History

The Scott Medal for Valour was estabished in 1923 by Colonel Walter Scott, the Honorary Commissioner of the New York City Police. Scott presented the world’s youngest police force, Ireland’s Garda Síochána, with a $1000 gold bond that would pay for a gold medal. Two years later, Scott presented the Garda Síochána with an additional $500 bond in order to fund a silver medal and bronze medal.

The Medal is awarded annually by the Minister for Justice, Equality, and Law Reform to members of the Garda Síochána in recognition of an act of bravery that was performed with the knowledge of personal risk.

The Silver Medal obverse features the eagle and shield of the United States of America and the harp and sunburst of Ireland. The reverse features the crest of New York City surrounded by panels of the four provinces of Ireland. A total of 122 have been awarded.