§ 2002. Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal; other decorations or medals
The Secretary of Transportation may award—
(1)
a Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal to an individual for outstanding acts, conduct, or valor beyond the line of duty;
(2)
a Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal to an individual for meritorious acts, conduct, or valor in the line of duty, but not of the outstanding character as would warrant the award of the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal;
(3)
a decoration or medal to an individual for service in time of war or national emergency proclaimed by the President or Congress, or during operations by the Armed Forces of the United States outside the continental United States under conditions of danger to life and property; and
(4)
a decoration or medal to an individual for other acts or service of conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity, and extraordinary heroism under conditions of danger to life and property that would warrant a similar decoration or medal for a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.