The Medal of Honor is the highest American military decoration, awarded by Congress to exceptional members of the armed forces for bravery in combat. It stretches across all branches of the military and dates back to the Civil War.
In December 1861 Congress and President Lincoln authorized the creation of 200 Medals of Honor for Naval seamen and Marines. The purpose was to recognize especially galant warriors on the field of battle in the struggle to save the Union, with hopes that their efforts could help inspire their peers and the nation. Congress proposed a similar commendation for the Army the following year, and Lincoln signed the bill authorizing the creation of the Armyâ??s Medal of Honor on July 12, 1862.
Over 1500 Medals of Honor were awarded during the Civil War (about half ever granted). 120 were awarded due to actions at Vicksburg alone (96 earned over a single day), with another 58 awarded for courageousness at Gettysburg. Although created to honor Civil War veterans, the popularity of the award was such that Congress made the Medal of Honor a permanent decoration in 1863.
To date over 3400 MoHs have been awarded, with most having been granted to Army troops (2403). The Award also evolved with the times, as Air Force servicemen were eventually granted MoHs starting in World War I. Here is a run-down of some of the more unique commendations:
