[1] The Medal of Honor is awarded for individual acts of extraordinary bravery performed in the line of duty at extreme risk and danger to life.

The modern day New York City Police Department Medal of Honor was created in 1912 and was awarded until 1972, when it was redesigned.

The stars on the green ribbon suspender commemorate the city's original 12 police constables, who began to patrol in the 1700s.

The New York City Police Department also maintains a wide variety of other police medals, including the NYPD Combat Cross, which is awarded for life-threatening armed engagements with criminals and the Medal of Valor, which is presented for acts of bravery above the call of duty.

The New York City Police Department Medal of Honor was created in 1912 and was awarded until 1972, when it was redesigned.