Washington law does not describe an order of precedence for state decorations, though the Medal of Valor is generally considered the state's second-highest honor, after the Medal of Merit.

[2][3] State law requires that the Medal of Valor "be of .999 pure silver and shall consist of the seal of the state of Washington, surrounded by a raised laurel wreath and suspended from a silver bar device inscribed "For Valor" which is suspended from a ring attached by a dark green ribbon, bordered by silver.

"[4] In addition to the recipient's name, the reverse reads "for exceptionally valorous service, given in the act of saving the life of another."

The authorizing legislation does not specify a frequency for issuing the medal, and it has generally been awarded sparsely and irregularly.

[1] The Medal of Valor was established by an act of the Washington Legislature, introduced by state senator Don Benton, in 1999.