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- DictionaryMed·al of Hon·or/ˌmed(ə)l əv ˈänər/
noun
- 1. the highest US military decoration, awarded by Congress to a member of the armed forces for gallantry and bravery in combat at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.
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The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the United States Armed Forces ' highest military decoration and is awarded to recognize American soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians, and coast guardsmen who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. [1][12] The medal is normally awarded by the president of the United States (the commander in chief ...
- 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- Many Medals of Honor have been revoked.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 Medal of Honor is the highest award for military valor in action, presented only to the deserving who distinguish themselves by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their life. Learn about the history, design, criteria and recipients of this distinguished medal.
Sep 24, 2024 · Medal of Honor, the foremost U.S. military decoration, instituted by Congress in 1861 for the navy and in 1862 for the army, at first awarded only to enlisted men, with officers being permitted to receive the award later. It is given for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty.”
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
The Medal of Honor is the only American military decoration worn around the neck rather than pinned to the uniform. Each of the three principal services has a unique design for its medal. The army and navy awards center on the figure of Minerva, Roman goddess of war and wisdom.
Valor on the Battlefield. The Medal of Honor, created during the Civil War, is the United States’ highest military decoration for acts of valor in combat. Presented by the president in the name of Congress, it is the American armed forces’ oldest continuously issued combat decoration. To date, almost half of the more than 3,400 medals have ...
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For more than 150 years, the Medal of Honor has been the U.S. military's highest award for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. Here is a look at the Medal of Honor by the numbers. It’s often called America’s highest honor. But what is the Medal of Honor? Find out its history—and how it’s earned—in these short videos.
