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| Boilerpipe Text | Medal of Honor
Medals of Honor of the three military departments
Type
Military medal with neck ribbon
(decoration)
Awarded for
Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty
[
1
]
[
2
]
[
a
]
Presented by
The
President of the United States
in the name of Congress
[
3
]
Eligibility
United States Armed Forces service members
Status
Actively awarded
Established
Naval Service
: December 21, 1861
[
4
]
Army
: July 12, 1862
[
5
]
Air Force
: August 10, 1956
[
6
]
Coast Guard
: July 25, 1963
[
7
]
Space Force
: January 1, 2021
[
8
]
First award
March 25, 1863
[
b
]
Final award
Currently Awarded
Total awarded posthumously
618
[
9
]
Total recipients
3,538
[
10
]
Service ribbon
and flag
Precedence
Next (lower)
Army:
Distinguished Service Cross
Naval Service:
Navy Cross
Air and Space Forces:
Air Force Cross
Coast Guard:
Coast Guard Cross
The
Medal of Honor
(
MOH
) is the highest
military decoration
of the
United States Armed Forces
and is awarded to recognize American
soldiers
,
sailors
,
Marines
,
airmen
,
guardians
, and
coast guardsmen
who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor.
[
1
]
[
11
]
The medal is normally awarded by the
president of the United States
(the commander in chief of the armed forces) and is presented "in the name of Congress."
[
12
]
It is often referred to as the
Congressional Medal of Honor
, though the official name of the award is simply "Medal of Honor."
[
13
]
[
14
]
There are three distinct variants of the medal: one for the
Department of the Army
, awarded to soldiers; one for branches of the
Department of the Navy
, awarded to sailors, marines, and coast guardsmen; and one for military branches of the
Department of the Air Force
, awarded to airmen and guardians.
[
1
]
[
15
]
The Medal of Honor was introduced for the Naval Service in 1861,
[
16
]
soon followed by the Army's version in 1862.
[
17
]
The Air Force used the Army's version until they received their own distinctive version in 1965.
[
18
]
The Medal of Honor is the oldest continuously issued combat decoration of the United States Armed Forces.
[
19
]
The president typically presents the Medal of Honor at a formal ceremony intended to represent the gratitude of the American people, with posthumous presentations made to the primary next of kin.
[
20
]
[
21
]
[
22
]
There have been 3,552 Medals of Honor awarded, with over 40 percent awarded for actions during the
American Civil War
.
[
10
]
A total of 911 Army medals were revoked after Congress authorized a review in 1917, and a number of Navy medals were also revoked before the turn of the centuryânone of these are included in this total except for those that were subsequently restored.
[
23
]
In 1990, Congress designated March 25 as
Medal of Honor Day
.
[
24
]
Medal of Honor (without the suspension ribbon) awarded to
Seaman
John Ortega
in 1864.
Medal of Honor awarded posthumously in 1866 to John Morehead Scott, one of the
Andrews Raiders
In 1861, early in the
American Civil War
, a proposal for a battlefield decoration for
valor
was submitted to Lieutenant General
Winfield Scott
, the
Commanding General of the United States Army
, by Lieutenant Colonel
Edward D. Townsend
, an assistant adjutant at the
Department of War
and Scott's chief of staff.
[
25
]
Scott, however, was strongly against the American republic's awarding medals for valor, a European monarchical tradition.
[
25
]
After Scott retired in October 1861, however,
Secretary of the Navy
Gideon Welles
adopted the idea of a decoration to recognize and honor distinguished naval service.
[
25
]
On December 9, 1861,
Iowa
Senator
James W. Grimes
, Chairman on the Committee on Naval Affairs,
[
26
]
introduced bill S. 82.
[
27
]
[
28
]
The bill included a provision authorizing 200 "medals of honor,"
[
29
]
"to be bestowed upon such
petty officers
,
seamen
,
landsmen
, and
marines
as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other seaman-like qualities during the present war...."
[
30
]
On December 21, the bill was passed and signed into law by President
Abraham Lincoln
.
[
27
]
Secretary Welles directed the
Philadelphia Mint
to design the new military decoration.
[
31
]
[
32
]
[
33
]
On May 15, 1862, the
United States Department of the Navy
ordered 175 medals ($1.85 each) from the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia with "Personal Valor" inscribed on the back of each one.
[
34
]
On February 15, 1862, Senator
Henry Wilson
, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs and the Militia, introduced a resolution (equivalent to a bill) for a Medal of Honor for the Army.
[
35
]
The resolution (equivalent to a modern Act of Congress) was approved by Congress and signed into law on July 12, 1862.
[
35
]
This measure provided for awarding a medal of honor "to such non-commissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other soldier-like qualities during the present insurrection."
[
35
]
By mid-November the Department of War contracted with Philadelphia
silversmith
William Wilson and Son, who had been responsible for the Navy's design, to prepare 2,000 medals for the Army ($2.00 each) to be struck at the mint.
[
36
]
The Army's version had "The Congress to" written on the back of the medal. Both versions were made of copper and coated with bronze, which "gave them a reddish tint."
[
37
]
[
38
]
On March 3, 1863, Congress made the Army Medal of Honor a permanent decoration by passing legislation permitting the award to such soldiers "as have most distinguished or who may hereafter most distinguish themselves in action."
[
39
]
The same legislation also authorized the medal for officers of the Army.
[
40
]
On March 25, 1863 the
Secretary of War
presented the first Medals of Honor to six U.S. Army volunteers in his office.
[
41
]
In 1896, the ribbon of the Army's version of the Medal of Honor was redesigned with all stripes being vertical.
[
42
]
Again, in 1904 the planchet of the Army's version of the Medal of Honor was redesigned by General
George Lewis Gillespie
.
[
42
]
The purpose of the redesign was to help distinguish the Medal of Honor from other medals,
[
43
]
particularly the membership insignia issued by the
Grand Army of the Republic
.
[
44
]
In 1917, based on the report of the Medal of Honor Review Board, established by Congress in 1916, 911 recipients were stricken from the Army's Medal of Honor list because the medal had been awarded inappropriately.
[
45
]
Among them were
William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody
and
Mary Edwards Walker
. In 1977, the Army's board for correction of military records unilaterally restored Walker's medal at the request of a relative.
[
46
]
The board had no authority to overturn a statute, and the restoration violated not only the period law during the Civil War, but also the law requiring revocation in 1916, and modern law in 1977.
[
46
]
As a reaction to Walker's restoration, a relative of Cody's requested the same action from the Army's board for correction, and it reinstated the medals for Cody and four other civilian scouts on June 12, 1989.
[
47
]
Subsequent litigation over the
Garlin Conner
award, which was recommended by the Army's board for correction of military records in 2015, established that the correction boards lack the authority to unilaterally award Medals of Honor.
[
48
]
In Conner's case, the board merely recommended the medal, which was then referred to the Senior Army Decorations Board, and ultimately to the
Secretary of the Army
, the
Secretary of Defense
, and the President, who requested a waiver be passed by Congress.
[
48
]
A separate Coast Guard Medal of Honor was authorized in 1963 but was not designed or awarded.
[
49
]
[
7
]
A separate design for a version of the medal for the Department of the Air Force was authorized in 1956,
[
50
]
designed on April 14, 1965,
[
18
]
and first awarded in January 1967.
[
18
]
Previously, airmen of the
U.S. Air Force
received the Army's version of the medal.
[
51
]
There are three versions of the Medal of Honor, one for each of the
military departments
of the
Department of Defense
(DoD): the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy (including the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard), and Department of the Air Force (Air and Space Forces).
[
52
]
Members of the Coast Guard, part of the
Department of Homeland Security
, are eligible to receive the Naval version.
[
52
]
Each medal is constructed differently, and the components are made from gilding metals and red brass alloys with some gold plating, enamel, and bronze pieces.
[
53
]
The United States Congress considered a bill in 2004 which would require the Medal of Honor to be made with 90% gold, the same composition as the lesser-known
Congressional Gold Medal
, but the bill did not pass Congress.
[
54
]
Army Medal of Honor
Naval Medal of Honor
Air and Space Forces Medal of Honor
The Army's version is described by the
Institute of Heraldry
as "a gold five-pointed star, each point tipped with trefoils,
1
+
1
â
2
inches [3.8Â cm] wide, surrounded by a green laurel wreath and suspended from a gold bar inscribed
VALOR
, surmounted by an eagle.
[
55
]
In the center of the star,
Minerva
's head surrounded by the words
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
.
[
55
]
On each ray of the star is a green oak leaf. On the reverse is a bar engraved
THE CONGRESS TO
with a space for engraving the name of the recipient."
[
56
]
The pendant and suspension bar are made of gilding metal, with the eye, jump rings, and suspension ring made of
red brass
.
[
57
]
The finish on the pendant and suspension bar is hard enameled, gold plated, and rose gold plated, with polished highlights.
[
57
]
The Naval version is described as "a five-pointed bronze star, tipped with trefoils containing a crown of laurel and oak.
[
58
]
In the center is Minerva, personifying the United States, standing with her left hand resting on
fasces
and her right hand holding a shield emblazoned with the shield from the coat of arms of the United States.
[
58
]
She repulses Discord, represented by snakes (originally, she was repulsing the snakes of
secession
).
[
58
]
The medal is suspended from the flukes of an anchor."
[
58
]
It is made of solid red brass, oxidized and buffed.
[
59
]
Air and Space Forces variant
[
edit
]
The Air and Space Forces version is described as "within a wreath of green laurel, a gold five-pointed star, one point down, tipped with trefoils and each point containing a crown of laurel and oak on a green background.
[
60
]
Centered on the star, an annulet of 34 stars is a representation of the head of the
Statue of Liberty
.
[
60
]
The star is suspended from a bar inscribed with the word
VALOR
above an adaptation of Jupiter's thunderbolt from the Department of the Air Force's seal.
[
60
]
The pendant is made of gilding metal.
[
61
]
The connecting bar, hinge, and pin are made of bronze.
[
61
]
The finish on the pendant and suspension bar is hard enameled, gold plated, and rose gold plated, with buffed relief.
[
61
]
The Medal of Honor has evolved in appearance over time. The inverted pentagram design of the Naval version's pendant adopted in early 1862 has not changed since its inception.
[
52
]
The Army's 1862 version followed and was identical to the Naval version except an eagle perched atop cannons was used instead of an anchor to connect the pendant to the suspension ribbon.
[
62
]
The medals featured a female
allegory
of the Union, with a shield in her right hand that she used to fend off a crouching attacker and serpents.
[
58
]
In her left hand, she held a
fasces
.
[
58
]
There are 34 stars surrounding the scene, representing the number of states in the union at the time.
[
63
]
In 1896, the Army version changed the ribbon's design and colors due to misuse and imitation by nonmilitary organizations.
[
56
]
In 1904, the Army "
Gillespie
" version introduced a smaller redesigned star and the ribbon was changed to the light blue pattern with white stars seen today.
[
56
]
The 1904 Army version also introduced a bar with the word "Valor" above the star.
[
63
]
In 1913, the Naval version adopted the same ribbon pattern.
[
64
]
After World War I, the Department of the Navy decided to separate the Medal of Honor into two versions, one for combat and one for non-combat.
[
64
]
This was an attempt to circumvent the requirement enacted in 1919 that recipients participate "in action involving actual conflict with the enemy," which would have foreclosed non-combat awards.
[
65
]
By treating the 1919 Medal of Honor as a separate award from its Civil War counterpart, this allowed the Department of the Navy to claim that it was not literally in violation of the 1919 law.
