Who is the approving authority for the Soldier's Medal during peacetime?

The Soldier's Medal is awarded for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. During peacetime, the approving authority for this award is the Secretary of the Army. This responsibility is delineated in Army regulations regarding military awards and honors, which outline the chain of command involved in the approval process. The Secretary of the Army has the authority to award the Soldier’s Medal, reflecting the seriousness and significance of the act of heroism, while maintaining the structure of military recognition and awards.

In contrast, the other authorities mentioned—such as the President, Secretary of Defense, and Congress—are involved in other aspects of military awards and recognition, often related to higher-level honors or decisions that pertain to broader military policy rather than specific acts of individual heroism in a peacetime context.