The Harry S Truman Award, authorized by the NGAUS Board of Directors in 1968, is the highest recognition conferred upon an individual by the Association. Recipients have made sustained contributions of exceptional and far-reaching magnitude to the defense and security of the United States in a manner worthy of recognition at the national level.

Description
For three decades, the Truman has been a very distinctive award. It comprises 13 pewter sculpted minutemen, representing the 13 original colonies.

Criteria
The individual to be selected should have made sustained contributions of exceptional and far-reaching magnitude to the defense and security of the United States in a manner worthy of recognition at the national level. The Truman Award is intended for the civilian and military leaders of America at the national level. Although a single deed or action may be considered as qualification for this award if it is sufficient magnitude and significance, weight should be give to sustained contributions. Past recipients have been Presidents, Senators, Congressmen and senior general officers.

Nomination and Selection Procedures
Any member of the Awards Committee, the Board of Directors or an elected officer of NGAUS, state association President or Adjutants General may nominate an individual to receive this award. The letter should contain clear and detailed statement of the nature and magnitude of the nominated individual’s contributions to an improved defense posture. The Truman Award is usually presented not more than once annually (co-recipients have been named twice). However, if in the view of the Awards Committee or the Board of Directors, no individual has met the requirements of the award, no award will be given. An individual may not receive the Award more than once.