Medal of Honor

American  

noun

1. the highest U.S. military decoration, awarded by Congress to a member of the armed forces for gallantry and bravery in combat, at the risk of life and above and beyond the call of duty.

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Medal of Honor British  

noun

1. the highest US military decoration, awarded by Congress for conspicuous bravery in action: instituted in 1861 (Navy), 1862 (Army)

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Medal of Honor Cultural  

1. The highest military decoration in the United States armed services, often called the Congressional Medal of Honor. It recognizes valor and bravery in action “above and beyond the call of duty.” There have been some 3,400 recipients of the medal, which was established by an act of Congress in 1862.

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Example Sentences

He is the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Arthur W. Page Center Integrity in Public Communications award, and multiple journalism awards.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Trump then announced that Williams would receive the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

The latter received a Congressional Medal of Honor and the former a Legion of Merit award for Extraordinary Heroism.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

O’Hare International Airport in Chicago was named for Edward Henry “Butch” O’Hare, the first Navy pilot to win the Medal of Honor, who died in combat in 1943.

From Slate • Dec. 20, 2025

Man, I think if we make it out of here we deserve a Medal of Honor or a Purple Heart.

From "Our America: Life and Death on the South Side of Chicago" by LeAlan Jones