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 interrupts Medal of Honor ceremonies to talk about it.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026

Eastern time, the president is scheduled to hold a Medal of Honor ceremony at 11 a.m., followed by “signing time” at 1:30, p.m. and policy meetings at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

Trump added that he too hopes to one day receive a Medal of Honor.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

He received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.

From Salon • Aug. 9, 2025

Franklin D. Roosevelt was hanging the Congressional Medal of Honor around my neck, saying, “Without regard for her personal safety, she entered the very stronghold of the foe.”

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson