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The Army Medal of Honor was established July 12, 1862, soon after the Navy’s. Originally, they differed only in the device connecting the medal to the ribbon: Instead of an anchor, the Army medal was suspended from an eagle, symbolizing the United States.
The Army changed its design in 1904, replacing much of the Civil War-era symbolism. Today, the image at the center of the Army’s medal is a profile of Minerva with an owl on her helmet, representing wisdom. The words “United States of America” surround her profile.
A green laurel wreath, a symbol of victory, encircles the points of the star, and the eagle connecting the medal to its ribbon perches on a gold bar with “VALOR” inscribed on it.
The Navy’s was the first Medal of Honor, established on Dec. 21, 1861.
The original design consisted of an inverted star with two images in the center: On the right was Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and war; on the left was a man clutching snakes and recoiling from her.
The man represented discord — and the insignia came to be known as “Minerva Repulsing Discord” — reflecting the chaos of the Civil War and the struggle to preserve the Union. Surrounding the insignia were 34 stars, representing each state of the Union and the Confederate states.
Originally, the medal hung from a red, white and blue ribbon, but today, all Medals of Honor hang from a light blue ribbon with 13 stars, representing the nation’s 13 original colonies. An anchor connects the Navy medal to its ribbon.
The Air Force Medal of Honor, instituted in 1965, retains many design elements from the Army version, which airmen previously received.
The Air Force medal has a green enamel laurel wreath, representing victory, and oak leaves in the points of the star, representing strength.
At the center of the star, the Air Force medal shows the profile of the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing American ideals. Connecting the medal to the ribbon is an image derived from the Air Force seal of wings, lightning and a thunderbolt, representing striking power through air.
Correct!
Tom Casciaro, chief of The Institute of Heraldry’s technical and production division, said they were initially going to use the standard textile procedures they use for other branches, but they weren’t able to because of the intricacy of the Space Force’s approved designs. Officials with the service mentioned possibly using polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, a material that had been used to make some of Space Force’s unofficial morale patches.
PVC is a frequently used plastic polymer. A rigid type of PVC is commonly used in piping in plumbing and agriculture. However, there’s also a second type that's plasticized and more flexible. That type of PVC is often used as electrical wiring insulation or in flooring. Engineers have said it can even act as an effective replacement for rubber, which is what the PVC insignia feel and look like.
Incorrect!
See that chevron on your uniform, badge on your cap, or the seal that adorns the building you walk into every day? Over the past 100 years, someone at The Institute of Heraldry was likely responsible for it.
Heraldry is a visual process, an art form perfected by these guardians of the nation's symbolic heritage.
“It allows for cohesiveness and kind of a unit esprit, unit morale that everybody shares that insignia. That’s particularly important in the military. ”
- Charles Mugno Director, The Institute of Heraldry
You may have noticed there are a lot of pins, medallions and other metal-based items that can adorn a military uniform. But have you ever thought about the work that went into making those products? In addition to creating the emblems and insignia, quality assurance checks are necessary to guarantee the products are worthy of the institutions they represent. Want to know how QA experts make sure military medals make the grade?
Once a design is created, approved and certified, U.S. manufacturers partnering with the institute cut steel block, stamp-like molds known as dies to very specific specifications using drawings provided by the institute. Those master dies are kept at the institute and are used to make their designs into physical items.
Samples of the finished metal-based products, such as medals and pins, also undergo testing via something called an X-ray spectrometer. It tests the composition of the products to make sure the manufacturers are using the correct metals. Two other tests metal insignia may undergo are the Shore D durometer and the plating thickness tester.
When it comes to pins, the institute pulls at their posts (the pointy part) to make sure they’re welded on properly. It also tests 22 medal finishes — from oxidized matte to super shiny — to make sure the manufacturers know how to produce those correctly, as well.
Making the Mold
Testing the Product
Final Touches
The intricate design of the Space Force’s insignia called for a more modern material – one you probably have in your own home. Can you guess which one?
Military rank is more than just who salutes whom. It is a badge of leadership. Responsibility for personnel, equipment and mission grows with each advancement.
Every stripe and pin on a U.S. service member's uniform has a special meaning. Let's see how many of them you already know!
The Institute of Heraldry is responsible for producing the nation’s highest military award for valor, the Medal of Honor, which is presented by the president in Congress’ name. It was first authorized in 1861 for sailors and Marines, and for soldiers the following year. By law, only U.S. service members who distinguish themselves “through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty” can receive the Medal of Honor.
Click below to learn more about the three versions of the medal.
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Of the millions who have served the nation, more than 3,500 men and one woman have received its highest award for valor. How much do you know about the Medal of Honor and its recipients?