The United States Department of State , like other agencies of the U.S. federal government , gives civilian decorations for outstanding service, sacrifice, or heroism. The criteria for the awards are set down in 3 FAM 4820 - Foreign Affairs Manual , 3 FAM - Personnel, section 3 FAM 4800 Department Awards Program.
93-421: State Department awards are broken down into four types: honor awards, achievement awards, service awards, and recognition awards. In addition, there are awards which are no longer given but for which certificates, ribbons, or medals may still be occasionally seen. The Foreign Affairs Manual described the purpose of Department of State honor awards as to "bestow recognition on an individual or group who has made
186-627: A Senior Officer is made possible by former U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, Steven J. Green . It recognizes outstanding contributions by a senior level State Department employee in advancing U.S. interests in the international economic field. The recipient of the award receives a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $ 10,000. The award is given based on the quality of the nominee’s overall contribution in advancing U.S. international economic relations and objectives; documented economic leadership, advocacy, analytical, reporting or negotiating skills, or
279-729: A cash award of $ 2,500. The following factors will be considered by each Regional Bureau in selecting its nominee, and by the Department's panel in selecting the FSN of the Year. Outstanding achievement in any one of the areas listed below, or combination thereof, may justify selection. This award is presented to an exceptional employee in the Foreign Service or the Civil Service serving domestically or abroad except those with specific job responsibilities for
372-482: A certificate signed by an assistant secretary or an official of equivalent rank. The silver medal set is no longer awarded. The Meritorious Honor Award is presented to groups or individuals in recognition of a special act or service or sustained outstanding performance. The following criteria are applicable to granting a Meritorious Honor Award: The award consists of a certificate signed by an assistant secretary or an official of equivalent rank. The bronze medal set
465-516: A certificate signed by the Secretaries of State and Labor. The runner-up receives $ 2,500 and a certificate signed by the Secretaries of State and Labor. This award is presented annually to a Deputy Chief of Mission who demonstrates the proficiency, creativity, and overall capacity to serve effectively as Deputy Chief of Mission and as Chargé d'Affaires in the Ambassador's absence. The award consists of
558-477: A certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $ 5,000. This award is made possible by C. Howard Wilkins, Jr., former U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands, and is named to honor him and former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III. This award, initiated in 1997 and named in honor of former Secretary of State Warren Christopher, recognizes sustained excellence and initiative in the substantive policy areas of oceans,
651-477: A certificate signed by the Secretary of State, $ 10,000, and an engraved desk pen set. The recipients’ names are engraved on a plaque that is permanently displayed in the Department. This award was established in 1980 to recognize exemplary performance in the Department of State at the mid-career level. It is made possible by an endowment from the Vincent Astor Foundation and is named, at the request of
744-434: A combination thereof; and creative thinking influencing economic policy formulation. This award is given to a Department of State officer serving in a management position who has made notable contributions to the efficiency and quality of services at post. The award consists of a certificate signed by the Secretary and $ 10,000. These awards specifically recognize achievements in the area of promoting women as participants in
837-637: A combined team of Norfolk Police Department Fugitive Investigators, DSS Special Agents and U.S. Marshals . Judge Ellen S. Huvelle of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the former CIA officer. On July 30, 2010, special agents from DSS located fugitive George Alvin Viste in Peru. Viste was wanted in Clark County, Washington on seven different criminal charges including
930-535: A former deputy sheriff from DeKalb County, Georgia , in Punta Gorda, Belize . Yancey was wanted in Georgia for double murder of his wife Linda Yancey and a day laborer. On November 23, 2009, DSS Special Agents from the U.S. Embassy's Regional Security Office (RSO) worked closely with the U.S. Marshals Service , Guatemalan National Police, and INTERPOL to locate alleged murder suspect 24-year-old Ariel Beau Patrick, who
1023-757: A higher priority. In 1985, Congress created the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS), headed by the Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security , and the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), headed by the Director of DSS, who is subordinate to the Assistant Secretary of State for DS. However, DSS is the federal law enforcement agency, and not the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS). The Director of DSS
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#17328557379421116-696: A junior Foreign Service Officer , Leland Harrison . Tasked primarily with counterespionage and counterintelligence, the team also investigated passport fraud, protected U.S. and foreign diplomats on U.S. soil, and processed threat reports from overseas posts. Following U.S. entry into the war, the Bureau also interned and exchanged diplomatic officials of enemy powers. After the war ended, Congress passed laws requiring American citizens to return with passports and resident aliens to enter with visas. State Department agents began investigating subsequent instances of passport and visa fraud. Around this same time State Department agents began protecting distinguished visitors to