[
66
]
The original upside-down star was designated as the non-combat version and a new pattern of the medal pendant, in cross form, was designed by the
Tiffany Company
in 1919.
[
64
]
Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels selected Tiffany after snubbing the Commission of Fine Arts, which had submitted drawings that Daniels criticized as "un-American".
[
67
]
The so-called Tiffany Cross was to be presented to a sailor or marine who "in action involving actual conflict with the enemy, distinguish[es] himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."
[
68
]
Despite the "actual conflict" guidelines, the Tiffany Cross was awarded to Navy CDR (later RADM)
Richard E. Byrd
and
Floyd Bennett
for their flight to the North Pole in 1926.
[
69
]
The decision was controversial within the Navy's Bureau of Navigation (which handled personnel administration), and officials considered asking the attorney general of the United States for an advisory opinion on the matter.
[
69
]
Byrd himself apparently disliked the Tiffany Cross, and eventually requested the alternate version of the medal from President Herbert Hoover in 1930.
[
70
]
The Tiffany Cross itself was not popular among recipientsâone author reflected that it was "the most short-lived, legally contentious, and unpopular version of the Medal of Honor in American history."
[
67
]
In 1942, in response to a lawsuit, the Department of the Navy requested an amendment to expressly allow noncombat awards of the Medal of Honor.
[
71
]
When the amendment passed, the Department of the Navy returned to using only the original 1862 inverted 5-point star design and retired the Tiffany Cross.
[
72
]
In 1944, the suspension ribbons for both versions were replaced with the now-familiar neck ribbon.
[
56
]
When the Air and Space Force's version was designed in 1965,
[
18
]
it incorporated similar elements and design from the Army version. At the Department of the Air Force leadership's insistence, the new medal depicted the Statue of Liberty's image in place of Minerva on the medal and changed the connecting device from an eagle to Jupiter's thunderbolt flanked with wings as found on the Department of the Air Force's seal.
[
73
]
[
74
]
[
75
]
The Air Force diverged from the traditional depiction of Minerva in part due to a desire to distinguish itself from the Army, including the Institute of Heraldry that traditionally designs awards, but which falls under the Army.
[
75
]
1862â1895 Army version
1896â1903 Army version
1904â1944 Army version
Post 1944 Army version
1862â1912 Navy version
1913â1942 Navy version
1919â1942 Navy "Tiffany Cross" version
Post 1942 Navy version
Neck ribbon, service ribbon and lapel button
[
edit
]
Service ribbon
On May 2, 1896, Congress authorized a "ribbon to be worn with the medal and [a]
rosette
or
knot
to be worn in lieu of the medal."
[
33
]
[
56
]
[
76
]
[
77
]
The
service ribbon
is light blue with five white stars in the form of an "M."
[
56
]
It is placed first in the top position in the
order of precedence
and is worn for situations other than full-dress military uniform.
[
56
]
The lapel button is a
1
â
2
-inch (13Â mm), six-sided light blue
bowknot
rosette with thirteen white stars and may be worn on appropriate civilian clothing on the left lapel.
[
56
]
Medal Of Honor
Rosette
Lapel Button
Since 1944, the Medal of Honor has been attached to a light blue colored
moirĂŠ
silk
neck ribbon
that is
1
+
3
â
16
 in (30 mm) in width and
21
+
3
â
4
 in (550 mm) in length.
[
2
]
[
78
]
The center of the ribbon displays
thirteen white stars
in the form of three
chevron
.
[
79
]
Both the top and middle chevrons are made up of five stars, with the bottom chevron made of three stars.
[
79
]
The medal itself differs by branch:
Department of the Army
[
edit
]
A gold five-pointed star, each point tipped with trefoils, one inch wide, surrounded by a green laurel wreath and suspended from a gold bar inscribed "VALOR" surmounted by an eagle.
[
55
]
 In the center of the star, Minerva's head surrounded by the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
[
55
]
 On each ray of the star is a green oak leaf.
[
55
]
 On the reverse is a bar engraved "THE CONGRESS TO" with a space for engraving the name of the recipient.
[
80
]
Department of the Navy
[
edit
]
The Navy Medal of Honor is a five-pointed bronze star, tipped with trefoils containing a crown of laurel and oak.
[
58
]
In the center is Minerva, personifying the United States, standing with left hand resting of fasces and right hand holding a shield blazoned with the shield from the coat of arms of the United States.
[
58
]
She repulses Discord, represented by snakes.
[
58
]
The medal is suspended from the flukes of an anchor.
[
58
]
Department of the Air Force
[
edit
]
Within a wreath of green laurel, a gold five-pointed star, one point down, tipped with trefoils and each point containing a crown of laurel and oak on a green background.
[
60
]
Centered on the star, an annulet of 34 stars is a representation of the head of the Statue of Liberty.
[
60
]
The star is suspended from a bar inscribed with the word "VALOR" above an adaptation of the thunderbolt from the Air Force Coat of Arms.
[
81
]
The Medal of Honor is one of only two United States military awards suspended from a neck ribbon.
[
82
]
The other is the Commander's Degree of the
Legion of Merit
, and is usually awarded to individuals serving foreign governments.
[
83
]
[
84
]
In 2011, Department of Defense (DOD) instructions in regard to the Medal of Honor were amended to read "for each succeeding act that would otherwise justify award of the [Medal of Honor], the individual receiving the subsequent award is authorized to wear an additional [Medal of Honor] ribbon or a
"V" Device
on the Medal of Honor suspension ribbon" (the "V" device is a
1
â
4
-inch-high (6.4Â mm) bronze miniature letter "V" with serifs that denotes valor).
[
85
]
The Medal of Honor was the only decoration authorized to use the "V" device (none were ever issued) to designate subsequent awards in such a fashion. Nineteen individuals, all now deceased, were double Medal of Honor recipients.
[
86
]
Effective December 2016, the relevant DOD manual was updated to read:
[
87
]
A separate MOH is presented to an individual for each succeeding act that justifies award. A [service] member awarded more than one MOH will always wear a separate MOH or separate MOH ribbon to correspond with the number of awards received.
The update further explicitly removed authorization for any device(s) on the MOH:
There are no attachments authorized for the MOH.
Medal of Honor Flag
[
edit
]
Medal of Honor Flag
On October 23, 2002,
Pub. L.
Â
107â248 (text)
(PDF)
was enacted, modifying
36Â U.S.C.
Â
§ 903
, authorizing a Medal of Honor Flag to be presented to each person to whom a Medal of Honor is awarded. In the case of a posthumous award, the flag will be presented to whomever the Medal of Honor is presented to, which in most cases will be the primary
next of kin
of the deceased awardee.
[
88
]
[
89
]
The flag was based on a concept by retired
U.S. Army Special Forces
First Sergeant Bill Kendall of
Jefferson, Iowa
, who in 2001, designed a flag to honor Medal of Honor recipient Army Air Forces Captain
Darrell Lindsey
, a
Martin B-26 Marauder
pilot from Jefferson who was killed in action during World War II.
[
90
]
Kendall's design of a light blue field emblazoned with 13 white five-pointed stars was nearly identical to that of Sarah LeClerc's of the
Institute of Heraldry
.
[
90
]
LeClerc's gold-fringed flag, ultimately accepted as the official flag, does not include the words "Medal of Honor" as written on Kendall's flag.
[
90
]
The color of the field and the 13 white stars, arranged in the form of a three-bar
chevron
, consisting of two chevrons of five stars and one chevron of three stars,
[
2
]
emulate the suspension ribbon of the Medal of Honor.
[
90
]
The flag has no defined proportions.
[
91
]
The first Medal of Honor Flag recipient was U.S. Army Sergeant First Class
Paul R. Smith
, whose flag was presented posthumously.
[
92
]
President
George W. Bush
presented the Medal of Honor and Flag to the family of Smith during the award ceremony for him in the
White House
on April 4, 2005.
[
92
]
A special Medal of Honor Flag presentation ceremony was held for over 60 living Medal of Honor recipients on board the
USSÂ
Constitution
in September 2006.
[
93
]
Recommendation process and presentation
[
edit
]
President
Calvin Coolidge
bestowing the Medal of Honor upon
Henry Breault
, March 8, 1924
There are two distinct protocols for recommending and adjudicating the Medal of Honor. The first and most common is recommendation within three years and approval within five years through the
chain of command
of the service member.
[
94
]
The second method, which normally applies outside of the statute of limitations, is when a recommendation is referred to a military service by a member of the U.S. Congress, generally at the request of a constituent under
10Â U.S.C.
Â
§ 1130
. In both cases, if the proposal is outside the time limits for the recommendation, approval to waive the time limit requires a special
Act of Congress
. The Medal of Honor is presented by the President on behalf of, and in the name of, the Congress.
[
95
]
Since 1980, nearly all Medal of Honor recipientsâor in the case of posthumous awards, the next of kinâhave been personally decorated by the president.
[
96
]
[
97
]
[
98
]
Since 1941, more than half of the Medals of Honor have been awarded posthumously.
[
99
]
Evolution of criteria
[
edit
]
19th century (Navy)
[
edit
]
Navy regulations published in 1865 specified that "The medal shall only be awarded to those petty officers, and others indicated, who shall have evinced in battle some signal act of valor or devotion to their country; and nothing save such conduct, coupled with good general qualities in the service, shall be held to establish a sufficient claim to it."
[
100
]
The regulation also permitted awards to seamen for "extraordinary heroism in the line of their profession," which meant heroism outside of combat operations.
[
101
]
19th century (Army)
[
edit
]
Several months after President Abraham Lincoln signed Public Resolution 82 into law on December 21, 1861, for a Navy medal of honor, a similar resolution was passed in July 1862 for an Army version of the medal. Six U.S. Army soldiers who
hijacked
a
Confederate
locomotive
named
The General
in 1862 were the first
Medal of Honor recipients
;
[
102
]
James J. Andrews
led the raid.
[
103
]
He was caught and hanged as a U.S. spy, but as a civilian he was not eligible to receive the medal.
[
103
]
Many Medals of Honor awarded in the 19th century were associated with "saving the flag" (and country), not just for patriotic reasons, but because the
U.S. flag
was a primary means of battlefield communication at the time.
[
104
]
Because no other military decoration was authorized during the Civil War, some seemingly less exceptional and notable actions were recognized by a Medal of Honor during that conflict.
[
105
]
Early in the twentieth century, the Department of the Navy awarded many Medals of Honor for peacetime bravery. For instance, in 1901,
John Henry Helms
aboard
USSÂ
Chicago
was awarded the medal for saving the ship's cook from drowning.
[
106
]
Six sailors aboard
USSÂ
Iowa
were awarded the medal after the ship's boiler exploded on January 25, 1904.
[
107
]
Richard Byrd and Floyd Bennett were awarded the medalâthe combat ("Tiffany") version despite the existence then of a non-combat form of the Navy medalâfor the 1926 flight they claim reached the
North Pole
.
[
108
]
And
Ensign Thomas J. Ryan
was awarded the medal for saving a woman from the burning Grand Hotel in
Yokohama
, Japan, following the 1923
Great KantĹ earthquake
.
[
109
]
Between 1919 and 1942, the Department of the Navy issued two separate versions of the Medal of Honor, one for acts related to combat and one for non-combat bravery.
[
110
]
The criteria for the award tightened during World War I for the Army version of the Medal of Honor, while the Navy version retained a non-combat provision until 1963.
[
111
]
In an Act of Congress of July 9, 1918, the War Department version of the medal required that the recipient "distinguish himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty," and also required that the act of valor be performed "in action involving actual conflict with an enemy."
