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Medal of Honor
noun
- 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.
Medal of Honor
noun
- the highest US military decoration, awarded by Congress for conspicuous bravery in action: instituted in 1861 (Navy), 1862 (Army)
Medal of Honor
- 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 received a commission soon after and was retired in 1899 as a brigadier-general and medal-of-honor man.
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More About Medal of Honor
What is the Medal of Honor?
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the United States. It is awarded by Congress to members of the military who show bravery in combat or risk their lives for a military cause.
The Medal of Honor, also known as the Congressional Medal of Honor can be officially awarded to anyone who has served in the United States armed forces for risking their life beyond what their duty would expect. The award is primarily given for actions in combat or on a battlefield, but it can be awarded to naval officers for noncombat achievements, such as saving a life, as well.
A Medal of Honor candidate is recommended by their chain of command or Congress. The recommendation is then reviewed by several organizations within the candidate’s military branch, the Secretary of Defense, and finally the president of the United States. The president is the one who awards the medal, although they do so on behalf of Congress and is said to be awarded by Congress.
The Medal of Honor itself is a metallic star suspended by a blue ribbon with 13 white stars on it. If the recipient served or serves in the navy or marines, the medal depicts Minerva using a shield against Discord. If the recipient served or serves in the army, it depicts Minerva, with the word valor and an Eagle above it. If the candidate served or serves in the Air Force, it depicts the Statue of Liberty with the word valor above it.
When is the Medal of Honor given out?
The Medal of Honor can be given out whenever Congress feels it is warranted. Since its creation, the Medal of Honor has been given out over 3,400 times.
More information and context on the Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor was created in 1861 to award members of the navy and opened to the army in 1862. The award was originally only for enlisted men, but it was eventually opened to ranking officers and enlisted women. It was created as a way to honor those who had served in the United States Civil War but Congress made it a permanent award in 1863.
In 1905 President Theodore Roosevelt signed an Executive Order to have the Medal of Honor be given out at a formal ceremony rather than sent through the mail. The Air Force received its own design for the Medal of Honor in 1956.
What are some terms that often get used in discussing the Medal of Honor?
How is the Medal of Honor discussed in real life?
The Medal of Honor is widely acknowledged as the highest honor in the United States military and is often treated as such.
"Kyle is a shining example of what our nation needs to encourage." —President Obama to Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 19, 2014
Breaking: WW1 hero Henry Johnson of Albany to receive Medal of Honor Pres. Obama just announced. #medalofhonor
— Paul Grondahl (@PaulGrondahl) May 14, 2015
Sixteen African American soldiers won the Congressional Medal of Honor for their brave service in the Civil War. #BlackHistoryMonth
— HISTORY (@HISTORY) February 16, 2015
Try using Medal of Honor!
True or False?
The Medal of Honor appears different depending on the branch of the military the recipient served in.
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