1209-440: A legacy to the Department and its employees by Frank E. Loy , former Under Secretary for Global Affairs, recognizes achievement in international environmental affairs, including advancement of U.S. interests, analysis and policy development, integration into overall U.S. diplomacy efforts, and interaction with the public and private sectors. The award consists of a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $ 5,000. This award
1302-498: A reduction of over 50% in 2020 and 2021). U.S. passports and visas are valuable travel documents, and consequently some foreign nationals fraudulently acquire U.S. passports and visas to carry out criminal activities, including terrorism, inside the borders of the United States. It is a federal offense to apply, or assist someone in applying, for a U.S. passport or visa when they are not entitled to one. Usually this means an alien in
1395-516: A significant contribution to the Department’s mission. The honor awards vary in scope and magnitude. The impact of the act or deed which precipitates the nomination is carefully examined, and consideration is given to whether the act to be recognized benefits the post or bureau, the area, the Department of State, or the Federal Government as a whole. The Secretary's Distinguished Service Award
1488-414: A significant contribution to the agency's mission" and states that "The honor awards vary in scope and magnitude. The impact of the act or deed which precipitates the nomination must be carefully examined, and consideration given to whether the act to be recognized benefits the post or bureau, the area, the agency, or the Federal Government as a whole." Upon authorization, members of the U.S. military may wear
1581-449: Is a full-fledged law enforcement agency that conducts international criminal investigations , threat analysis , counterterrorism , counterintelligence , security technology, and cybersecurity . The agency employs over 2,500 personnel, including special agents, security engineering officers, security technical specialists, and diplomatic couriers special agents . DSS agents, sometimes referred to as "DS agents", are federal agents with
1674-444: Is a nexus to passport and/or visa fraud, use of State Department documents, diplomatic activities, the U.S. Foreign Service, or terrorism, DSS is typically involved. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) Federal Criminal Case Processing Statistics, the Department of State is responsible for roughly 200 domestic criminal arrests per year from 2011-2019 (with drop-offs due to COVID-19 and other internal factors resulting in
1767-525: Is always an active DSS Special Agent. All employees who work for Bureau of Diplomatic Security, including those of DSS, are referred to as DS employees. This usage sometimes appears in DOS press releases, although recently multi-agency press releases from the Department of Justice distinguish between DSS and its umbrella organization. Additionally, DSS special agents are frequently assigned to positions within DS but outside of
1860-674: Is an active DSS agent and is often referred as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS), as he/she is senior to the various assistant directors of Diplomatic Security who hold positions equivalent to Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS). The PDAS designation signifies the DSS director's preeminence over the other DASs within DSS, while at the same time signifying his/her position under the Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security. The first several Assistant Secretaries for DS were senior Foreign Service Officers , while
1953-502: Is judged by a selection committee to exemplify most clearly these high standards. The recipient receives a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $ 10,000. In addition, the recipients’ names are placed on a plaque in the Department. This award, made possible by the support of former Ambassador to Iceland, Charles E. Cobb , is presented to career members of the Foreign Service serving in an ambassadorial appointment for noteworthy success in developing trade between other nations and
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#17328557379422046-622: Is made possible by the generosity of Sue M. Cobb , former U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica. The honoree receives a certificate signed by the Secretary. The honoree's Embassy and the Leadership and Management School of the Foreign Service Institute each receive $ 5,000. The first recipient was David C. Mulford in 2007. This award was established by Secretary Hillary Clinton to honor Career Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker , former ambassador to Lebanon, Kuwait, Pakistan, and Iraq, and first Chargé at
2139-435: Is named in honor of Daniel E. O'Connor, who died in the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie , Scotland, in 1988. The award recognizes superior professional performance and outstanding leadership in the challenging field of site security management. This award is conferred in recognition of the high standards that characterize the Department's reporting, analysis, and advocacy efforts. The recipient receives
2232-485: Is no longer awarded. As delineated in numerous diplomatic cables describing each one, achievement awards recognize specific service over the previous year in a specific field or job category. The majority of the awards include a certificate, signed by the Secretary of State and a cash bonus. The cash bonuses range from zero to $ 10,000. Many of the awards were sponsored by private donors, who are often formerly members of
