It is the highest award presented by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

The National Intelligence Cross may be awarded to United States government civilian or military personnel who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in response to a threat to national security.

It is awarded for conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and courage in the face of significant and known risk.

In the center of the cross is a pole star on a dark blue enameled disk, superimposed over a sub rosa device.

[2] The cross is suspended from a ribbon 1.375 inches (34.9 mm) wide.