[
112
]
This followed shortly after the results of the Army Medal of Honor Review Board, which struck 911 medals from the Medal of Honor list in February 1917 for lack of basic prerequisites.
[
45
]
These included the members of the 27th Maine erroneously awarded the medal for reenlisting to guard the capital during the Civil War, 29 members of Abraham Lincoln's funeral detail, and six civilians, including
Buffalo Bill Cody
(restored along with four other scouts in 1989)
[
113
]
and a doctor,
Mary Edwards Walker
, who had cared for the sick (this last was restored posthumously in 1977).
[
114
]
As a result of lawsuits, the Department of the Navy requested the Congress expressly authorize non-combat medals in the text of the authorizing statute, since the department had been awarding non-combat medals with questionable legal backing that had caused it much embarrassment.
[
71
]
The last non-combat Navy Medal of Honor was awarded in 1945, although the Department of the Navy attempted to award a non-combat Medal of Honor as late as the Korean War.
[
115
]
Official accounts vary, but generally, the Medal of Honor for combat was known as the "Tiffany Cross", after
the company that designed the medal
.
[
116
]
The Tiffany Cross was first awarded in 1919, but was unpopular partly because of its design as well as a lower gratuity than the Navy's original medal.
[
67
]
The
Tiffany Cross Medal of Honor
was awarded at least three times in non-combat circumstances. By a special
Act of Congress
, the medal was presented to Byrd and Bennett (see above).
[
117
]
[
118
]
In 1942, the Department of the Navy reverted to a single Medal of Honor, although the statute still contained a loophole allowing the award for both "action involving actual conflict with the enemy" or "in the line of his profession."
[
119
]
Arising from these criteria, approximately 60 percent of the medals earned during and after World War II have been awarded posthumously.
[
120
]
With the passage of Public Law 88â77 on July 25, 1963, the requirements for the Medal of Honor were standardized among all the services, requiring that a recipient had "distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."
[
121
]
Thus, the act removed the loophole allowing non-combat awards to Navy personnel. The act also clarified that the act of valor must occur during one of three circumstances:
[
122
]
While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States
While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.
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.
[
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]
[
124
]
Congress drew these three circumstances of combat from President Kennedy's executive order of April 25, 1962, which previously added the same criteria to the
Purple Heart
. On August 24, Kennedy added similar criteria for the
Bronze Star Medal
.
[
125
]
[
126
]
The amendment was necessary because Cold War armed conflicts did not qualify for consideration under previous statutes such as the 1918 Army Medal of Honor statute that required valor "in action involving actual conflict with an enemy,"
[
127
]
since the United States has not formally declared war since World War II as a result of the provisions of the United Nations Charter.
[
128
]
According to congressional testimony by the Army's Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, the services were seeking authority to award the Medal of Honor and other valor awards retroactive to July 1, 1958, in areas such as Berlin, Lebanon, Quemoy and Matsu Islands, Taiwan Straits, Congo, Laos, Vietnam, and Cuba.
[
125
]
Modern Adjudication
[
edit
]
Recommendations for valor awards are processed under three basic pathways. First, a recommendation can originate with a servicemember's chain of command. Normally, servicemembers may not self-recommend for awards.
[
129
]
In cases of chain of command recommendation, each intermediate commander will recommend approval or disapproval, citing "specific reasons when disapproval is recommended."
[
129
]
The approval authority for the Medal of Honor is the President of the United States, although in the past this has been delegated to subordinate commanders.
[
129
]
[
130
]
If outside of statutory time limitations, another pathway is for a member of Congress to submit a recommendation package for service review under 10 USC 1130, or for Congress to otherwise waive time limitations by statute.
[
131
]
A third pathway is for award packages that are submitted timely but lost during processing and then later rediscovered, which permits a service secretary to waive time limitations without seeking a congressional waiver.
[
132
]
Most services first screen submissions at their awards branches. For the Army, this entails a review at the Human Resources Command level to determine if the award package is complete according to law and regulation.
[
130
]
Next, the package is reviewed by the Army Decorations Board.
[
133
]
Then the Senior Army Decorations Board (SADB) reviews the packageâthis body "draws its membership from lieutenant generals who serve in the office of the Secretary of the Army and on the Army Staff," and is "responsible for reviewing high level valor awards and making recommendations to the Secretary of the Army."
[
133
]
The equivalent of the SADB in the Navy is the Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals (NDBDM), and in the Air Force the Secretary of the Air Force Decorations Board (SAFDB).
[
134
]
[
135
]
Above the decorations boards a Medal of Honor recommendation goes to the assistant secretary for manpower and reserve affairs, the chief of staff of the service, the service secretary, the secretary of defense, and ultimately the president.
[
131
]
Early Navy regulations published in the Civil War era permitted the Navy Department to unilaterally rescind Medals of Honor for dishonorable behavior, including being "convicted of treason, cowardice, felony, or any infamous crime."
[
136
]
As a result, at least 15 medals were revoked in the nineteenth century, including a medal for Third-Class Boy
George Hollat
, whose medal was revoked for desertion.
[
136
]
Hollat's name erroneously remains on the Navy's list of medal recipients in modern times.
[
136
]
The Army did not revoke any medals until the twentieth century.
In the early twentieth century the Medal of Honor Legion requested that some Army Medals of Honor be revoked, in particular the 864 medals awarded to members of the 27th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment for reenlisting to guard the capital during the Civil War.
[
137
]
The Judge Advocate General of the Army determined that it would be unlawful for the Army to revoke the medals unilaterally absent "fraud, mistake in matters of fact arising from errors in calculation, or newly discovered material evidence," since this would require reopening acts or decisions of predecessors, and thus unsettling administrative res judicata (an administrative finality doctrine).
[
138
]
This interpretation led Congress to authorize a review to revoke these medals in 1916, leading to the revocation of 911 medals.
[
138
]
The Army later authorized revocation of service medals due to misconduct in 1961, and eventually expanded this authority to include valor decorations (including the Medal of Honor) in 1974.
[
139
]
The Army regulation stated "[o]nce an award has been presented, it may be revoked if facts subsequently determined would have prevented original approval of the award, had they been known at the time of award."
[
140
]
Eventually, all services' regulations permitted revocation on similar grounds: the Air Force adopted unilateral revocation of valor decorations in 1969,
[
141
]
and Navy adopted regulations permitting revocation of valor decorations in 1976.
[
142
]
Unilateral revocation of decorations (including the Medal of Honor) were eventually standardized by the Office of the Secretary of Defense after controversy surrounding the revocation of the Distinguished Service Cross approved for Army Major
Mathew L. Golsteyn
, who was charged with murdering a detainee but then pardoned (a grant of forgiveness, which differs from a court's finding of innocence) by President Trump before trial.
[
143
]
This incident led DoD to clarify the prerequisites for revoking military awards due to misconduct in the DoD Awards Manual in 2019: "[t]he revocation of [personal military decorations] under the 'honorable' service requirement should be used sparingly and should be limited to those cases where the Service member's actions are not compatible with continued military service, result in criminal convictions, result in determinations that the Service member did not serve satisfactorily in a specific grade or position, or result in a discharge from military service that is characterized as 'Other Than Honorable,' 'Bad Conduct,' or 'Dishonorable.'"
[
144
]
DoD also requested that Congress expand the statutory requirement for honorable service after award qualification to include all military decorations, which passed in December 2019.
[
145
]
In 2019, a bill titled "Remove the Stain Act" sought to revoke Medals of Honor awarded for conduct during the
Wounded Knee Massacre
of 1890.
[
146
]
The bill directed revocation of 20 Medals of Honor, and also directed removal of the recipients from the Medal of Honor Roll.
[
146
]
The number of medals awarded for conduct at Wounded Knee â which was actually 19 â was based on a mistake in the War Department's circular listings in the 1890s, which transcribed Private Marvin Hillock as a Wounded Knee recipient despite actually earning the medal at White Clay Creek a day later.
[
147
]
Directing revocation from the MoH Roll was also a mistake, as the Roll of that time was merely a pension listing for recipients who lived past the age of 65 and separated honorably from the military without retiring.
[
148
]
[
149
]
Since many of the Wounded Knee recipients did not live to the age of 65, were discharged dishonorably, or were retired from the military, this meant they never would have been on the Roll.
[
149
]
The Remove the Stain Act did not pass despite being added to the House version of the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act.
[
150
]
In that particular case, the Senate Committee on Armed Services reflected that "these Medals of Honor were awarded at the prerogative of the President of the United States, not the Congress," suggesting that it was not the role of the legislature to direct awarding or revocation of medals, rather to control the authorizing criteria for the award.
[
150
]
In July 2024, the Secretary of Defense announced a joint DoD/DoI review to consider revoking the Wounded Knee Medals of Honor.
[
151
]
Notably, the DoD review cited the joint explanatory statement for the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act (which removed the Remove the Stain Act from the bill) as the impetus for the medal review.
[
151
]
The DoD review concluded in October 2024, reportedly recommending that no medals be revoked.
[
152
]
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe chairman Ryman LeBeau wrote an op-ed on the outcome, saying "the Pentagon board has recommended that America keep the Medals of Honor for the Wounded Knee Massacre" with all three DoD panelists voting against revocation and both
Department of Interior
(the department charged with Indian affairs) panelists voting in favor.
[
153
]
Authority and privileges
[
edit
]
Medal of Honor monument and Medal of Honor headstones of the Civil War recipients of "Andrews Raid" at the
Chattanooga National Cemetery
in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Medal of Honor gravemarker of
Jimmie W. Monteith
at the
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
Medal of Honor headstone of
James H. Robinson
at the
Memphis National Cemetery
The four specific statutory sections authorizing the medal, as last amended on January 1, 2021, are as follows:
[
123
]
Army:
10Â U.S.C.
Â
§ 7271
The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who while a member of the Army, distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty....
[
154
]
Navy and Marine Corps:
10Â U.S.C.
Â
§ 8291
The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who, while a member of the naval service, distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. . . .
[
155
]
Air Force and Space Force:
10Â U.S.C.
Â
§ 9271
The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who, while a member of the Air Force or the Space Force, distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. . . .
[
156
]
Coast Guard:
14Â U.S.C.
Â
§ 2732
A version is authorized but it has never been awarded.
[
c
]
[
49
]
The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who while a member of the [Army] [naval service] [Air Force] [Coast Guard], distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
[
157
]
Privileges and courtesies
[
edit
]
The Medal of Honor confers special privileges on its recipients:
[
158
]
[
159
]
Each Medal of Honor recipient may have his or her name entered on the Medal of Honor Roll (
10Â U.S.C.
Â
§ 1134a
and
38Â U.S.C.
Â
§ 1562
) so long as they qualified for the medal under modern statutory authority.
Each person whose name is placed on the Medal of Honor Roll is certified to the
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
as being entitled to receive a monthly pension above and beyond any military pensions or other benefits for which they may be eligible. The pension is subject to
cost-of-living increases
; as of December 1, 2023
, it is $1,671.16 a month.
[
160
]
Enlisted recipients of the Medal of Honor are entitled to a supplemental uniform allowance.
[
161
]
Recipients receive special entitlements to air transportation under the provisions of DOD Regulation 4515.13-R. This benefit allows the recipient to travel as deemed fit, as well as allows the recipient's dependents to travel either overseasâoverseas, overseasâcontinental U.S., or continental U.S.âoverseas when accompanied by the recipient.
[
162
]
Special identification cards and
commissary
and
exchange
privileges are provided for Medal of Honor recipients and their eligible dependents.
