Medal of Honor

:For the computer game, see Medal of Honor (computer game).

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The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States. It is awarded "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in actual combat against an armed enemy force." Since it was first awarded during the Civil War, the medal has been awarded 3,460 times, most recently in 2005. All branches of the United States military are eligible to receive the medal, though each branch has a special design. The Medal of Honor is presented by the President of the United States, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the US Armed Forces, on behalf of the American people. Several past actions have been elevated to the Medal of Honor based on new evidence or righting old wrongs by the President or by actions of Congress.

Related Topics:
Military decoration - United States - Civil War - 2005 - President of the United States - Congress

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