It is presented to employees of State, USAID and Marine guards assigned to diplomatic and consular facilities in recognition of sacrifice of health or life, in the performance of official duties.

[1] It is somewhat similar in function to the U.S. military’s Purple Heart medal, though it tends to only be issued for serious injuries that are directly related to official duties.

For injuries resulting in death, the Thomas Jefferson Star for Foreign Service is typically awarded to next of kin.

Nominations initiated in Washington are submitted to the appropriate area awards committee for final action.

Upon authorization, members of the U.S. military may wear the medal and ribbon in the appropriate order of precedence as a U.S. non-military personal decoration.