The National Medal of Honor
The Medal
The Medal of Honor was born during the Civil War as a way of honoring those who distinguished themselves in the line of duty.
Each Medal was thoughtfully designed to reflect the values of its recipients. Steeped with symbolism, the Medal has become a historic symbol of our nation’s bravest, those that “…distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”
The Army Medal of Honor
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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.”
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.
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