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Spotlight

Medal of Honor

The nation's highest military award for valor is the Medal of Honor, presented by the president in Congress' name. 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.

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Fast Facts About
The Medal of Honor

Medal of Honor recipients served in numerous wars and conflicts.

Recipients can receive more than one Medal of Honor.

Some states stand out for having large numbers of Medal of Honor recipients.

In the past, civilians also received the Medal of Honor.

Only one president has ever received the Medal of Honor.

Some recipients were related to each other.

Profiles in Valor

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A man in a military service uniform poses for a photo. Read More

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Capt. Daniel Inouye

Army Capt. Daniel Ken Inouye's time in the military was just the start of a storied public service career that spanned more than half a century.

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A picture of a Medal of Honor recipient. Read More

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Maj. Dexter Kerstetter

Army Maj. Dexter James Kerstetter, affectionately called "Pop" by his fellow soldiers, received the Medal of Honor for his bravery and leadership while the Allies fought to retake the Philippines in 1945.

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A man in combat fatigues and sunglasses sits in a vehicle. Read More

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith

Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith's focus on preparation helped save the lives of more than 100 U.S. troops during the battle for Baghdad's airport in the early days of the Iraq War.

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How Did the Medal of Honor Come to Be?

A Marine Corps Cpl. recites the oath of enlistment during his reenlistment ceremony.

In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln signed Public Resolution 82 to create 200 "medals of honor" for the Navy, later authorizing Army medals in 1862. The first recipients were Union Army soldiers involved in the Andrews' Raid, a mission to sabotage Confederate railroad operations. Prior to World War II, Medals of Honor often recognized group acts of valor rather than individuals.

How Did the Medal of Honor Evolve?

Soldiers conduct a night jump with the Dolomite Mountains in the distance.

Since World War I, the Medal of Honor has evolved into the prestigious award we know today. Its requirements became stricter between 1861 and 1918, making it an even rarer distinction. More changes came with the July 1918 Act of Congress, which authorized presidents to present the medal on Congress' behalf. Its significance grew through World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, with each conflict producing remarkable stories of valor.

What Is the Process for Receiving the Medal of Honor?

Soldiers in an all-black regiment called the Harlem Hellfighters pose with their awards for gallantry in combat, 1919.

The recommendation process for the Medal of Honor is rigorous, taking more than 18 months. This long, careful review begins with a nomination from either a service member's chain of command or a member of Congress and then goes through multiple levels of approval from both military and defense leaders, all the way up to the president. After the president's approval, the recipient is notified, and preparations for their ceremony begin.

How Far Back Can We Trace U.S. Decorations of Valor?

A Navy Petty Officer stands watch in the combat information center.

On Aug. 7, 1782, George Washington established the first American military decoration of valor for "[…] instances of unusual gallantry [and] of extraordinary fidelity and essential service." The next year, Sgt. William Brown, Sgt. Elijah Churchill and Sgt. Daniel Bissell Jr. were each awarded this Badge of Military Merit. However, military medals fell out of use until the Medal of Honor was established during the Civil War.

All Medal of honor designs

The Medal of Honor was initially awarded to Navy and Army service members, but over time, its eligibility expanded to all branches of the U.S. military. Originally, the medal was hung on a red, white and blue ribbon, but today, all Medals of Honor are hung on a light blue ribbon with 13 stars, representing the nation's 13 original colonies. While each medal has its own unique design, common themes depicted include valor, victory, strength, unity and wisdom.

Army Medal of Honor.

The Roman goddess of wisdom and war, Minerva, sits in profile at the center of the Army's Medal of Honor with the words "United States of America" surrounding her. A green laurel wreath, which symbolizes victory, encircles the points of this inner star. Oak leaves are featured on the points of the star, symbolizing strength. A bald eagle connects the medal to its ribbon while perching on a gold bar that states "VALOR."

Navy Medal of Honor

The medal depicts Columbia, the personification of the United States, who has adopted the form of the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, Minerva. Columbia uses the shield of the Union to defeat a man, Discord, who is clutching snakes, a symbol of strife and civil war. These figures are encircled by 34 stars, representing the number of stars on the U.S. flag in 1862, when the Civil War began. An anchor connects the medal to its ribbon.

Air Force Medal of Honor

The medal depicts Lady Liberty's profile at the center of the inner star, symbolizing American ideals. A green enamel laurel wreath, representing victory, surrounds the inner star. Oak leaves are featured within the points of the star, representing strength. The Air Force seal of wings, which includes lightning and a thunderbolt striking the air to represent power and might, connects the medal to its ribbon.

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