[
163
]
Recipients are granted eligibility for interment at
Arlington National Cemetery
, if not otherwise eligible.
[
164
]
Fully qualified children of recipients are automatically nominated to any of the
United States service academies
.
[
165
]
Recipients receive a ten percent increase in retired pay.
[
166
]
Those awarded the medal after October 23, 2002, receive a
Medal of Honor Flag
. The law specified that all 103 living prior recipients as of that date would receive a flag.
[
167
]
Recipients receive an invitation to all future
presidential inaugurations
and
inaugural balls
.
[
168
]
As with all medals, retired personnel may wear the Medal of Honor on "appropriate" civilian clothing. Regulations specify that recipients of the Medal of Honor are allowed to wear the uniform "at their pleasure" with standard restrictions on political, commercial, or extremist purposes (other former members of the armed forces may do so only at certain ceremonial occasions).
[
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]
Forty states offer a special license plate for certain types of vehicles to recipients at little or no cost to the recipient.
[
170
]
[
171
]
The states that do not offer Medal of Honor specific license plate offer special license plates for veterans for which recipients may be eligible.
[
172
]
In 1969, the Nebraska State Legislature amended the
Nebraska Hall of Fame
statutes "to provide that Nebraskans awarded the Medal of Honor shall be named to the Hall of Fame" and required that the Hall of Fame Commission procure a plaque with the names of the Medal of Honor recipients.
[
173
]
Admiral
Eric T. Olson
salutes
Sergeant First Class
Leroy Petry
at a ceremony at
The Pentagon
(July 2011)
Although not required by law or military regulation of all military services,
[
174
]
[
175
]
[
176
]
members of the
uniformed services
are encouraged to render salutes to recipients of the Medal of Honor as a matter of respect and courtesy regardless of rank or status, whether or not they are in uniform.
[
177
]
This is one of the few instances where a living member of the military will receive salutes from members of a higher rank. According to paragraph 1.8.1.1 of Air Force Instruction 1-1, the United States Air Force requires that salutes be rendered to Medal of Honor recipients.
[
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]
The Army redesigned its Medal of Honor, largely a reaction to the copying of the Medal of Honor by various veterans organizations, such as the Grand Army of the Republic.
[
137
]
[
179
]
To prevent the making of copies of the medal, Brigadier General
George Gillespie, Jr.
, a Medal of Honor recipient from the Civil War, applied for and obtained a
patent
for the new design.
[
179
]
[
180
]
General Gillespie received the patent on November 22, 1904, and he transferred it the following month to the Secretary of War at the time,
William Howard Taft
.
[
179
]
Congress passed a statute (the year before the 20-year term of the patent would expire)âwhich would later be codified at 18 U.S.C. §704âprohibiting the unauthorized wearing, manufacturing, or sale of military medals or decorations.
[
181
]
In 1994, Congress amended the statute to permit an enhanced penalty if the offense involved the Medal of Honor.
[
182
]
The
Stolen Valor Act of 2005
was enacted.
[
183
]
The law amended 18 U.S.C. § 704 to make it a federal criminal offense for a person to deliberately state falsely that he or she had been awarded a military decoration, service medal, or badge.
[
184
]
[
185
]
[
186
]
The law also permitted an enhanced penalty for someone who falsely claimed to have been awarded the Medal of Honor.
[
186
]
In the case of
United States v. Alvarez
, the
Supreme Court of the United States
held that the Stolen Valor Act of 2005's criminalization of the making of false claims of having been awarded a military medal, decoration, or badge was an unconstitutional violation of the
First Amendment
's guarantee of
free speech
.
[
187
]
The case involved an elected official in
California
, Xavier Alvarez, who had falsely stated at a public meeting that he had been awarded the Medal of Honor, even though he had never served in any branch of the armed forces.
[
188
]
The Supreme Court's decision did not specifically address the constitutionality of the older portion of the statute which prohibits the unauthorized wearing, manufacturing, or sale of military medals or decorations, since the Alvarez prosecution only involved First Amendment protected speech.
[
189
]
Under the law, the unauthorized wearing, manufacturing, or sale of the Medal of Honor is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment of up to one year.
[
190
]
Given the Supreme Court's ruling, President
Barack Obama
signed into law the
Stolen Valor Act of 2013
, making it a federal offense for someone to falsely represent themselves as awardees of medals for valor in order to receive "money, property, or other tangible benefit" (including grants, educational benefits, housing, etc.).
[
191
]
[
192
]
False representations about the Medal of Honor or other valor decorations still result in a fine or imprisonment up to one year, or both, but are now narrowly tailored to financial gain rather than protected speech.
[
193
]
As of 2017, there were only two reported arrests and prosecutions under the law, leading at least 22 states to enact their own legislation to criminalize stolen valor amid claims that the federal law was virtually unenforced.
[
194
]
Despite claims that violations of the act are rarely prosecuted, there is evidence that convictions are still taking place, although not all are for Medal of Honor claims, nor are all in federal court. In some cases charges are not explicitly under the Stolen Valor Act, since the same conduct criminalized under the statute is often equally capable of prosecution under regular criminal statutes not involving Stolen Valor.
In 2016, a federal court in IA sentenced a defendant for multiple violations of the Stolen Valor Act.
[
195
]
In 2016, federal prosecutors in OH charged a defendant with violations related to the Stolen Valor Act.
[
196
]
In 2017, a federal court in MO sentenced a defendant for violating the Stolen Valor Act.
[
197
]
In 2017, a federal court in TX sentenced a defendant for violating the Stolen Valor Act.
[
198
]
In 2017, a federal court in IL sentenced a defendant for violations related to stolen valor claims.
[
199
]
In 2018, a PA court sentenced a defendant for violations of the PA state statute on stolen valor.
[
200
]
[
201
]
In 2020, a federal court in GA sentenced a defendant for multiple violations of the Stolen Valor Act.
[
202
]
In 2021, a federal court in PA sentenced a defendant for violating the Stolen Valor Act.
[
203
]
In 2023, a federal court in TX sentenced a defendant for multiple violations of the Stolen Valor Act.
[
204
]
In 2023, a federal court in RI sentenced a defendant for multiple violations of the Stolen Valor Act.
[
205
]
In 2023, a WI man was convicted of several crimes at the state level in connection with stolen valor claims.
[
206
]
In 2024, a federal court in NY sentenced a Canadian man for multiple violations of the Stolen Valor Act.
[
207
]
In 2024, federal prosecutors in NY charged a woman with violating the Stolen Valor Act.
[
208
]
In 2024, federal prosecutors in MN charged a man with violating the Stolen Valor Act.
[
209
]
Medal of Honor recipients may apply in writing to the headquarters of the service branch of the medal awarded for a replacement or display Medal of Honor, ribbon, and appurtenance (Medal of Honor flag) without charge. Primary next of kin may also do the same and have any questions answered in regard to the Medal of Honor that was awarded.
[
210
]
On This Day In History: The Medal of Honor was created in 1862.
The first Medals of Honor were awarded and presented to six U.S. Army soldiers ("
Andrews Raiders
") on March 25, 1863, by
Secretary of War
Edwin Stanton
, in his office of the War Department. Private
Jacob Parrott
, a U.S. Army volunteer from Ohio, became the first Medal of Honor recipient, awarded for his volunteering for and participation in a raid on a
Confederate
train in
Big Shanty
,
Georgia
, on April 12, 1862, during the
American Civil War
.
[
103
]
After the medal presentations, the six decorated soldiers met with President Lincoln in the
White House
.
[
32
]
[
211
]
Bernard John Dowling Irwin
was the first (chronologically by action) Medal of Honor recipient during the
Apache Wars
. His actions on February 13, 1861, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded.
[
212
]
The first U.S. Navy sailors were awarded the Medal of Honor on April 3, 1863. 41 sailors received the award, with 17 awards for action during the
Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip
.
[
213
]
The first marines awarded the Medal of Honor were
John F. Mackie
and
Pinkerton R. Vaughn
on July 10, 1863;
[
214
]
Mackie for
USSÂ
Galena
on May 15, 1862, and Vaughn for
USSÂ
Mississippi
on March 14, 1863.
[
215
]
[
216
]
The first, and so far only, Coast Guardsman to be awarded the Medal of Honor was Signalman First Class
Douglas Munro
. He was posthumously awarded it on May 27, 1943, for evacuating 500 marines under fire on September 27, 1942, during the
Battle of Guadalcanal
.
[
217
]
The only woman awarded the Medal of Honor is
Mary Edwards Walker
, who was a civilian Army acting assistant surgeon during the American Civil War.
[
218
]
She received the award in 1865 after the Judge Advocate General of the Army determined that she could be given a retroactive commission or brevet, but Secretary of War Stanton ruled against her in spite of this legal advice.
[
219
]
Instead of a commission, President Andrew Johnson directed that "the usual medal of honor for meritorious services be given her."
[
220
]
Evidently, Johnson did not know that the award was restricted by law to soldiers, which made the award to a contract surgeon (a civilian) unlawful. This defect later led to the award's revocation in 1917, and then questionable reinstatement by the Army's Board for Correction of Military Records in 1977.
[
221
]
The reinstatement is often attributed to President Jimmy Carter, in error.
[
46
]
The first black recipients of the Medal of Honor were sixteen Army soldiers and sixteen Navy sailors that fought during the Civil War. The first black recipient was
Robert Blake
, who received the medal on April 16, 1864 for serving as a powder boy on the
USS
Marblehead
.
[
222
]
The first Army award was announced on April 6, 1865, to twelve black soldiers from the five regiments of
U.S. Colored Troops
who fought at
New Market Heights
outside of Richmond on September 29, 1864.
[
63
]
The first action by a black man to eventually earn the Medal of Honor was by
William Harvey Carney
.
[
223
]
He earned the Medal during the
Battle of Fort Wagner
, but was not presented with it until 1900.
[
224
]
President
Dwight D. Eisenhower
congratulates SSG Miyamura after having awarded him the Medal of Honor on October 27, 1953.
The only Medal of Honor to be classified as "
top secret
" was awarded to
Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura
for his actions on April 24, 1951, during the Korean War when he was presumed dead. The Medal of Honor, which had not been publicly announced, was classified as top secret for his protection until his release in August 1953.
[
225
]
The 1917 Medal of Honor Board revoked 911 awards, but only 910 names from the Army's Medal of Honor list,
[
226
]
including awards to Mary Edwards Walker, William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody and the first of two awards issued February 10, 1887, to George W. Mindil, who retained his award issued October 25, 1893. None of the 911 impacted recipients were ordered to return their medals, although on the question of whether the recipients could continue to wear their medals, the Judge Advocate General advised the Medal of Honor Board that the Army was not obligated to police the matter.
[
227
]
Walker continued to wear her medal until her death, although some authors mistakenly claim that the Army sought its return.
[
228
]
Although some sources claim that President
Jimmy Carter
formally restored her medal posthumously in 1977,
[
229
]
this action was actually taken unilaterally by the Army's Board for Correction of Military Records.
[
46
]
The Army Board for Correction of Military Records also restored the Medals of Honor of Buffalo Bill and four other civilian scouts in 1989.
[
47
]
Sixty-one
Canadians
who served in the United States Armed Forces earned the Medal of Honor, most during the American Civil War. Since 1900, four Canadians have received the medal.
[
230
]
The only Canadian-born, naturalized U.S. citizen to receive the medal for heroism during the Vietnam War was
Peter C. Lemon
.
[
231
]
While the governing statute for the Army's Medal of Honor (
10Â U.S.C.
