The Lone Star Medal of Valor shall be awarded to a member of the military forces of this state, another state, or the United States who performs, either individually or as a member of a crew, specific acts of bravery or outstanding courage, or who performs within an exceptionally short period, either individually or as a member of a crew, a closely related series of heroic acts, if the acts involve personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life and result in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the person or crew apart from the person’s or crew’s comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances. Awarding of the medal requires a lesser degree of gallantry than awarding of the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor, but requires that the acts be performed with marked distinction.