The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest award for valor in combat, bestowed upon members of the United States Armed Forces. It is reserved for acts of extreme gallantry and intrepidity performed at the risk of one's life above and beyond the call of duty during military operations against an enemy of the United States.
What is the Medal of Honor?
The Medal of Honor represents the highest level of personal courage and sacrifice a service member can demonstrate. Established during the American Civil War, its purpose was to recognize extraordinary bravery on the battlefield.
Initially, the medal was authorized for naval personnel, including Sailors and Marines, in 1861. The following year, its scope was expanded to include Soldiers as well. Over its history, the criteria for awarding the medal have become increasingly stringent, ensuring it truly represents the pinnacle of military heroism.
Historical Authorization
The establishment of the Medal of Honor marked a pivotal moment in recognizing individual bravery within the U.S. military.
| Service Branch(es) | First Authorized |
|---|---|
| Navy and Marine Corps | 1861 |
| Army | 1862 |
Criteria for Earning the Medal of Honor
Earning a Medal of Honor requires an individual to distinguish themselves conspicuously by:
- Gallantry and Intrepidity: Demonstrating extraordinary bravery and fearlessness.
- At the Risk of One's Life: Performing the act with full awareness of grave personal danger, often involving direct exposure to enemy fire or other life-threatening situations.
- Above and Beyond the Call of Duty: Exhibiting actions that are clearly and unmistakably above what would be expected of a service member in similar circumstances, even under intense pressure. This implies a voluntary act of heroism, not merely performing assigned duties.
- Combat with an Enemy: The act must occur during actual conflict with an enemy of the United States, in connection with military operations.
Examples of actions that might warrant a Medal of Honor include single-handedly neutralizing a heavily armed enemy position, saving multiple comrades from imminent danger while under intense fire, or displaying remarkable leadership and composure that directly turns the tide of a battle despite overwhelming odds. These acts are typically selfless, often involving a conscious decision to put one's life at severe risk for the benefit of others or the success of the mission.
The Award Process
The process of awarding the Medal of Honor is exceptionally rigorous, involving multiple levels of review and approval to ensure that only the most deserving acts are recognized.
- Nomination: An act of heroism is observed and documented, leading to a nomination, typically by a commanding officer.
- Detailed Investigation: A thorough investigation is conducted, gathering eyewitness accounts, official reports, and any other relevant evidence to corroborate the facts of the heroic act.
- Command Review: The nomination package progresses through various levels of military command, with each level conducting its own review and providing recommendations.
- Service Secretary Approval: The Secretary of the respective military department (Army, Navy, or Air Force) reviews the nomination.
- Department of Defense Review: The nomination is then forwarded to the Secretary of Defense for final review.
- Presidential Approval: Ultimately, the nomination is presented to the President of the United States, who personally approves the award.
The Medal of Honor is a symbol of profound respect and gratitude from the nation to its most courageous service members, representing the highest ideals of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty. More information can often be found on official military websites, such as the U.S. Army's dedicated page for the Medal of Honor.
