The Medal

THE HIGHEST MILITARY DECORATION

Awarded by the President, in the name of Congress, the Medal of Honor commemorates those who have shaped our nation’s history and continue to inspire its future with their acts of valor, humanity, patriotism, and sacrifice.

Over 40 million Americans who have served in the US Armed Forces since the Civil War. Fewer than 4,000 have been awarded the Medal of Honor.

BESTOWED WITH DISTINCTION

Medal of Honor Recipients are the only individuals saluted by all ranks of the military—including the President.

As the only military decoration worn around the neck, the Medal of Honor has evolved since its founding in 1861. Today there are three variants, one for each military branch.

RECIPIENT CRITERIA

Recipients distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity, risking loss of life above and beyond the call of duty. The act of valor must occur in combat during 1 of 3 circumstances:

Criteria 1
While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States.
Criteria 2
While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing force.
Criteria 3
While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

THE STORY OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR

The nation’s highest award for valor and courage in combat, the Medal of Honor is awarded to those who never sought heroism, yet whose actions define it.

Watch the video to learn about the Medal that honors those who went above and beyond—and why their stories inspire us today and for generations to come.

We do not go to war for gain or for territory. We go to war for principles, and we produce young men like these. I think I’ve told every one of them that I would rather have that medal than be president of the United States.

President Harry S. Truman

Exhibits

FROM RAILS TO ROTORS

Iconic machines have played a significant role in Medal of Honor actions since the Medal was first created.

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Exhibits

CONVERSATIONS: ordinary people, extraordinary lives

Step into one of our immersive theaters and have a conversation with one of three Medal of Honor recipients.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Medal of Honor has been awarded to servicemembers from every branch of the US military branch engaged in combat, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

One of the primary criteria for the Medal of Honor is individual acts of valor in combat. While Space Force is a branch of the military, it does not have a combat role. As a result, no Space Force service member has—or will likely receive —the Medal of Honor.

That said, the US Coast Guard, which primarily operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, is largely removed from combat, except under special circumstances. Douglas Munro is the only member of the Coast Guard to receive the Medal of Honor.

No matter how difficult it seems at the time, it’s easier to do the right thing than spend a lifetime regretting that you didn’t.

Robert O'Malley, Marine Corps, Medal of Honor Recipient

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