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The eagle perched at the top of the medal is a traditional symbol of the United States. A simple profile of Minerva, the Helmeted Goddess of Wisdom and War, rests in the center of the medal. Dark green oak clusters located in each of the star’s five points represent strength. The wreath of laurel leaves, a symbol of victory, was added in 1904.
- The Army Medal Of Honor. The Army's Medal of Honor (depicted above) dates back to 1862, according to History, the first recipients being a group of six Union soldiers who penetrated deep into enemy territory during the Civil War and destroyed bridges and railroad tracks between Chattanooga and Atlanta.
- The Air Force Medal of Honor. The Air Force Medal of Honor (pictured above) is younger than its Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard and Army counterparts, having been established in 1965, according to Medal of Honor Convention.
- The Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Medal. The Navy Medal of Honor (pictured above) is the oldest of the three medals, according to Medal of Honor Convention, established in 1861 and, at first, available only to enlisted men but later extended to officers as well (per the Naval History and Heritage Command).
- The youngest Medal of Honor recipient was just 11 years old. When asked to imagine a candidate for a Medal of Honor, many would picture soldiers fighting wars.
- The medal of Honor almost wasn't established. The idea of an award for meritorious or heroic action was frowned upon by many. There had been a decoration established by George Washington, known as the Badge of Military Merit, but it had fallen into disuse (so had its successor, the Certificate of Merit which was bestowed during the Mexican-American War).
- Unknown soldiers have also received the medal. Since the Great War (World War I), several American soldiers have been awarded the Medal of Honor. Because the recipients are unknown, their medals are kept at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C.
- Many Medals of Honor have been revoked. In the 20th century, an extensive review was carried and over 900 medals were revoked – including those of Dr. Walker (who refused to return it and continued to wear it until her death) and Buffalo Bill.
Mar 14, 2019 · Army Medal of Honor in the 1904 Gillespie design, presented to Civil War veteran George W. Roosevelt. Shannon Rae. S ince the award was instituted in 1863, the design of the Medal of Honor has gone through several iterations. Some changes have been minor, others significant, particularly the shift from a pin to a neck ribbon.
The look of today’s navy medal is closest to the original medals of the Civil War era; the other two have 20th-century designs. The neck ribbon for all medals includes 13 stars, symbolizing the thirteen original states of the Union. The Meaning of the Medal of Honor has evolved since its establishment during the Civil War.
The Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest award for military valor in action. And while over 150 years have passed since its inception, the meaning behind the Medal has never tarnished. Etched within are the very values that each Recipient displayed in the moments that mattered—bravery, courage, sacrifice, integrity.
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Timeline. The Medal of Honor has achieved prominence in American history like few other awards have. It’s a symbol for the very values its recipients displayed in the moments that mattered, an honor bestowed upon only the most honorable. But before it garnered such distinction, it started as a simple idea from Iowa Senator James W. Grimes—a ...
