Harry Truman: “We'll have the thing in operating order so we can go right ahead with the program.”

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…

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

The experience of this early period of public action showed that constant vigilance and competent professional guidance are essential to prevent irreparable losses.

I have great faith and confidence in our civil servants.