Medal of Honor
Overview
The Medal of Honor is the United States of America's highest and most prestigious personal military decoration that may be awarded to recognize U.S. military service members who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. The medal is normally awarded by the President of the United States in the name of the U.S. Congress. Because of this, the decoration is often referred to informally as the "Congressional Medal of Honor". However, the official name is simply the "Medal of Honor".
History
The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the oldest continuously issued combat decoration of the United States Armed Forces. The first Medals of Honor were presented on March 25, 1863. The idea for the Medal of Honor was proposed by Iowa Senator James W. Grimes to Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles. The proposal was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on December 21, 1861. The Navy version of the Medal of Honor was established by Joint Resolution of Congress on December 21, 1861, and the Army version of the medal was established by Joint Resolution of Congress on July 12, 1862.
Design
The Medal of Honor has evolved in appearance over time. The upside-down star design of the medal is attributed to the influence of the "Texas Star". In the center of the medal, there is a shield paly of thirteen pieces on the obverse side, representing the original thirteen states. Around the shield is a green laurel wreath, a symbol of victory. The ribbon of the Medal of Honor is light blue with thirteen white stars.
Criteria and Eligibility
The Medal of Honor is awarded for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty". The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life. The criteria for the Medal of Honor are the highest of any U.S. military decoration, and it is often awarded posthumously.
Recipients
As of 2021, there have been 3,507 Medals of Honor awarded to 3,525 individuals. Nineteen men have been awarded the Medal of Honor twice. Five Medals of Honor were awarded for a single action, to the men who participated in the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. There are currently 69 living recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Controversies
Over the years, there have been several controversies and criticisms over certain Medal of Honor awards. In some cases, the Medal of Honor was awarded for actions that were later deemed not to have been as heroic as initially thought. In other cases, it was determined that the medal was not awarded when it should have been. The process of awarding the Medal of Honor has been revised several times in an attempt to address these issues.
Legacy
The Medal of Honor has a profound significance in American military history and culture. It symbolizes the highest ideals of courage and sacrifice, and those who receive it are accorded the utmost respect. The Medal of Honor has inspired numerous books, films, and other works of art, and it continues to be a powerful symbol of American military valor.