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Below are images illustrating the evolution of Medal of Honor designs from the beginning. The original designs were worn on the lapel of a recipient. Today the Medal of Honor is the only U.S. Military medal that hangs around the neck.
- 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- Many Medals of Honor have been revoked.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.
- 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).
Mar 14, 2019 · Until World War II, the medal was often worn pinned to the breast of recipients, although it was sometimes pinned at the neck or attached to a neck ribbon. But in 1942, the Navy universally adopted a neck ribbon to further distinguish the Medal of Honor from other decorations — it is the only American military award to be worn in this way.
Established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861, the Medal of Honor is awarded by the sitting President, in the name of Congress, and commemorates service members who have shaped our nation’s history
Jul 12, 2012 · On November 11, 1865, President Andrew Johnson presented her with the Medal of Honor, making her the only woman to date to receive the decoration. In 1917 the Army changed its eligibility...
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Dec 11, 2020 · What Is the Medal of Honor Given For? The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest award for military valor in action. First signed into law in 1861 during the Civil War, the Medal of Honor has fewer than 3, 600 Recipients. The Medal is a distinguished award, presented to those who have shown gallantry and intrepidity, at the risk of their ...