2325-535: Is personally authorized by the Secretary of State provided that one of the criteria eligibility in Foreign Affairs Manual is met. It may be presented to members of the foreign affairs communities. The award consists of a gold medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary. The Secretary's Award 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
2418-410: Is presented at the discretion of the Secretary of State in recognition of exceptionally outstanding leadership, professional competence, and significant accomplishment over a sustained period of time in the field of foreign affairs. Such achievements must be of notable national or international significance and have made an important contribution to the advancement of U.S. national interests. The award
2511-620: Is presented to an exceptional employee of the Foreign Service or the civil service (except Senior Foreign Service and senior executive service) in the information management field, serving domestically or abroad. The award consists of a certificate signed by the secretary of state and $ 10,000. This award specifically recognizes individual excellence in the development, negotiation and/or implementation of national policy and solutions to counter country-specific, regional and/or global nonproliferation, counter-proliferation, political-military, arms control, verification and/or noncompliance challenges facing
2604-532: Is roughly analogous to the Purple Heart , though it is almost always issued posthumously due to the strict requirements. The award consists of a gold medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary and the President. The Distinguished Honor Award is awarded to individuals or groups that provide: The award consists of a gold medal set and a certificate signed, as appropriate, by the Secretary of State. Due to
2697-508: Is the Bureau FSN of the Year winner. Each winner's outstanding performance is recognized via a bureau award consisting of a signed certificate, and cash award. The individual selected as Department FSN of the Year receives a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and a cash award of $ 10,000. The remaining five Regional Bureaus winners/runners up will receive a certificate signed by the Assistant Secretary of their respective Regional Bureau and
2790-574: Is the counterterrorism rewards program of DSS. The Secretary of State is currently offering rewards for information that prevents or favorably resolves acts of international terrorism against U.S. persons or property worldwide. In the days following the April 15, 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing , DSS Special Agents investigated the incident along with personnel from the FBI, HSI, State Police, Boston Police, Cambridge Police, and other law enforcement agencies; this led to
2883-437: Is the primary mechanism by which the Bureau of Diplomatic Security accomplishes its law enforcement (criminal investigative) and security missions. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is headed by the Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security , who in turn is served by several Deputy Assistant Secretaries (DAS). The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS) is the Director for the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) and
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2976-614: Is the principal law enforcement and security agency of the United States Department of State (DOS). As the operational division of DOS Bureau of Diplomatic Security , its primary mission is to provide security to protect diplomatic assets, personnel, and information, and combat transnational crimes connected to visa and passport fraud . DSS also conducts counterterrorism , counterintelligence , cybersecurity and criminal investigations domestically and abroad. Originating in diplomatic security measures implemented during
3069-521: The British royal family , the Fourteenth Dalai Lama , Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas , Princess Diana , Yasser Arafat , Tsai Ing-wen and Boris Yeltsin . DSS may also provide protection to high-risk private individuals visiting the U.S, such as prominent foreign dissidents or opposition leaders. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security 's Office of Foreign Missions is responsible for
3162-636: The Director General of the Foreign Service . The Department of State currently awards two service awards, the Secretary's Career Achievement Award and the Expeditionary Service Award. The Expeditionary Service Award is a new award as of 2011 that recognizes service by Civil and Foreign Service employees in areas designated by the Director General of the Foreign Service. Honor awards bestow recognition on an individual or group who has made
3255-585: The First World War , DSS was formally established in 1985 following the deadly 1983 bombings of the U.S. embassy and Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon . It is the leading U.S. law enforcement agency abroad and the most widely deployed in the world, protecting 275 U.S. diplomatic missions in over 170 countries and 29 U.S. cities. As employees of the U.S. State Department, DSS special agents are unique in U.S. federal law enforcement for also being members of
3348-623: The Foreign Service . DSS' most visible activity is providing security to the U.S. Secretary of State , the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and other senior diplomats. As part of its duty to provide a safe and secure environment for U.S. diplomacy, DSS also protects foreign dignitaries, advises U.S. ambassadors on security matters, and manages security programs for international events, often in cooperation with domestic and foreign counterparts. While best known for its security role, DSS