Â
§ 6241
), beginning in 1918, explicitly stated that a recipient must be "an officer or enlisted man of the Army", "distinguish himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty", and perform an act of valor "in action involving actual conflict with an enemy",
[
112
]
exceptions have been made:
Charles Lindbergh
, 1927, civilian pilot, and
U.S. Army Air Corps
reserve officer.
[
232
]
Lindbergh's medal was authorized by a special act of Congress, which effectively waived his ineligibility on the grounds of not being on military duty, not performing an act of gallantry, and not being in action (combat) against an enemy.
[
112
]
[
233
]
Lindbergh's award also violated President Coolidge's executive order prohibiting multiple awards for the same action, as he also received a Distinguished Flying Cross for the same transatlantic flight.
[
233
]
Major General (Retired)
Adolphus Greely
was awarded the medal in 1935, on his 91st birthday, "for his life of splendid public service." The result of a special act of Congress similar to Lindbergh's, Greely's medal citation did not reference any acts of valor.
[
234
]
Foreign unknown recipients include five WWI Unknowns: the
Belgian Unknown Soldier
, the
British Unknown Warrior
, the
French Unknown Soldier
, the
Italian Unknown Soldier
, and the
Romanian Unknown Soldier
.
[
235
]
U.S. unknown recipients include one each from four wars: World War I,
[
236
]
World War II,
[
237
]
Korea,
[
238
]
and Vietnam.
[
239
]
The Vietnam Unknown was later identified as Air Force First Lieutenant
Michael Blassie
through the use of DNA identification.
[
240
]
Blassie's family asked for his Medal of Honor, but the Department of Defense denied the request in 1998.
[
240
]
According to Undersecretary of Defense Rudy de Leon, the medal was awarded symbolically to all Vietnam unknowns, not to Blassie specifically.
[
241
]
The action also resulted in clarification of unknown medal awards in the FY2005 defense bill, which expressly stated such medals are "awarded to the member as a representative of the members of the armed forces who died in such war or other armed conflict and whose remains have not been identified, and not to the individual personally."
[
111
]
Awards by conflict
Conflict
Date
Medal count (3,530)
List article
Civil War
1861â1865
1,523
American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients
Indian Wars
1865â1891
426
Medal of Honor recipients for the Indian Wars
Korean Expedition
1871
15
Medal of Honor recipients in the Korean Expedition
SpanishâAmerican War
1898
110
Medal of Honor recipients for the SpanishâAmerican War
Second Samoan Civil War
1899
4
Medal of Honor recipients for the Samoan Civil War
PhilippineâAmerican War
1899â1902
86
PhilippineâAmerican War Medal of Honor recipients
Boxer Rebellion
1899â1901
59
Medal of Honor recipients for the Boxer Rebellion
Occupation of Veracruz
1914
56
Medal of Honor recipients for Veracruz
United States occupation of Haiti
1915â1934
8
Medal of Honor recipients for Haiti
Dominican Republic Occupation
1916â1924
3
Medal of Honor recipients for the Occupation of the Dominican Republic
World War I
1914â1918
126
Medal of Honor recipients for World War I
Occupation of Nicaragua
1912â1933
2
Medal of Honor recipients for Occupation of Nicaragua
World War II
1939â1945
472
Medal of Honor recipients for World War II
Korean War
1950â1953
146
Korean War Medal of Honor recipients
Vietnam War
1955â1975
268
Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War
USS
Liberty
incident
1967
1
Medal of Honor recipients for the USS
Liberty
incident
Battle of Mogadishu
1993
2
Medal of Honor recipients for the Battle of Mogadishu
Iraq War
2003â2011
7
Medal of Honor recipients for the Iraq War
War in Afghanistan
2001â2021
20
Medal of Honor recipients for the War in Afghanistan
Operation Inherent Resolve
2014âpresent
1
Medal of Honor recipients for Operation Inherent Resolve
Venezuelan Intervention
2026
1
Medal of Honor recipients for Venezuelan Intervention
Noncombat
1865â1939
193
Medal of Honor recipients in non-combat incidents
Unknown soldiers
1914â1973
9
Unknown Medal of Honor recipients
(4 American and 5 Allies)
Awards by military branch
[
242
]
Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Air Force
Coast Guard
Total
[
243
]
2,461
749
[
244
]
300
19
1
3,530
Note that the number of Air Force recipients does not count recipients from its pre-September 19, 1947, Army-related
predecessor organizations
. Nevertheless, the Air Force's transfer agreement gave it retroactive jurisdiction over military awards to the date the Air Corps was authorized by statute: Jul. 2, 1926. Thus, were a decoration submitted retroactively for an aviator's actions on or after that date (including a Medal of Honor), it would be processed by the Air Force despite the fact that the Air Force did not yet exist as a separate service.
[
245
]
Nineteen service members have been awarded the Medal of Honor twice.
[
246
]
The first double Medal of Honor recipient was
Thomas Custer
(brother of
George Armstrong Custer
) for two separate actions that took place several days apart during the American Civil War.
[
247
]
Five "double recipients" were awarded both the Army's and Navy's Medal of Honor for the same action, with all five of these occurrences taking place during World War I.
[
248
]
This was a consequence of the marine recipients serving under Army command, which had been reviewed by the Army's judge advocate general. According to the judge advocate general, the marines were "a party 'of the Army'" since they were detached for service under the Army by presidential directive, and thus were subject to the Army's decoration statutes for that time period.
[
249
]
No modern recipients have more than one medal because of laws passed for the Army in 1918, and for the Navy in 1919, which stipulated that "no more than one medal of honor . . . shall be issued to any one person," although subsequent awards were still authorized by issuance of bars or other devices in lieu of the medal itself.
[
250
]
The prohibition on wearing multiple medals did not technically apply to the double recipients of WWI because they received Medals of Honor from different services, which meant the same medals were not duplicated and had independent statutory authority.
[
251
]
Later, in 1927, President Coolidge issued an executive order that forbade issuing more than one federal decoration for the same action, a policy that continues through the present time.
[
233
]
The statutory bar on issuing multiple Medals of Honor was finally repealed in the FY2014 defense bill,
[
252
]
at the request of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, meaning that recipients can now be issued more than one medal rather than simply receiving a device for subsequent awards.
[
253
]
However, it is still true that no more than one medal may be issued for the same action.
[
253
]
The most Medals of Honor earned by any service member is two.
[
49
]
The last living individual to be awarded two Medals of Honor was
John J. Kelly
, on October 3, 1918;
[
254
]
the last individual to receive two Medals of Honor for two different actions was
Smedley Butler
, in 1914 and 1915.
[
255
]
None of the double awardees earned two distinct medals under modern Medal of Honor criteria, although the WWI awardees qualified under substantially modern statutes.
Name
Service
Rank
[
d
]
War(s)
Notes
Frank Baldwin
Army
First Lieutenant, Captain
American Civil War
,
Indian Wars
Smedley Butler
Marine Corps
Major
Veracruz
,
Haiti
John Cooper
Navy
Coxswain
American Civil War
Louis Cukela
Marine Corps
Sergeant
World War I
Awarded both Navy and Army versions for same action.
Thomas Custer
Army
Second Lieutenant
American Civil War
Battle of Namozine Church
on April 3 and
Battle of Sayler's Creek
on April 6, 1865.
Daniel Daly
Marine Corps
Private, Gunnery Sergeant
Boxer Rebellion
, Haiti
[
256
]
Henry Hogan
Army
First Sergeant
Indian Wars
Ernest A. Janson
Marine Corps
Gunnery Sergeant
World War I
Both awarded for same action. Received the Army MOH under the name Charles F. Hoffman.
John J. Kelly
Marine Corps
Private
World War I
Both awarded for same action.
John King
Navy
Water tender
Peacetime
1901 and 1909
Matej Kocak
Marine Corps
Sergeant
World War I
Both awarded for same action.
John Lafferty
Navy
Fireman, First Class Fireman
American Civil War, peacetime
John C. McCloy
Navy
Coxswain, Chief Boatswain
Boxer Rebellion, Veracruz
Patrick Mullen
Navy
Boatswain's Mate
American Civil War
John H. Pruitt
Marine Corps
Corporal
World War I
Both awarded for same action.
Robert Sweeney
Navy
Ordinary Seaman
Peacetime
1881 and 1883
Albert Weisbogel
Navy
Captain of the Mizzen Top
Peacetime
1874 and 1876
Louis Williams
Navy
Captain of the Hold
Peacetime
1883 and 1884. Also known as
Ludwig Andreas Olsen
.
William Wilson
Army
Sergeant
Indian Wars
Arthur MacArthur, Jr.
and
Douglas MacArthur
were the first father and son to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
[
257
]
The only other such pairing is
Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.
(awarded in 2001) and
Theodore Roosevelt III
.
[
257
]
Notably, one member in each pair was strongly influenced by political considerations; Douglas MacArthur's medal was approved for service (rather than gallantry) in violation of both law and policy that prohibited such action,
[
258
]
and Theodore Roosevelt's medal was approved after members of Congress successfully lobbied the Secretary of the Army to reverse a prior determination that "Theodore Roosevelt's bravery in battle did not rise to the level that would justify the Medal of Honor and, indeed, it did not rise to the level of men who fought in that engagement."
[
259
]
Seven pairs of brothers have received the Medal of Honor:
James Pond
and
George F. Pond
, in the
American Civil War
for separate actions. James for actions on 6 October 1863 and George on 15 May 1864.
[
260
]
George N. Galloway
and
John Galloway
, in the
American Civil War
for separate actions. George for actions on May 8, 1864 and John for actions on April 7, 1865.
[
260
]
John
and
William Black
, in the
American Civil War
. The Blacks are the first brothers to be so honored.
[
260
]
Charles
and
Henry Capehart
, in the American Civil War, the latter for saving a drowning man while under fire.
[
260
]
Antoine
and
Julien Gaujot
. The Gaujots also have the unique distinction of receiving their medals for actions in separate conflicts, Antoine in the
PhilippineâAmerican War
and Julien when he crossed the Mexican border to rescue Mexicans and Americans in a
Mexican Revolution
skirmish.
[
260
]
Harry
and
Willard Miller
, during the same naval action in the
SpanishâAmerican War
.
[
260
]
Allen and James Thompson
, in the same American Civil War action.
[
260
]
Two other notable pairs of related recipients include two uncle and nephew recipients. Admiral
Frank Friday Fletcher
(rear admiral at the time of award) and his nephew, Admiral
Frank Jack Fletcher
(lieutenant at the time of award), both awarded for actions during the
United States occupation of Veracruz
.
[
261
]
Guy W. S. Castle
for actions during the U.S. occupation of Veracruz,
[
262
]
and his nephew
Frederick Walker Castle
for actions during
World War II
.
[
263
]
Since 1979, 86 late Medal of Honor awards have been presented for actions from the Civil War to the Vietnam War. In addition, five recipients whose names were included on the Army's medal revocations in 1917 had their awards restored.
[
264
]
A 1993 study commissioned by the U.S. Army investigated "racial disparity" in the awarding of medals.
[
265
]
At the time, no Medals of Honor had been awarded to U.S. soldiers of
African descent
who served in World War II. After an exhaustive review, the study recommended that ten
Distinguished Service Cross
recipients be awarded the Medal of Honor. On January 13, 1997, President
Bill Clinton
presented the Medal of Honor to seven of these World War II veterans, six of them posthumously and one to former Second Lieutenant
Vernon Baker
.
[
266
]
In 1998, a similar study of
Asian Americans
resulted in Clinton presenting 22 Medals of Honor in 2000.
[
267
]
This was following a historical review conducted by a team of historians headed by Jim McNaughton at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, located in the Presidio of Monterey, California.
