Assistant Secretary of Defense Abell explains the criteria for the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Management Policy Charles Abell explains the criteria for the newly established Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom during a Pentagon press briefing on Sept. 27, 2001. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld earlier announced the establishment of the medal. The medal is the civilian equivalent of the Purple Heart and will be awarded to DoD civilian employees who are killed or wounded by hostile action while serving in support of the department. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.03 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 363360-E-SMF97-119.jpg Photo Gallery