The
Congressional Medal of Honor
is highest military decoration in the United States of America. It was
first awarded during the American Civil War and the latest action for which
it has been awarded was Somalia. It has often been given posthumously.
It was originally given only to enlisted men although Army officers first
received them in 1891 and Naval officers in 1915.
Many Medals of Honor awarded in the 19th century were associated with saving
the flag, not just for patriotic reasons, but because the flag was a primary
means of battlefield communication.
During and after the 20th century, the medal has been awarded for extreme
bravery above and beyond the call of duty, where a person consistently
and persistently has put his comrades safety foremost to the utter disregard
of his own life.
The Medal of Honor also confers a special rank on its recipients. The
highest ranking officer in the US military is required to initiate the
salute, no matter how low the rank of the recipient. many of them enlisted
personnel.
Medals of Honor awarded since 1863
2625 before the 20th century, 1130 after 1900
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Civil War 1520
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Indian Wars 423
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Korean 1871 Expedition 15
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Spanish-American War 109
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Philippine War 91
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Boxer Rebellion 59
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Veracruz 1914 55
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Central American actions 1915-33 13
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World War I 123
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World War II 433
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Korean War 131
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Vietnam War 239
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Peacetime 192
Pueblo, Colorado is the site of a National Medal of Honor Memorial. Until
recently, Pueblo was unique as the residence of four living recipients
of the medal.
Quotation
-
"The Medal of Honor is a small, five-pointed star that hangs from a blue
ribbon, but it comes at such a terrible price that it is an unquestioned
tribute to the bravery of anyone who wears it." Robert Rawlings, The
Pueblo Chieftan.
Recipients of the Medal of Honor
External Link