[
268
]
The review ultimately forwarded at least 47 cases of Distinguished Service Crosses for potential upgrade, as well as one Silver Star.
[
269
]
Twenty of the resulting medals went to U.S. soldiers of
Japanese
descent of the
442nd Regimental Combat Team
(442nd RCT) who served in the
European Theater of Operations
during World War II.
[
267
]
[
270
]
One of these Medal of Honor recipients was Senator
Daniel Inouye
, a former U.S. Army officer in the 442nd RCT.
[
266
]
In 2005, President George W. Bush presented the Medal of Honor to
Tibor Rubin
, a
Hungarian
-born
American Jew
who was a
Holocaust survivor
of World War II and enlisted U.S. infantryman and
prisoner of war
in the
Korean War
, whom many believed to have been overlooked because of his
religion
.
[
271
]
On April 11, 2013, President Obama presented the Medal of Honor posthumously to
Army chaplain
Captain
Emil Kapaun
for his actions as a
prisoner of war
during the Korean War.
[
272
]
This follows other awards to Army Sergeant
Leslie H. Sabo, Jr.
for conspicuous gallantry in action on May 10, 1970, near
Se San
,
Cambodia
, during the Vietnam War
[
273
]
and to Army Private First Class
Henry Svehla
and Army Private First Class
Anthony T. KahoĘťohanohano
for their heroic actions during the Korean War.
[
274
]
As a result of a congressionally mandated review to ensure brave acts were not overlooked due to prejudice or discrimination, on March 18, 2014, President Obama upgraded Distinguished Service Crosses to Medals of Honor for 24 Hispanic, Jewish and black individualsâthe "Valor 24"âfor their actions in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
[
275
]
Three were still living at the time of the ceremony.
[
275
]
In 2010 and again in 2014, Congress directed the Department of Defense to "survey military leaders . . . to the lowest level of command to determine if there is a trend of downgrading awards . . . for medals related to acts of valor and gallantry," and also to "review the Medal of Honor process to ensure that the nomination process, valor requirements, and timeliness of the process do not unfairly penalize service members."
[
276
]
This ultimately resulted in a review of all post 9/11 valor awards, several of which resulted in Medals of Honor.
[
276
]
Another historical review for World War I medals that may have been tainted by discrimination was authorized in the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act.
[
277
]
Conducted under the George S. Rob Centre at Park University, the review is still ongoing but has already identified some 200 medals for potential upgrade.
[
278
]
27th Maine and other revoked awards
[
edit
]
A Medal of Honor monument at the
Texas State Cemetery
in
Austin, Texas
During the Civil War,
Secretary of War
Edwin M. Stanton
promised a Medal of Honor to every man in the
27th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment
who extended his enlistment beyond his separation date.
[
279
]
The Battle of Gettysburg was imminent, and approximately 300 men of the regiment volunteered to serve until the battle was resolved.
[
279
]
The remaining men returned to Maine, and with the Union victory at Gettysburg the volunteers with extended enlistments soon followed.
[
279
]
They arrived back in Maine in time to be discharged with the men who had returned earlier. Since there seemed to be no official list of the extended volunteers, the War Department exacerbated the situation by forwarding 864 medals to the commanding officer of the regiment.
[
280
]
The commanding officer only issued the medals to the volunteers who stayed behind and retained the others on the grounds that, if he returned the remainder to the War Department, the War Department would try to reissue the medals.
[
281
]
In 1916, a board of five Army generals on the retired list convened under act of law to review every Army Medal of Honor awarded.
[
282
]
The board was to report on any Medals of Honor awarded or issued "for any cause other than distinguished conduct by an officer or enlisted man in action involving actual conflict with an enemy."
[
45
]
The board, led by
Nelson A. Miles
, identified 911 awards for causes other than distinguished conduct.
[
283
]
This included the 864 medals awarded to members of the 27th Maine regiment; 29 servicemen who served as Abraham Lincoln's funeral guard; six civilians, including
Mary Edwards Walker
and
Buffalo Bill Cody
; and 12 others.
[
284
]
[
285
]
Walker's medal was restored by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in 1977, an action that is often erroneously attributed to President
Jimmy Carter
.
[
286
]
Cody and four other civilian scouts who rendered distinguished service in action, and who were therefore considered by the board to have fully earned their medals, also had their medals restored by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in 1989.
[
287
]
The report issued by the Medal of Honor review board in 1917 was reviewed by the
Judge Advocate General
, who also advised that the War Department should not seek the return of the revoked medals from the recipients identified by the board.
[
288
]
In the case of recipients who continued to wear the medal, the War Department was advised to take no action to enforce the statute.
[
288
]
Medal of Honor Day
List of Medal of Honor recipients
Medal of Honor Memorials
Medal of Honor Memorial (Indianapolis)
African-American Medal of Honor Recipients Memorial
Kentucky Medal of Honor Memorial
Texas Medal of Honor Memorial
Distinguished Intelligence Cross
Home of the Heroes
, a recognition of Pueblo, Colorado, for being the hometown of four Medal of Honor recipients
Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal
Military awards and decorations
National Medal of Honor Museum
^
As amended by Act of July 25, 1963
^
For service in the
American Civil War
to a U.S. Army Private
Jacob Parrott
.
^
U.S. Coast Guard Signalman First Class
Douglas Albert Munro
was posthumously awarded the Navy version of the Medal of Honor for bravery at
Guadalcanal
on September 27, 1942.
^
Rank refers to rank held at time of Medal of Honor action.
^
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b
c
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⢠List with basic details is at U.S. Army's
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^
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^
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^
Collier & Del Calzo 2006
, p. 16
^
a
b
66th Congress 1st Session, Document 58, General Staff and Medals of Honor, ordered to be printed July 23, 1919.
 This article incorporates
public domain material
from websites or documents of the
United States Army Center of Military History
.
[
not specific enough to verify
]
Collier, Peter; Del Calzo, Nick (2006).
Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty
(2nd ed.). New York:
Workman Publishing Company
.
ISBN
Â
978-1-57965-314-9
.
OCLC
Â
852666368
.
Mears, Dwight S. (2018).
The Medal of Honor: The Evolution of America's Highest Military Decoration
. Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas.
ISBN
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9780700626656
.
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1032014828
.
Mikaelian, Allen; Wallace, Mike (2003).
Medal of Honor: Profiles of America's Military Heroes from the Civil War to the Present
. New York:
Hyperion Books
.
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978-0-7868-8576-3
.
Tucker, Spencer (2012).
Almanac of American Military History
. Vol. 1. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO.
ISBN
Â
978-1-59884-530-3
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Broadwater, Robert P. (2007).
Civil War Medal of Honor recipients still in actice duty:Thomas Payne, Earl Plumlee, William Swenson, and Matthew Williams Medal of Honor Recipients: A Complete Illustrated Record
. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Co.
ISBN
Â
978-0-7864-3223-3
.
OCLC
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144767966
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Collier, Peter; Del Calzo, Nick (2011).
Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty
(3rd ed.). New York: Artisan.
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978-1-57965-462-7
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Curtis, Arthur S. (1969).
37 Greatest Navy Heroes: Navy Hall of Heroes
. Washington, D.C.: self-published.
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Â
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DeKever, Andrew J. (2008).
Here Rests in Honored Glory: Life Stories of Our Country's Medal of Honor Recipients
. Bennigton, Vermont: Merriam Press.
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233835859
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Foster, Frank C. (2002).
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Hanna, Charles W. (2010).
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476156919
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Johnson, John L. (2007).
Every Night & Every Morn: Portraits of Asian, Hispanic, Jewish, African-American, and Native-American Recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor
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Willbanks, James H. (2011).
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Congressional Medal of Honor Society
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. Submarine Force Museum website
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(Medal of Honor recipients depicted on film)
National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History
in Chattanooga, Tennessee
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U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry: Medal of Honor-Navy
U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry: Medal of Honor-Air Force
Pritzker Military Museum & Library |
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## Contents
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- [1 History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#History)
- [2 Appearance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Appearance)
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- [2\.1 Army variant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Army_variant)
- [2\.2 Naval variant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Naval_variant)
- [2\.3 Air and Space Forces variant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Air_and_Space_Forces_variant)
- [2\.4 Historic versions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Historic_versions)
- [3 Neck ribbon, service ribbon and lapel button](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Neck_ribbon,_service_ribbon_and_lapel_button)
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- [3\.1 Department of the Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Department_of_the_Army)
- [3\.2 Department of the Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Department_of_the_Navy)
- [3\.3 Department of the Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Department_of_the_Air_Force)
- [4 Devices](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Devices)
- [5 Medal of Honor Flag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Medal_of_Honor_Flag)
- [6 Recommendation process and presentation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Recommendation_process_and_presentation)
- [7 Evolution of criteria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Evolution_of_criteria)
Toggle Evolution of criteria subsection
- [7\.1 Awarding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Awarding)
- [7\.1.1 19th century (Navy)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#19th_century_\(Navy\))
- [7\.1.2 19th century (Army)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#19th_century_\(Army\))
- [7\.1.3 20th century](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#20th_century)
- [7\.1.4 World War I](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#World_War_I)
- [7\.1.5 World War II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#World_War_II)
- [7\.1.6 Vietnam Era](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Vietnam_Era)
- [7\.1.7 Modern Adjudication](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Modern_Adjudication)
- [7\.2 Revocation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Revocation)
- [7\.2.1 19th century](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#19th_century)
- [7\.2.2 20th century](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#20th_century_2)
- [7\.2.3 21st century](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#21st_century)
- [8 Authority and privileges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Authority_and_privileges)
Toggle Authority and privileges subsection
- [8\.1 Privileges and courtesies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Privileges_and_courtesies)
- [8\.2 Saluting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Saluting)
- [9 Legal protection](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Legal_protection)
Toggle Legal protection subsection
- [9\.1 1904](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#1904)
- [9\.2 1923](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#1923)
- [9\.3 2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#2006)
- [9\.4 2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#2012)
- [9\.5 2013](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#2013)
- [10 Duplicate medals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Duplicate_medals)
- [11 Recipients](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Recipients)
Toggle Recipients subsection
- [11\.1 Double recipients](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Double_recipients)
- [11\.2 Related recipients](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Related_recipients)
- [11\.3 Late awards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Late_awards)
- [12 27th Maine and other revoked awards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#27th_Maine_and_other_revoked_awards)
- [13 See also](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#See_also)
- [14 Notes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Notes)
- [15 References](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#References)
Toggle References subsection
- [15\.1 Citations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Citations)
- [15\.2 Works cited](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Works_cited)
- [16 Further reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Further_reading)
- [17 External links](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#External_links)
Toggle the table of contents
# Medal of Honor
52 languages
- [اŮؚعبŮŘŠ](https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%81 "ŮساŮ
اŮشع٠â Arabic")
- [Asturianu](https://ast.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medaya_d%27Honor "Medaya d'Honor â Asturian")
