ELIGIBILITY:

Eligibility for the Life Saving Award extends beyond members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the VFW Auxiliary to include members of the community whose actions demonstrate extraordinary courage, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to preserving human life.

• The individual must have performed an act that resulted in, or was a direct attempt toward, saving a human life under dangerous, life-threatening, or extraordinary circumstances.


• The actions taken must demonstrate exceptional courage, decisive judgment, quick thinking, and a willingness to place personal safety at risk for the protection of another.
  
• The act should exemplify the principles of selflessness, service, and personal sacrifice that represent the highest values and traditions of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.


• The qualifying incident must have occurred during the current or immediately preceding VFW membership year (July 1st through June 30th).

NOMINATION AND DOCUMENTATION:

To nominate an individual for the Life Saving Award, complete the official Life Saving Award Entry Form and provide supporting documentation that clearly describes the circumstances, actions taken, and outcome of the incident.

Supporting materials may include, but are not limited to:

• Official incident, police, fire, EMS, or other agency reports.


• Witness statements or credible media coverage documenting the event.
  


• Photographs, commendations, certificates, or letters from responding agencies or organizations.


• Verification from law enforcement, emergency personnel, medical professionals, or other appropriate authorities, when applicable.

OFFICIAL AWARD RECOMMENDATION FORM.

Once the official entry form has been completed and all required supporting documentation has been gathered, submit the entire nomination packet to your local VFW Post. Please direct the submission to the attention of the Post Senior Vice Commander or Post Commander for review and further processing.

LIFE SAVING AWARDS:

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is deeply committed to recognizing individuals whose courage, compassion, and decisive actions help preserve human life. Acts of lifesaving service reflect the highest ideals of selflessness, responsibility, and service to others — values that have long been at the heart of the VFW. Through its Life Saving Award program, the VFW proudly honors members of our communities who step forward in critical moments to protect and save the lives of others. These recognitions ensure that extraordinary acts of courage and service do not go unnoticed and that those who place the welfare of others above themselves receive the recognition they deserve.

• Regular Life Saving Citation – Recognizes individuals whose prompt and selfless actions directly result in saving another person’s life, demonstrating compassion, initiative, and a willingness to act without concern for personal comfort or inconvenience.


• Line of Duty Life Saving Citation – Recognizes individuals who, while carrying out their assigned professional or official duties, take decisive action that directly results in saving another person’s life.


• Valor Life Saving Citation – Recognizes civilians whose courageous actions directly result in saving another person’s life while placing their own personal safety at significant risk.

RECOGNITION:

Approved recipients receive a Life Saving Award medal, certificate, and citation from the Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, presented through the VFW Department of Illinois. This distinguished recognition serves as a lasting symbol of courage, selflessness, and a commitment to preserving human life.

Recipients may also be recognized in VFW Department of Illinois publications or honored during the VFW Department of Illinois Annual Convention, providing statewide recognition for their extraordinary actions.