According to a Pentagon memo due out today, the military will introduce a new "R" designation -- known as a "device" -- that can be attached to medals given to drone operators and other non-combat troops, such as cyber warriors who hack enemy networks.
The new honor comes as part of a year-long Pentagon review of how the US military gives awards, sometimes criticized as taking too long or being too stringent.
Among the report's other recommendations are that the cases of about 1,100 medals given for bravery be reevaluated to see if they could be upgraded.
"Although there is no indication that members were inappropriately recognized, the secretary determined that unusual Medal of Honor awards trends reported by the recent Military Decorations and Awards Review justified a review," the Pentagon said in a statement.
Only 17 troops have been given Medals of Honor in America's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, far fewer than in previous conflicts, such as the Vietnam War.
The US military is struggling to recruit and retain sufficient operators to fly the thousands of drones currently deployed across the Middle East, Afghanistan and parts of Africa.
"As the impact of remote operations on combat continues to increase, the necessity of ensuring those actions are distinctly recognized grows," the memo states.
The "R" (for remote) will be a small bronze letter that can be affixed to a medal ribbon, and will be awarded to "service members who use remote technology to directly impact combat operations."
Former defense secretary Chuck Hagel nixed a proposed new combat medal for US troops who launch drone strikes or cyber attacks, after a torrent of criticism from veterans and lawmakers.
Current Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, who started his job in February, is expected to sign off on the changes today.
The Pentagon is also creating a new "C" designation for medals that were earned during combat.