The Medal of Honor

The Medal

The Medal of Honor is awarded for our nation’s bravest acts of valor in combat – presented to those who go “above and beyond the call of duty” at the risk of his or her life. It was born during the American Civil War to honor those who distinguished themselves in the line of duty and remains the nation’s highest and oldest continually awarded military decoration for valor. While each branch of military service has its own design, they are all one Medal standing for courage and sacrifice.

The values Medal of Honor Recipients demonstrated on the battlefield — Courage, Integrity, Commitment, Sacrifice, Citizenship and Patriotism — are the values the forge effective leadership in and out of the military.

Army Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor was authorized for the Army when was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 during the American Civil War. The Medal has undergone several design changes since then. The modern design features a five-pointed star surrounded by a green laurel wreath, symbolizing victory and honor. It hangs from a light blue neck ribbon with 13 white stars for the original 13 American colonies.

Navy, Marine Corps & Coast Guard Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor for the Navy and Marine Corps was the authorized in 1861 by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. The Coast Guard is eligible for the Medal of Honor when serving under the Department of the Navy or under combat situations. The modern design features a five-pointed star with a central image of Minerva, representing wisdom and strength. It hangs from an anchor, symbolizing the naval services.

Air Force Medal of Honor

In 1956, Congress approved a separate Medal of Honor design for the Air Force. The new design, however, wasn’t introduced until 1965. Prior to that, Air Force personnel received the Army design of the Medal. The design hasn’t changed since it was introduced, featuring the same five-pointed star as the other designs, but with the profile of the Statue of Liberty, representing freedom. It hangs from the lightning bolts borrowed from the Air Force’s coat of arms.

This Medal’s not mine. it belongs to those kids who never grew up to be grandfathers. I just hold it in trust.

Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams

World War II

It’s a difficult medal to wear because of what comes with it. It represents our country, our history, those who have given life and limb… and whether you’re in the military or … a civilian everybody should serve.

Medal of Honor Recipient Kyle Carpenter

War on Terrorism (Afghanistan)

This Medal’s not mine. it belongs to those kids who never grew up to be grandfathers. I just hold it in trust.

Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams

World War II

Medal of Honor Recipient Kyle Carpenter

War on Terrorism (Afghanistan)

Timeline of the Medal

1861

President Abrahm Lincoln signs legislation creating the Navy Medal of Honor on December 21, 1861

1863

The first Medals of Honor were presented to Union soldiers of the Andrews’ Raiders who had gone on a spy mission into Georgia, hobbling a railway and telegraph lines in the process. The Raid became known as “The Great Locomotive Chase” and the Medals were presented on March 25, 1863.

1897

New standards of awarding the Medal are established: 1. There must be eyewitness statements, 2. Someone other than the recipient must make the nomination, 3. The nomination must be submitted within one year of the action.

1905

President Roosevelt signs an executive order that the Medal must be presented in a formal ceremony. Before that, Recipients could receive theirs in the mail!

1915

Naval and Marine Corps Officers can be nominated/awarded the Medal of Honor. Before this only those enlisted could.

1916

Medal of Honor Roll is established and monthly pensions are sent to those Recipients 65 and older.

1918

The Pyramid of Value is introduced that outlines key military valor awards, like the Purple Heart, etc.

1943

The first - and only - Coast Guard officer was awarded the Medal of Honor

1956

The US Airforce receives congressional authorization to create its own Medal of Honor design

1958

The Congressional Society for the Medal of Honor is created under President Eisenhower.

1963

New guidelines for awarding the Medal of Honor are approved by Congress: the medal can be awarded 1. While engaging in an action against an enemy of the United States, 2. While engaged in military operations involving a conflict with an opposing foreign force, or 3. While serving with friendly forces in an armed conflict against an opposing armed forces in which the US is not a belligerent party.”

2003

Medal of Honor pension increased to $1,000 per month with annual cost of living increases. All Recipients receive this pension so matter their age or occupation.

2013

Congress sets time limits that nominations must be made within three years of the valorous action and the medal must be presented within five years.

Medal of Honor Standards

Awarded by the President, in the name of Congress, the Medal of Honor commemorates those who have shaped our nation’s history with their courage, humanity, patriotism and sacrifice on the battlefield. Of the 40 million Americans who have served in the Armed Forces since the Civil War, only a little more than 3,500 earned the Medal of Honor.

The standards to award the Medal of Honor have evolved over time, but the Medal has always stood for actions that go above and beyond. The current criteria were established in 1963 during the Vietnam War.

The Medal is authorized for any military service member who “distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

While engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.”

Our History

It’s a symbol for the very values its recipients displayed in the moments that mattered, an honor bestowed upon only the most honorable.

It started as a simple idea from Iowa Senator James W. Grimes—a bill authorizing the production and distribution of “medals of honor” to be presented to enlisted seamen and marines who “distinguish themselves by gallantry in action and other seamanlike qualities” during the American Civil War.

All three stand for “Action above and beyond the call of duty.”

Since its creation during the American Civil War, the Medal of Honor has undergone several design changes. The U.S. Army and U.S. Navy have always had separate designs for their personnel. Until the U.S. Air Force introduced its design in 1965, all airmen received the Army design. The U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard receive the U.S. Navy design. Each branch’s design features differences within and surrounding the pendulous star, but all three stand for “action above and beyond the call of duty.”

A Strong Foundation

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOHS) is already actively committed to education and outreach – addressing resiliency, educating America’s youth, and reaching our military, veteran, and business communities. They sponsor character development programs, Citizen Honors Awards. Lessons and activities focus on wide-ranging subjects to show how ordinary people can make a difference. To date, more than 20,000 teachers have been trained to administer these vital programs nationwide. We are thrilled to be partnering with the CMOHS to expand the educational programming inspired by the six core values of the Medal of Honor.

Learn more about the Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOHS) here: www.cmohs.org