Since 1949, the Department has granted honor awards in the form of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals. The Gold and Silver Medals are the highest and second highest honor granted by the Secretary for distinguished and exceptional performance. The Bronze Medal is granted by the head of an operating unit or Secretarial Officer for superior performance. 

Honor Awards are granted in seven categories: Leadership, Personal and Professional Service, Scientific/Engineering Achievement, Organizational Development, Customer Service, Administrative/Technical Support, or Heroism. For additional information on this program and to view previous award booklets, click one of the links below:

72nd Annual Honor Awards Information

• Submission Requirements - April 17th Deadline Change
• Honor Awards Criteria
• Secretary’s Memorandum (Attachment 1)
• HANS Nominator Training (Attachment 2)
• Nomination Limitations (Attachment 3)
• Citation for Certificate (Sample) (Attachment 4)
• Program Booklet Citation - Sample Format (Attachment 5)

Link to HANS website

Recent Program Booklets

2017 69^th Annual Honor Awards Program Book
2016 68^th Annual Honor Awards Program Book
2015 67^th Annual Honor Awards Program Book
2014 66^th Annual Honor Awards Program Book
2013 65^th Annual Honor Awards Program Book
2012 64^th Annual Honor Awards Program Book
2011 63^rd Annual Honor Awards Program Book
2010 62^nd Annual Honor Awards Program Book

Archived Program Booklets

2000 – 2009 Program Booklets
1990 – 1999 Program Booklets
1980 – 1989 Program Booklets
1970 – 1979 Program Booklets
1960 – 1969 Program Booklets
1949 – 1959 Program Booklets