3441-3337: The U.S. Armed Forces . Such awards are a means to outwardly display the highlights of a service member's career. The precedence of particular awards will vary slightly among the different branches of service. All awards and decorations may be awarded to any service member unless otherwise designated by name or notation. [REDACTED] Medal of Honor [REDACTED] Distinguished Service Cross (Army) [REDACTED] Navy Cross [REDACTED] Air Force Cross [REDACTED] Coast Guard Cross [REDACTED] Defense Distinguished Service Medal [REDACTED] Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal [REDACTED] Navy Distinguished Service Medal [REDACTED] Distinguished Service Medal (Air and Space Forces) [REDACTED] Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal [REDACTED] Silver Star Medal [REDACTED] Defense Superior Service Medal [REDACTED] Distinguished Flying Cross [REDACTED] Soldier's Medal [REDACTED] Navy and Marine Corps Medal [REDACTED] Airman's Medal [REDACTED] Coast Guard Medal [REDACTED] Bronze Star Medal [REDACTED] Purple Heart [REDACTED] Defense Meritorious Service Medal [REDACTED] Joint Service Commendation Medal [REDACTED] Army Commendation Medal [REDACTED] Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal [REDACTED] Air and Space Commendation Medal [REDACTED] Coast Guard Commendation Medal [REDACTED] Joint Service Achievement Medal [REDACTED] Army Achievement Medal [REDACTED] Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal [REDACTED] Air and Space Achievement Medal [REDACTED] Coast Guard Achievement Medal [REDACTED] Navy Combat Action Ribbon [REDACTED] Combat Action Medal (Air and Space Forces) [REDACTED] Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon Also see: Army combat badges [REDACTED] Presidential Unit Citation (Army) [REDACTED] Presidential Unit Citation (Navy and Marine Corps) [REDACTED] Presidential Unit Citation (Air and Space Forces) [REDACTED] Presidential Unit Citation (Coast Guard) [REDACTED] DHS Outstanding Unit Award [REDACTED] Valorous Unit Award (Army) [REDACTED] Navy Unit Commendation [REDACTED] Gallant Unit Citation (Air and Space Forces) [REDACTED] Coast Guard Unit Commendation [REDACTED] Army Meritorious Unit Commendation [REDACTED] Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation [REDACTED] Meritorious Unit Award (Air and Space Forces) [REDACTED] Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation Diplomatic Security Service The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS)
3534-555: The U.S. Senate Internal Security Subcommittee deficiencies in the State Department clearance process. The allegations were traced all the way up to then Secretary of State Dean Rusk . Despite multiple awards, appeals from multiple U.S. Senators and not backing down, Secretary Rusk removed Otepka from his position and ultimately unceremoniously fired him. Starting sometime after World War II, SY began regularly protecting visiting heads of state, but it had done so sporadically since
3627-415: The 1930s. Before his departure in 1947, SY Director Bannerman began codifying procedures for overseas security. This process continued in the late 1940s, with a number of RSO positions being created. From that time and through the early 1970s, the number of agents remained relatively small, hovering around 300, with more than half of these serving overseas at any given time. The April 1983 U.S. Embassy bombing
3720-501: The 29 field offices nationwide. A small percentage of DSS special agents are members of the State Department 's Civil Service and are not mandated to serve tours overseas; they instead focus on criminal investigations and dignitary protection within the United States. When assigned to domestic field offices, DSS special agents investigate passport fraud and visa fraud , and protect visiting foreign dignitaries. They also investigate
3813-594: The Chief Special Agent's office became known as SY (short for Office of Security ), which in turn was under the Administration Bureau of the Management Undersecretary. After World War II, SY began expanding its presence overseas, with numerous Regional Security Officer (RSO) positions created in overseas posts. In 1961, Otto Otepka , then a deputy director of SY, brought to the attention of
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3906-591: The DSS chain of command hierarchy. For example, while assigned overseas, Department of State employees are evaluated by their superiors at the embassy or consulate to which they are assigned. In the case of DSS agents, the RSO (senior special agent at post) is rated by the Deputy Chief of Mission and reviewed by the Chief of Mission (Ambassador). DSS hierarchy has no input on the agent's evaluation, though it does provide instructions to
3999-424: The Department of Justice. Overseas DSS must take the role of local and state law enforcement when investigating issues such as spousal or child abuse by U.S. government personnel assigned to the embassy. This is because the host country will not investigate or prosecute diplomats, who are considered to have immunity from their laws. DSS also conducts tens of thousands of background investigations per year – not just for
4092-513: The Department of State to investigate such crimes. When his suggestion failed to gain support, on April 4, 1916, Secretary Lansing, with the authorization of President Woodrow Wilson, created his own task force, the Bureau of Secret Intelligence , which he dubbed "the Secret Service of the Department of State." An off-the-books adjunct to the Division of Information, the Bureau was also known as
4185-416: The Department of State, but for other federal agencies as well. In recent years, DSS has expanded its overseas investigations program with ARSO-I's (Assistant Regional Security Officer-Investigators), also known as "Overseas Criminal Investigators." These agents are given special training in consular functions and are commissioned consular officers. However, they spend a large amount of their time working with
