 The National Intelligence Medal of Achievement was awarded by the Director of Central Intelligence and was a high enough award that it was to be presented by the Director of Central Intelligence, the Deputy Director of Central Intelligence, or if circumstance prevented presentation by those officials, it could be presented by the head of the Intelligence Community component where the recipient was assigned.The medal was presented to reward, "especially meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States" by personnel working in the Intelligence Community.The award recognized performance of duty with a high degree of difficulty that was clearly exceptional, but of a lesser degree than what was required for the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal.