Fergie's Tech Blog

12 July 1861: U.S. Medal of Honor Award Signed into Law

The Medal of Honor, sometimes referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor because it is awarded by the President on behalf of the Congress, is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States. It is bestowed "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 American Civil War, the medal has been awarded 3,460 times, most recently in 2005. All branches of the U.S. 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 acts as commander-in-chief on behalf of the American people.

The Medal of Honor is one of only two U.S. military decorations that are presented as neck orders. The other is the commander's degree of the Legion of Merit.

posted by Fergie @ 7/12/2006 12:01:00 AM