4278-438: The Foreign Service, but the nominations for the awards still go through the Department of State’s awards committee each year. The award recognizes individual excellence in the development, negotiation and/or implementation of national policy and solutions to counter country-specific, regional and/or global nonproliferation, counter-proliferation, political-military, arms control, verification, and/or noncompliance challenges facing
4371-466: The Foreign Service. There is a minimum requirement for several valid nominations in a category in order for some awards to be presented; if there are insufficient nominees or the nominations do not meet a specific threshold, then no award is presented that year. Currently, none of the achievement awards includes a medal set. Service awards are common for the Armed Forces but are not currently favored by
4464-610: The Joint Country Awards Committee for review and recommendation to the chief of mission. Approved nominations will be forwarded through the appropriate area awards committee to the Department Awards Committee for final action. Nominations initiated in Washington are submitted through the appropriate area awards committee to the Department Awards Committee for final action. Due to the nature of their jobs and
4557-461: The Office of the Chief Special Agent, possibly to disguise its sensitive operations. Supported by confidential funds from Secretary Lansing's office, this small force was composed of agents from the U.S. Secret Service , who specialized in counterfeit currency, and agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) , which had the best forensic laboratory in the country. The agents were overseen by
4650-507: The RSO directly under the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) in the chain of command at an Embassy. Outside the Department of State, there is much confusion about the relationship between the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) and the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). DS oversees all security related matters of the Department of State, which includes security at U.S. embassies and consulates. DS has approximately 34,000 employees, of whom roughly 2,500 are U.S. federal agents within DSS. As such, DSS
4743-498: The U.S, and by RSOs overseas, focus mainly on passport or visa fraud. DSS Special Agents also investigate such cases as human and sex trafficking, document fraud, international parental kidnapping, violations of the Protect Act, assaults on federally protected persons, fugitive arrests overseas (with host nation assistance), counterterrorism and counterintelligence (CI) investigations and international organized crime cases. If there
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#17328557379424836-532: The U.S. Secret Service and other federal agencies, protect dozens of foreign dignitaries in New York City. DSS has the authority to provide protection for foreign heads of state and was the lead agency for this role through the early 1970s. However, an order signed by President Richard Nixon gave primary responsibility of protection of visiting heads of state to the Secret Service. Nevertheless, DSS has expanded its protection mission, including providing security to
4929-466: The U.S. border, ARSO-I's may work alien smuggling, human trafficking, and passport and visa fraud cases with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and HSI. In addition, ARSO-I's also have responsibilities outside of their respective Consular assignments for mission security. The Diplomatic Security Service Office of Investigations and Counterintelligence (DS/ICI/CI) conducts a robust counterintelligence program designed to deter, detect, and neutralize
5022-591: The U.S. trying to establish a false U.S. identity, or stealing the identity from an American, often one who has died. Visa fraud can also include participating in sham marriages in order to allow an unentitled foreigner to become a U.S. citizen. Sometimes Americans, including Foreign Service Officers (FSOs), are the target of DSS investigations, such as an FSO selling visas for personal gain. DSS also investigates other alleged improper or illegal behavior by Department of State personnel, to include incidents of espionage. Such cases would involve other agencies, such as
5115-536: The United States by other federal agencies, DSS Agents have to work jointly with their foreign counterparts in often hostile areas of the world. On January 28, 2009, CIA station chief Andrew Warren in Algiers , Algeria was reportedly under investigation by DSS for having allegedly raped two local Muslim women. The Diplomatic Security Service is tasked with tracking and capturing fugitives who have fled U.S. jurisdiction to avoid prosecution. In 2009, it assisted in
5208-570: The United States. A signed certificate and stipend of $ 5,000 will be awarded to the Foreign Service employee and the Civil Service employee respectively, whose contributions best meet the selection criteria. The runner-up Foreign Service employee and Civil Service employee would each receive an award of $ 1,000 and signed certificate. Awards and decorations of the United States military#Order of precedence Various medals, service ribbons , ribbon devices , and specific badges recognize military service and personal accomplishments of members of
5301-519: The United States. The award consists of a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $ 10,000. The Sue M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service is presented to a Non-Career Ambassador who (a) has used private sector leadership and management skills to make a significant impact on bilateral or multilateral relations and (b) has done so in a manner that best reflects the foreign service culture of uncommon commitment in carrying out United States foreign policy through proactive diplomacy. The award
