Awarded for valor in action against an enemy force, the Medal of Honor is one of two military awards that are worn around the neck. It was originally created during the time of the Civil War to represent the valiant efforts of service members. Over the years, the award has become a symbol of the bravest of the brave, those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
There have been 3454 recipients of this award but only 85 recipients are still living. Those awarded have been in involved in: Boxer Rebellion, Civil War, Haiti 1915, Korean War, Vietnam War, WWI, WWII, War in Iraq & Afghanistan, and many many other historical events. Incredibly, 19 men have been awarded the Medal of Honor twice in their lifetime.
Medal of Honor Day has been declared annually as March 25. It's coming up in a few days so study up and be knowledgeable about some of our greatest servicemen!
The Medal of Honor is "awarded in the name of Congress to a person who, while a member
of the Army, distinguished 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 (figure 1). The deed performed must
have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to
clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have
involved risk of life."
of the Army, distinguished 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 (figure 1). The deed performed must
have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to
clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have
involved risk of life."
President Obama awarding Giunta the Medal of Honor on Nov. 16, 2010
Fun Fact: Only one woman was every awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor! Mary Walker received the medal on July 21, 1861 at Bull Run.
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