Public Eye Archives

REQUIREMENTS FOR A CARNEGIE MEDAL

A civilian who voluntarily risks his or her own life, knowingly, to an
extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the life of
another person is eligible for recognition by the Carnegie Hero Fund
Commission.

Place and Time

The act of heroism must have occurred in the United States, Canada, or
the waters thereof (12 nautical miles). The act must be brought to the
attention of the Commission within two years of the date of its occurrence.

Responsibility

The act of rescue must be one in which no full measure of responsibility
exists between the rescuer and the rescued. Persons not eligible for
awards are: Those whose duties in following their regular vocations
require them to perform such acts, unless the rescues are clearly beyond
the line of duty; and members of the immediate family, except in cases of
outstanding heroism where the rescuer loses his or her life or is
severely injured. Members of the armed services and children considered
by the Commission to be too young to comprehend the risks involved are
also ineligible for consideration.

Factual Establishment

There must be conclusive evidence to support the threat to the victim's
life, the risk undertaken by the rescuer, the rescuer's degree of
responsibility, and the act's occurrence.

Nominating A Hero

To nominate an individual for the Carnegie Medal, please contact the
Commission (address below) to request a nomination form. Nominations may
also be made by letter: Please include the name and address of the
rescuer, victim, and any known witnesses as well as your name, address,
and telephone number. Supporting documentation, such as incident reports,
newspaper clippings, photos, etc., would be of great assistance.

General Information
Requirements and How to ominate	Latest Awardees
History	Bibliography