5394-442: The United States. The winner receives a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and a $ 10,000 stipend and the runner-up receives a signed certificate and a $ 2,000 stipend. The award recognizes Civil and Foreign Service personnel who emphasize the importance of labor diplomacy in promoting the values and ideals of American democracy abroad and illustrate the variety of tasks Labor Officers perform. The winner receives $ 10,000 and
5487-517: The United States. By the 1920s, the Chief Special Agent no longer reported his office's activities directly to the Secretary of State, instead answering to the Assistant Secretary of State for Administration . Within the next two decades major passport fraud activities were detected and neutralized worldwide, often involving both Communists and Nazis . During World War II , State Department agents were once again involved in interning and exchanging diplomatic officials of enemy powers. Around this time,
5580-529: The activities of foreign intelligence agencies that are focused on the Department of State, assist in apprehending fugitives that have fled the United States, and conduct background checks on State Department employees, applicants and contractors. When assigned to U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, DSS special agents perform law enforcement duties at U.S. missions, provide security assistance, protect senior diplomats and perform other roles as needed. The ranking DSS special agent at an embassy or consulate holds
5673-503: The agent. DSS is best identified with its protection assignments around the globe. The largest permanent dignitary protection detail carried out by DSS agents is on the United States Secretary of State . The Ambassador to the United Nations also has an ongoing protection detail. Some U.S. ambassadors receive protection from DSS in addition to security provided overseas by the host countries, depending on their post. Currently,
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#17328557379425766-488: The chief of mission. Approved nominations will be forwarded through the appropriate area awards committee to the Department Awards Committee for final action. Nominations initiated in Washington are submitted through the appropriate area awards committee to the Department Awards Committee for final action. The Award for Heroism is given "recognition of acts of courage or outstanding performance under unusually difficult or dangerous circumstances, whether or not in connection with
5859-503: The country. The Office of Protective Intelligence and Investigations (PII) in the Threat Intelligence and Analysis division has DSS Special Agents who travel all over the world investigating threats to the Secretary of State and U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Any time there is a threat or an attack against a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, DSS Special Agents are the first on the scene to investigate. The Rewards for Justice Program (RFJ)
5952-487: The dangerous environment where they often operate, Foreign Service Special Agents of the Diplomatic Security Service have earned this award on numerous occasions. The Thomas Jefferson Star for Foreign Service "recognizes those individuals who, while traveling or serving abroad on official business, are killed or incur a serious illness or injury that results in death, permanent incapacity or disability." It
6045-404: The death of one suspect and the capture of the second suspect. DSS investigates crimes against State Department personnel and other U.S. Government personnel and families assigned under Chief of Mission authority at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. DSS Special Agents have investigated thefts, assaults, rapes, and murders, among other charges, around the world. Unlike investigations conducted in
6138-483: The donor, in memory of Ambassador James Clement Dunn. Ambassador Dunn retired from the Service in 1956 with the rank of Career Ambassador. The recipient receives a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $ 10,000. The James Clement Dunn Award for Excellence recognizes leadership, intellectual skills, managerial ability, and personal qualities that most fully exemplify the standards of excellence desired of officers at
6231-710: The efforts of foreign intelligence services targeting Department of State personnel, facilities, and diplomatic missions worldwide. The office's counterintelligence division conducts aggressive counterintelligence inquires and counterespionage investigations with other U.S. government agencies. Counterespionage investigations are conducted in coordination with the FBI in accordance with their legal mandates. The division conducts numerous counterintelligence and security awareness training programs for all U.S. Government personnel requesting or having access to sensitive Department of State facilities and information. All training programs enhance
6324-449: The environment, and science; democracy, human rights, and labor; population, migration, and refugees; and international narcotics and crime. The award consists of a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $ 10,000. This annual award recognizes the high standards of performance which characterize the work of Civil Service Secretaries in the Department and abroad. It is granted annually to one Civil Service Secretary whose performance
6417-457: The first person in charge of the predecessor agency that eventually became the Bureau of Diplomatic Security in 1985, this award is presented to a member of the Civil or Foreign Service serving in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security for outstanding contributions in support of the Bureau's mission. The recipient receives a cash award of $ 10,000 and a certificate signed by the Secretary of State. The award
