Be a member of the U.S. Armed Forces
Be wounded or killed
Have the injury result from enemy action
Have the injury require treatment by a medical officer
Have the treatment be officially recorded
Have the wound be caused by hostile action such as gunfire, explosives, or other enemy-inflicted harm
Have the injury occur while serving under competent military authority
Have the award approved through the military chain of command
Have supporting documentation submitted for verification
Meet the current Department of Defense and service-specific award criteria