A Summary of Action is required for which award?

• A. Meritorious Service Medal
• B. Bronze Star Medal
• C. Navy Distinguished Service Medal
• D. Joint Service Commendation Medal

Answer: (A)

A Summary of Action is used to clearly narrate the concrete actions someone took and the impact of those actions that justify the award. For the Meritorious Service Medal, this narrative is a standard part of the award package, highlighting specific deeds, the timeframe, and the resulting value to the mission or organization. It ties the recipient’s meritorious performance directly to the criteria for the award, making the case concise and compelling.

The Bronze Star Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, and Joint Service Commendation Medal rely on their citations to describe the overall heroic or meritorious conduct, but they don’t typically hinge on a separate “Summary of Action” section as the primary justification in the same way the Meritorious Service Medal does.