6510-455: The fraud units in consular sections, investigating visa and passport fraud, as well as crimes that have a nexus to those documents, including terrorism, organized crime, trafficking in persons, and narcotics violations. The ARSO-I's may work alien smuggling and human trafficking investigations alongside resident or regional ICE- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents. Attaché who typically has jurisdictional primacy in these arenas. At
6603-524: The heads of Afghanistan , Haiti and Liberia in their respective home countries. The appointment of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State raised questions about whether DSS would serve its usual protective role, since, as a former First Lady, she received Secret Service protection. DSS was ultimately named as the lead agency to carry out the protection for Hillary Clinton during her tenure as Secretary of State. DSS investigations, carried out by numerous Field Offices and Resident Agent offices throughout
6696-410: The last three have been senior law enforcement officers, brought in from other law enforcement agencies. With the creation of DS and DSS, its ranks grew to well over 1,000 agents. However, by the mid-1990s, budget cutbacks were foisted on the U.S. State Department by Congress, and the department in turn trimmed the budget of DSS to the point where it had dwindled to a little over 600 agents. Although DSS
6789-509: The management, development, implementation, or support of computer technology. The award consists of a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $ 10,000. This award is presented to a member of the Foreign Service who demonstrates unusual mastery of a world or difficult language while studying at the Foreign Service Institute . The award consists of a certificate signed by the Secretary and $ 10,000. This award, established as
6882-510: The medal and ribbon in the appropriate order of precedence as a U.S. non-military personal decoration . As delineated in numerous diplomatic cables describing each one, achievement awards recognize specific service over the previous year in a specific field or job category. The majority of the awards include a certificate, signed by the Secretary of State and a cash bonus. The cash bonuses range from zero to $ 10,000. Some awards are sponsored by private donors, who are often former members of
6975-471: The mid-career level. This annual award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments (by a Foreign Service or a Civil Service employee) in furthering the goals of the Department's EEO program through exceptionally effective leadership, skill, imagination, and innovation in extending and promoting equal opportunities for all employees. The award consists of a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $ 10,000. The Cordell Hull Award for Economic Achievement by
7068-473: The performance of assigned duties." It may be granted for: (1) Sustained superior performance while under threat of physical attack or harassment; or (2) An individual act of courage or exceptional performance at the risk of personal safety. The award consists of a sterling silver medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary. Nominations for the Award for Heroism are submitted through supervisory channels to
7161-422: The performance of official duties." This award could be presented to members of the foreign affairs communities who were held hostage or captive while serving overseas on official orders. The award consists of a medal set and a certificate signed by the Secretary. Nominations for the Secretary's Award are submitted through supervisory channels to the Joint Country Awards Committee for review and recommendation to
7254-658: The political and economic processes or as policy shapers. An annual stipend of $ 10,000 will be given in two awards of $ 5,000 each: one to a Foreign Service or Civil Service employee and one to a Foreign Service National at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The FSN of the Year Award is given in recognition of the value to the U.S. Government through special contributions made by Department of State Foreign Service National (FSN) employees hired under direct hire appointments and personal service agreements at U.S. diplomatic posts abroad. Annually, each Regional Bureau nominates one candidate, which
7347-636: The power to arrest, carry firearms , serve arrest warrants and perform other law enforcement activities. Whereas most U.S. federal law enforcement agents are members of the Federal Civil Service , the majority of DSS special agents are both Foreign Service specialists and law enforcement officers. DSS agents are unique in being required to serve multiple-year tours abroad as a condition of employment. When not on an overseas assignment, agents serve at DSS headquarters in Arlington, Virginia , or in one of
7440-411: The protection detail for the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq is one of the largest in the agency's history. Protection of visiting foreign ministers and senior officials from major nations, heads of states and governments not officially recognized by the U.S, heads of major international organizations and high ranking diplomats are typically covered by DSS. Notable protection details include most major members of
7533-634: The protection of foreign embassies and consulates on U.S. soil. Since DSS does not have a true uniformed force with police powers, other agencies or local police departments are reimbursed for providing this service; two notable are the Secret Service Uniformed Division in Washington, D.C. and the New York City Police Department . During the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in September, DSS, as well as