- [AzÉrbaycanca](https://az.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9E%C9%99r%C9%99f_medal%C4%B1_\(AB%C5%9E\) "ĹÉrÉf medalÄą (ABĹ) â Azerbaijani")
- [ĐоНаŃŃŃкаŃ](https://be.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C_%D0%9F%D0%B0%D1%88%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%8B_\(%D0%97%D0%A8%D0%90\) "ĐĐľĐ´Đ°ĐťŃ ĐĐ°ŃĐ°Đ˝Ń (ĐШĐ) â Belarusian")
- [ĐŃНгаŃŃки](https://bg.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BB_%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D1%82%D0%B0 "ĐодаН на ŃĐľŃŃŃĐ° â Bulgarian")
- [বাŕŚŕŚ˛ŕŚž](https://bn.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2_%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AB_%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0 "মŕ§ŕŚĄŕŚžŕŚ˛ ŕŚ
ফ ŕŚ
নার â Bangla")
- [Brezhoneg](https://br.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor "Medal of Honor â Breton")
- [Bosanski](https://bs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medalja_%C4%8Dasti "Medalja Äasti â Bosnian")
- [CatalĂ ](https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medalla_d%27Honor "Medalla d'Honor â Catalan")
- [ÄeĹĄtina](https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medaile_cti "Medaile cti â Czech")
- [Dansk](https://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor "Medal of Honor â Danish")
- [Deutsch](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor "Medal of Honor â German")
- [Esperanto](https://eo.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor "Medal of Honor â Esperanto")
- [EspaĂąol](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medalla_de_Honor "Medalla de Honor â Spanish")
- [Eesti](https://et.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor "Medal of Honor â Estonian")
- [ŮاعسŰ](https://fa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%86_%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1_\(%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%B1%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%A7\) "Ůشا٠اŮت؎اع (آŮ
ŘąŰڊا) â Persian")
- [Suomi](https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor "Medal of Honor â Finnish")
- [Français](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor "Medal of Honor â French")
- [Frysk](https://fy.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor "Medal of Honor â Western Frisian")
- [Galego](https://gl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medalla_de_Honra "Medalla de Honra â Galician")
- [ע×ר×ת](https://he.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D7%9E%D7%93%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%99%D7%AA_%D7%94%D7%9B%D7%91%D7%95%D7%93_\(%D7%90%D7%A8%D7%A6%D7%95%D7%AA_%D7%94%D7%91%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%AA\) "×××××ת ××××× (×ר׌×ת ××ר×ת) â Hebrew")
- [Hrvatski](https://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medalja_%C4%8Dasti "Medalja Äasti â Croatian")
- [Magyar](https://hu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor "Medal of Honor â Hungarian")
- [Bahasa Indonesia](https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor "Medal of Honor â Indonesian")
- [Italiano](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor "Medal of Honor â Italian")
- [ćĽćŹčŞ](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%90%8D%E8%AA%89%E5%8B%B2%E7%AB%A0 "ĺčŞĺ˛çŤ â Japanese")
- [íęľě´](https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EB%AA%85%EC%98%88%ED%9B%88%EC%9E%A5 "ëŞ
ěíěĽ â Korean")
- [LietuviĹł](https://lt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garb%C4%97s_medalis "GarbÄs medalis â Lithuanian")
- [LatvieĹĄu](https://lv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goda_meda%C4%BCa "Goda medaÄźa â Latvian")
- [എലയഞളŕ´](https://ml.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B4%AE%E0%B5%86%E0%B4%A1%E0%B5%BD_%E0%B4%93%E0%B4%AB%E0%B5%8D_%E0%B4%B9%E0%B5%8B%E0%B4%A3%E0%B5%BC "ŕ´Žŕľŕ´Ąŕľ˝ ŕ´ŕ´Ťŕľ ŕ´šŕľŕ´Łŕľź â Malayalam")
- [ĐОнгОН](https://mn.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A5%D2%AF%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%8D%D1%82%D0%B3%D1%8D%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD_%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C_\(%D0%90%D0%9D%D0%A3\) "мүндŃŃĐłŃНиКн ĐźĐľĐ´Đ°ĐťŃ (ĐĐĐŁ) â Mongolian")
- [Bahasa Melayu](https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor "Medal of Honor â Malay")
- [Nederlands](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor_\(militair\) "Medal of Honor (militair) â Dutch")
- [Norsk bokmĂĽl](https://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor "Medal of Honor â Norwegian BokmĂĽl")
- [ਪੰŕ¨ŕ¨žŕ¨ŹŕŠ](https://pa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A8%AE%E0%A9%88%E0%A8%A1%E0%A8%B2_%E0%A8%86%E0%A8%AB%E0%A8%BC_%E0%A8%86%E0%A8%A8%E0%A8%B0 "਎ŕŠŕ¨Ąŕ¨˛ ŕ¨ŕ¨Ťŕ¨ź ŕ¨ŕ¨¨ŕ¨° â Punjabi")
- [Polski](https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_Honoru_\(Stany_Zjednoczone\) "Medal Honoru (Stany Zjednoczone) â Polish")
- [ŮžŮ؏ابŰ](https://pnb.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D9%85%DB%8C%DA%88%D9%84_%D8%A2%D9%81_%D8%A2%D9%86%D8%B1 "Ů
ŰÚ٠آ٠آŮŘą â Western Punjabi")
- [PortuguĂŞs](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medalha_de_Honra "Medalha de Honra â Portuguese")
- [RomânÄ](https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor "Medal of Honor â Romanian")
- [Đ ŃŃŃкиК](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C_%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%87%D1%91%D1%82%D0%B0_\(%D0%A1%D0%A8%D0%90\) "ĐĐľĐ´Đ°ĐťŃ ĐĐžŃŃŃĐ° (ХШĐ) â Russian")
- [Srpskohrvatski / ŃŃĐżŃкОŃ
ŃваŃŃки](https://sh.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medalja_%C4%8Dasti "Medalja Äasti â Serbo-Croatian")
- [Simple English](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor "Medal of Honor â Simple English")
- [SlovenÄina](https://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor_\(vyznamenanie\) "Medal of Honor (vyznamenanie) â Slovak")
- [SlovenĹĄÄina](https://sl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medalja_%C4%8Dasti "Medalja Äasti â Slovenian")
- [Shqip](https://sq.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medalja_e_Nderit "Medalja e Nderit â Albanian")
- [ĐĄŃĐżŃки / srpski](https://sr.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B0%D1%99%D0%B0_%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8 "ĐодаŃĐ° ŃĐ°ŃŃи â Serbian")
- [Svenska](https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor "Medal of Honor â Swedish")
- [ŕšŕ¸ŕ¸˘](https://th.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%A5_%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%9F_%E0%B8%AE%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%8C "ล฾ŕšŕ¸ŕ¸Ľ ŕ¸ŕ¸ŕ¸ ฎŕ¸ŕ¸ŕšŕ¸ŕ¸ŕ¸Łŕš â Thai")
- [TĂźrkçe](https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onur_Madalyas%C4%B1_\(Amerika_Birle%C5%9Fik_Devletleri\) "Onur MadalyasÄą (Amerika BirleĹik Devletleri) â Turkish")
- [ĐŁĐşŃĐ°ŃĐ˝ŃŃка](https://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C_%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%88%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8_\(%D0%A1%D0%A8%D0%90\) "ĐĐľĐ´Đ°ĐťŃ ĐĐžŃани (ХШĐ) â Ukrainian")
- [Tiáşżng Viáťt](https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hu%C3%A2n_ch%C6%B0%C6%A1ng_Danh_d%E1%BB%B1 "Huân chĆ°ĆĄng Danh dáťą â Vietnamese")
- [ä¸ć](https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%8D%A3%E8%AA%89%E5%8B%8B%E7%AB%A0 "čŁčŞĺçŤ â Chinese")
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Highest award in the United States Armed Forces
This article is about the U.S. military award. For other uses, see [Medal of Honor (disambiguation)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor_\(disambiguation\) "Medal of Honor (disambiguation)").
Award
| Medal of Honor | |
|---|---|
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tri-service_medal_of_honor.jpg)Medals of Honor of the three military departments | |
| Type | Military medal with neck ribbon (decoration) |
| Awarded for | Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-valor-1)[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-regulations-2)[\[a\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-3) |
| Presented by | The [President of the United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_the_United_States "President of the United States") in the name of Congress[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-4) |
| Eligibility | United States Armed Forces service members |
| Status | Actively awarded |
| Established | [Naval Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy "United States Navy"): December 21, 1861[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-5) [Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army "United States Army"): July 12, 1862[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-6) [Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force "United States Air Force"): August 10, 1956[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-7) [Coast Guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Coast_Guard "United States Coast Guard"): July 25, 1963[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Pub._L._88%E2%80%9377_1963,_77_Stat._95-8) [Space Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Space_Force "United States Space Force"): January 1, 2021[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-9) |
| First award | March 25, 1863[\[b\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-10) |
| Final award | Currently Awarded |
| Total awarded posthumously | 618[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-11) |
| Total recipients | 3,538[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-AMOHWStat-12) |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medal_of_Honor_ribbon.svg) [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medal_of_Honor_Flag_with_Gold_Fringe.svg)[Service ribbon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_ribbon "Service ribbon") and flag | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (lower) | Army: [Distinguished Service Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distinguished_Service_Cross_\(United_States\) "Distinguished Service Cross (United States)") Naval Service: [Navy Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy_Cross_\(United_States\) "Navy Cross (United States)") Air and Space Forces: [Air Force Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Cross_\(United_States\) "Air Force Cross (United States)") Coast Guard: [Coast Guard Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coast_Guard_Cross "Coast Guard Cross") |
The **Medal of Honor** (**MOH**) is the highest [military decoration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awards_and_decorations_of_the_United_States_Armed_Forces "Awards and decorations of the United States Armed Forces") of the [United States Armed Forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Armed_Forces "United States Armed Forces") and is awarded to recognize American [soldiers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army "United States Army"), [sailors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy "United States Navy"), [Marines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine_Corps "United States Marine Corps"), [airmen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force "United States Air Force"), [guardians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Space_Force "United States Space Force"), and [coast guardsmen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Coast_Guard "United States Coast Guard") who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-valor-1)[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-13) The medal is normally awarded by the [president of the United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_the_United_States "President of the United States") (the commander in chief of the armed forces) and is presented "in the name of Congress."[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-14) It is often referred to as the **Congressional Medal of Honor**, though the official name of the award is simply "Medal of Honor."[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-LoC-15)[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-16)
There are three distinct variants of the medal: one for the [Department of the Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_the_Army "United States Department of the Army"), awarded to soldiers; one for branches of the [Department of the Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_the_Navy "United States Department of the Navy"), awarded to sailors, marines, and coast guardsmen; and one for military branches of the [Department of the Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_the_Air_Force "United States Department of the Air Force"), awarded to airmen and guardians.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-valor-1)[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-17) The Medal of Honor was introduced for the Naval Service in 1861,[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-18) soon followed by the Army's version in 1862.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-19) The Air Force used the Army's version until they received their own distinctive version in 1965.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-af.mil-20) The Medal of Honor is the oldest continuously issued combat decoration of the United States Armed Forces.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-21) The president typically presents the Medal of Honor at a formal ceremony intended to represent the gratitude of the American people, with posthumous presentations made to the primary next of kin.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-22)[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-posthumousQuantification-23)[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-24)
There have been 3,552 Medals of Honor awarded, with over 40 percent awarded for actions during the [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War").[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-AMOHWStat-12) A total of 911 Army medals were revoked after Congress authorized a review in 1917, and a number of Navy medals were also revoked before the turn of the centuryânone of these are included in this total except for those that were subsequently restored.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-25) In 1990, Congress designated March 25 as [Medal of Honor Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor_Day "Medal of Honor Day").[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-26)
## History
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=1 "Edit section: History")\]
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ortega_meda_of_Honor.jpg)
Medal of Honor (without the suspension ribbon) awarded to [Seaman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seaman_\(rank\) "Seaman (rank)") [John Ortega](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ortega "John Ortega") in 1864.
