Harry Truman: “Civil defense is a responsibility which begins with the individual.”

The National Security Medal may be awarded to any person, without regard to nationality, including members of the armed forces of the United States, for distinguished achievement or outstanding contribution on or after July 26, 1947, in…

There is hereby established a medal to be known as the National Security Medal with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances.

I have great faith and confidence in our civil servants.

Members of the armed forces of the United States who are awarded the decoration established by this order are authorized to wear the medal and the ribbon symbolic of the award, as may be authorized by uniform regulations approved by the…