7626-552: The rape of a child, child molestation, and incest. “Diplomatic Security’s Regional Security Office in Lima worked closely with the U.S. Marshals Service and our law enforcement counterparts (INTERPOL) in Peru to locate Viste,” said Jeffrey W. Culver, Director of the Diplomatic Security Service. On October 8, 2010, DSS agents located Dario Sarimiento Tomas in Pampanga, Philippines. DSS worked with Philippine officials to apprehend Tomas, who
7719-465: The reopened U.S Embassy in Afghanistan. The award recognizes those who excel in the most challenging leadership positions overseas. The winner, if an employee of the agencies covered by the Foreign Affairs Manual, receives a certificate signed by the Secretary of State and $ 10,000. In accordance with 3 FAM 4813.2(c), the winner, if a member of the military, may only receive the certificate. Named after
7812-805: The resolution of 136 international fugitive cases from around the globe. In 1995 DSS Special Agents Jeff Riner and Bill Miller, the RSOs assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, along with Pakistani police and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), arrested Ramzi Yousef, who was wanted in connection with the 1993 World Trade Center bombing in New York City. Jared Ravin Yaffe ran a child pornography ring between March and September 2008 by paying babysitters to give him access to children. When police took note, Yaffe fled to North Carolina, Germany, Romania or Bulgaria, and finally Brazil. He traveled under his real name with his own passport and
7905-446: The strict requirements of this award, only two members of the Foreign Service below the rank of Ambassador have ever been personally honored with this award. The Superior Honor Award is presented to groups or individuals in recognition of a special act or service or sustained extraordinary performance covering a period of one year or longer. The following criteria are applicable to granting a Superior Honor Award: The award consists of
7998-656: The title Regional Security Officer (RSO) and is often known as the "security attaché". The origins of DSS go back to the early stages of the First World War, when the United States, which sought to maintain its neutrality, found itself the target of espionage, sabotage and passport fraud. German and Austrian spies were known to be conducting operations in New York City using forged or stolen identity papers. In late 1915, Secretary of State Robert Lansing recommended creating an international law enforcement task force within
8091-420: The understanding of both foreign intelligence and espionage threats and countermeasures, and educate employees on the foreign intelligence environment. In addition, the office relies on a cadre of security engineers to deter, detect, and neutralize attempts by foreign intelligence services to technically penetrate U.S. office buildings and residences. These efforts range from detecting a simple listening device in
8184-604: The wall to countering the most sophisticated electronic eavesdropping devices and systems. On June 4, 2009, DSS and the FBI arrested former Department of State employee Walter Kendall Myers on charges of serving as an illegal agent of the Cuban government for nearly 30 years and conspiring to provide classified U.S. information to the Cuban government. Myers’ arrest is the culmination of a three-year joint DSS/FBI investigation. The Diplomatic Security Service maintains agents in dozens of Joint Terrorism Task Force operations around
8277-448: Was a catharsis for the State Department, which would transform SY into the newly created Diplomatic Security Service, part of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Congress formed a commission headed by Admiral Bobby Ray Inman to look into the bombings of U.S. diplomatic facilities in Beirut. The resultant Inman Report recommended that security at the State Department needed to be elevated to
8370-663: Was by then a Bureau within the State Department, the vast majority of RSOs overseas continued to report to the Administration Officer. This changed in 1999, as fallout from the East Africa embassy bombings of 1998. The terse message from the then Undersecretary for Management announcing the immediate change made it clear that this action was against his best judgment and insinuated that it was done because then Secretary of State Madeleine Albright ordered it. This change stripped DSS out from under Administration Officers and placed
8463-669: Was chased by U.S. Marshals . On February 11, 2009, the United States District Court, Southern District of California issued a federal arrest warrant for Yaffe, and on April 11, Yaffe was profiled on the television show America's Most Wanted . Brazilian federal police caught him on May 11, and he was returned to the United States the next day, where he faced 20 counts in San Diego of child sexual assault, kidnapping, production of child pornography, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. He initially pled not guilty, and his bail
8556-408: Was set at $ 5 million. A year after his capture, Yaffe pled guilty to several counts and was sentenced to 45 years to life in prison, while a babysitter who had provided a child to him also pled guilty and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. DSS Special Agent Terrance Lawrence was involved in returning Yaffe from Brazil. On September 19, 2009, Special Agents from DSS located Derrick Yancey,
8649-501: Was taken into custody in Guatemala. Ariel Patrick was featured on America's Most Wanted. America's Most Wanted featured the capture of Robert Snyder in Belize – DSS Special Agent (RSO) Rob Kelty was interviewed by John Walsh. On April 26, 2010, after failing to check in with pretrial services within two days of his April 21 hearing on his bond status, Andrew Warren 42, was apprehended by
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