Prentares Ribbon of Commendation

The Prentares Ribbon of Commendation is an esteemed award given by Starfleet Command for diffusing tense political situations, usually high profile ones, without the use of force where force would seem the only answer. The award was created in 2172 by Fleet Admiral Sergio Douglas.

The award is a red and black ribbon, that has a blue and red ring at the bottom.

Award Ceremony
To receive the Prentares Ribbon of Commendation, multiple Fleet Admirals have to submit a written nomination to the Starfleet Commander-in-Chief, who answers only to the Federation President. This usually means the Admirals had nothing to do with the event the person may receive the award for, but had come across it by reading Starfleet updates (this is why the award is usually only given for high-profile situations.)

If the C-in-C approves, they officially order the Starfleet Department of Awards and Commendations, to produce a ribbon. The officer is then called back to Earth where he is presented it in a ceremony outside Starfleet Headquarters in San Francisco. The officer being presented has the choice of how big a ceremony he wants, ranging from allowing the public to enter, to just a personal ceremony with the C-in-C and the officer.

Restrictions
While an officer receiving the award may be any rank, they must have graduated Starfleet Academy. Also, receiving the award usually entitles being in a command position to earn it. This means almost every recipient has been a starship Captain, except for several circumstances where the First or Second Officer had to command in the Captain's absence.

There is no restriction on the number of Prentares Ribbons an officer may receive, although as of 2380, no one has received more than one.