service or achievement.
- Silver Star Medal – individual award for gallantry; VUA is the unit equivalent.
References
- Department of the Army, General Orders 13 (23 April 1966).
- Army Regulation 600‑8‑22, Military Awards and Decorations (latest revision).
- Army Regulation 670‑1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia.
All information presented reflects verified Department of the Army sources and publicly released military documentation.