The Intelligence Star is an award given by the Central Intelligence Agency to its officers for "voluntary acts of courage performed under hazardous conditions or for outstanding achievements or services rendered with distinction under conditions of grave risk". The award citation is from the Director of Central Intelligence and specifically cites actions of "extraordinary heroism". It is the second-highest award given by the Central Intelligence Agency, behind only the Distinguished Intelligence Cross, and is analogous to the Silver Star, the US military award for extraordinary heroism in combat. Only a few dozen people have received this award (most posthumously), making it one of the rarest valor awards awarded by the US government.