The NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal is an award of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration that was established in the year 1991. The medal is awarded to both civilian members of NASA and military astronauts.
To be awarded the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, a NASA member must make substantial contributions characterized by a substantial and significant improvement in operations, efficiency, service, financial savings, science, or technology which directly contribute to the mission of NASA. For civilians, the decoration is typically bestowed to mid level and senior NASA administrators who have supervised at least four to five successful NASA missions. Astronauts may be awarded the decoration after two to three space flights.
Due to the prestige of the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, it is authorized as a military decoration for display on active duty military uniforms upon application from the service member to the various branch of the military in which they serve.

Notable Recipients of the Medal

Chris Adami JPL physicist
Richard Arenstorf Vanderbilt University mathematician
Gordon Cooper astronaut
Carl Sagan astronomer
Alan Shepard astronaut