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:John-Morehead-Scott-MOH-crop.jpg)
Medal of Honor awarded posthumously in 1866 to John Morehead Scott, one of the [Andrews Raiders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Locomotive_Chase "Great Locomotive Chase")
In 1861, early in the [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War"), a proposal for a battlefield decoration for [valor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courage "Courage") was submitted to Lieutenant General [Winfield Scott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winfield_Scott "Winfield Scott"), the [Commanding General of the United States Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commanding_General_of_the_United_States_Army "Commanding General of the United States Army"), by Lieutenant Colonel [Edward D. Townsend](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_D._Townsend "Edward D. Townsend"), an assistant adjutant at the [Department of War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_War "United States Department of War") and Scott's chief of staff.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201818-27) Scott, however, was strongly against the American republic's awarding medals for valor, a European monarchical tradition.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201818-27) After Scott retired in October 1861, however, [Secretary of the Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretary_of_the_Navy "Secretary of the Navy") [Gideon Welles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gideon_Welles "Gideon Welles") adopted the idea of a decoration to recognize and honor distinguished naval service.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201818-27)
On December 9, 1861, [Iowa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa "Iowa") [Senator](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Senator "U.S. Senator") [James W. Grimes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_W._Grimes "James W. Grimes"), Chairman on the Committee on Naval Affairs,[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-28) introduced bill S. 82.[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-12_Stat._329%E2%80%93330-29)[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-AboveandBeyond-30) The bill included a provision authorizing 200 "medals of honor,"[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201813-31) "to be bestowed upon such [petty officers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petty_officer "Petty officer"), [seamen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seaman_\(rank\) "Seaman (rank)"), [landsmen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landsman_\(rank\) "Landsman (rank)"), and [marines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marines "Marines") as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other seaman-like qualities during the present war...."[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-32) On December 21, the bill was passed and signed into law by President [Abraham Lincoln](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln "Abraham Lincoln").[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-12_Stat._329%E2%80%93330-29) Secretary Welles directed the [Philadelphia Mint](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Mint "Philadelphia Mint") to design the new military decoration.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-valorhonor-33)[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MWxviii-34)[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-typessecnav-35) On May 15, 1862, the [United States Department of the Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_the_Navy "United States Department of the Navy") ordered 175 medals (\$1.85 each) from the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia with "Personal Valor" inscribed on the back of each one.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-36)
On February 15, 1862, Senator [Henry Wilson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Wilson "Henry Wilson"), the chairman of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs and the Militia, introduced a resolution (equivalent to a bill) for a Medal of Honor for the Army.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-ReferenceA-37) The resolution (equivalent to a modern Act of Congress) was approved by Congress and signed into law on July 12, 1862.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-ReferenceA-37) This measure provided for awarding a medal of honor "to such non-commissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other soldier-like qualities during the present insurrection."[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-ReferenceA-37) By mid-November the Department of War contracted with Philadelphia [silversmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silversmith "Silversmith") William Wilson and Son, who had been responsible for the Navy's design, to prepare 2,000 medals for the Army (\$2.00 each) to be struck at the mint.[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-38) The Army's version had "The Congress to" written on the back of the medal. Both versions were made of copper and coated with bronze, which "gave them a reddish tint."[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-39)[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-40)
On March 3, 1863, Congress made the Army Medal of Honor a permanent decoration by passing legislation permitting the award to such soldiers "as have most distinguished or who may hereafter most distinguish themselves in action."[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201821-41) The same legislation also authorized the medal for officers of the Army.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-42) On March 25, 1863 the [Secretary of War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_War "United States Secretary of War") presented the first Medals of Honor to six U.S. Army volunteers in his office.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-43)
In 1896, the ribbon of the Army's version of the Medal of Honor was redesigned with all stripes being vertical.[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-RHargis2012-44) Again, in 1904 the planchet of the Army's version of the Medal of Honor was redesigned by General [George Lewis Gillespie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Lewis_Gillespie "George Lewis Gillespie").[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-RHargis2012-44) The purpose of the redesign was to help distinguish the Medal of Honor from other medals,[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-45) particularly the membership insignia issued by the [Grand Army of the Republic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Army_of_the_Republic "Grand Army of the Republic").[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-46)
In 1917, based on the report of the Medal of Honor Review Board, established by Congress in 1916, 911 recipients were stricken from the Army's Medal of Honor list because the medal had been awarded inappropriately.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201853-47) Among them were [William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Bill "Buffalo Bill") and [Mary Edwards Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Edwards_Walker "Mary Edwards Walker"). In 1977, the Army's board for correction of military records unilaterally restored Walker's medal at the request of a relative.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018171-48) The board had no authority to overturn a statute, and the restoration violated not only the period law during the Civil War, but also the law requiring revocation in 1916, and modern law in 1977.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018171-48) As a reaction to Walker's restoration, a relative of Cody's requested the same action from the Army's board for correction, and it reinstated the medals for Cody and four other civilian scouts on June 12, 1989.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018175-49) Subsequent litigation over the [Garlin Conner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garlin_Conner "Garlin Conner") award, which was recommended by the Army's board for correction of military records in 2015, established that the correction boards lack the authority to unilaterally award Medals of Honor.[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018192-50) In Conner's case, the board merely recommended the medal, which was then referred to the Senior Army Decorations Board, and ultimately to the [Secretary of the Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_the_Army "United States Secretary of the Army"), the [Secretary of Defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_Defense "United States Secretary of Defense"), and the President, who requested a waiver be passed by Congress.[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018192-50)
A separate Coast Guard Medal of Honor was authorized in 1963 but was not designed or awarded.[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navyfaq-51)[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Pub._L._88%E2%80%9377_1963,_77_Stat._95-8) A separate design for a version of the medal for the Department of the Air Force was authorized in 1956,[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-52) designed on April 14, 1965,[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-af.mil-20) and first awarded in January 1967.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-af.mil-20) Previously, airmen of the [U.S. Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Air_Force "U.S. Air Force") received the Army's version of the medal.[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MWxxvi-53)
## Appearance
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=2 "Edit section: Appearance")\]
There are three versions of the Medal of Honor, one for each of the [military departments](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_of_the_United_States_Department_of_Defense "Organizational structure of the United States Department of Defense") of the [Department of Defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_Defense "United States Department of Defense") (DoD): the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy (including the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard), and Department of the Air Force (Air and Space Forces).[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-design-54) Members of the Coast Guard, part of the [Department of Homeland Security](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_Homeland_Security "United States Department of Homeland Security"), are eligible to receive the Naval version.[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-design-54) Each medal is constructed differently, and the components are made from gilding metals and red brass alloys with some gold plating, enamel, and bronze pieces.[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-55) The United States Congress considered a bill in 2004 which would require the Medal of Honor to be made with 90% gold, the same composition as the lesser-known [Congressional Gold Medal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_Gold_Medal "Congressional Gold Medal"), but the bill did not pass Congress.[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-ABC-GoldorBrass-56)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Army_Medal_of_Honor_Obverse.png)
Army Medal of Honor
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_Medal_of_Honor.svg)
Naval Medal of Honor
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Air_Force_Medal_of_Honor.png)
Air and Space Forces Medal of Honor
### Army variant
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=3 "Edit section: Army variant")\]
The Army's version is described by the [Institute of Heraldry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Institute_of_Heraldry "United States Army Institute of Heraldry") as "a gold five-pointed star, each point tipped with trefoils, 1\+1â2 inches \[3.8 cm\] wide, surrounded by a green laurel wreath and suspended from a gold bar inscribed *VALOR*, surmounted by an eagle.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army-57) In the center of the star, [Minerva](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minerva "Minerva")'s head surrounded by the words *UNITED STATES OF AMERICA*.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army-57) On each ray of the star is a green oak leaf. On the reverse is a bar engraved *THE CONGRESS TO* with a space for engraving the name of the recipient."[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-TIOH-MOH-58) The pendant and suspension bar are made of gilding metal, with the eye, jump rings, and suspension ring made of [red brass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_brass "Red brass").[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MIL-DTL-3943/1F-59) The finish on the pendant and suspension bar is hard enameled, gold plated, and rose gold plated, with polished highlights.[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MIL-DTL-3943/1F-59)
### Naval variant
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=4 "Edit section: Naval variant")\]
The Naval version is described as "a five-pointed bronze star, tipped with trefoils containing a crown of laurel and oak.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) In the center is Minerva, personifying the United States, standing with her left hand resting on [fasces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasces "Fasces") and her right hand holding a shield emblazoned with the shield from the coat of arms of the United States.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) She repulses Discord, represented by snakes (originally, she was repulsing the snakes of [secession](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secession "Secession")).[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) The medal is suspended from the flukes of an anchor."[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) It is made of solid red brass, oxidized and buffed.[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MIL-DTL-3943/2H-61)
### Air and Space Forces variant
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=5 "Edit section: Air and Space Forces variant")\]
The Air and Space Forces version is described as "within a wreath of green laurel, a gold five-pointed star, one point down, tipped with trefoils and each point containing a crown of laurel and oak on a green background.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force-62) Centered on the star, an annulet of 34 stars is a representation of the head of the [Statue of Liberty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertas "Libertas").[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force-62) The star is suspended from a bar inscribed with the word *VALOR* above an adaptation of Jupiter's thunderbolt from the Department of the Air Force's seal.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force-62) The pendant is made of gilding metal.[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MIL-DTL-3943/3G-63) The connecting bar, hinge, and pin are made of bronze.[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MIL-DTL-3943/3G-63) The finish on the pendant and suspension bar is hard enameled, gold plated, and rose gold plated, with buffed relief.[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MIL-DTL-3943/3G-63)
### Historic versions
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=6 "Edit section: Historic versions")\]
Main article: [Tiffany Cross Medal of Honor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiffany_Cross_Medal_of_Honor "Tiffany Cross Medal of Honor")
The Medal of Honor has evolved in appearance over time. The inverted pentagram design of the Naval version's pendant adopted in early 1862 has not changed since its inception.[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-design-54) The Army's 1862 version followed and was identical to the Naval version except an eagle perched atop cannons was used instead of an anchor to connect the pendant to the suspension ribbon.[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-64) The medals featured a female [allegory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegory "Allegory") of the Union, with a shield in her right hand that she used to fend off a crouching attacker and serpents.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) In her left hand, she held a [fasces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasces "Fasces").[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) There are 34 stars surrounding the scene, representing the number of states in the union at the time.[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Schubert-65) In 1896, the Army version changed the ribbon's design and colors due to misuse and imitation by nonmilitary organizations.[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-TIOH-MOH-58) In 1904, the Army "[Gillespie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Lewis_Gillespie,_Jr. "George Lewis Gillespie, Jr.")" version introduced a smaller redesigned star and the ribbon was changed to the light blue pattern with white stars seen today.[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-TIOH-MOH-58) The 1904 Army version also introduced a bar with the word "Valor" above the star.[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Schubert-65) In 1913, the Naval version adopted the same ribbon pattern.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navalhistory-66)
After World War I, the Department of the Navy decided to separate the Medal of Honor into two versions, one for combat and one for non-combat.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navalhistory-66) This was an attempt to circumvent the requirement enacted in 1919 that recipients participate "in action involving actual conflict with the enemy," which would have foreclosed non-combat awards.[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201882,_221-67) By treating the 1919 Medal of Honor as a separate award from its Civil War counterpart, this allowed the Department of the Navy to claim that it was not literally in violation of the 1919 law.[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201882%E2%80%9383-68) The original upside-down star was designated as the non-combat version and a new pattern of the medal pendant, in cross form, was designed by the [Tiffany Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiffany_%26_Co. "Tiffany & Co.") in 1919.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navalhistory-66) Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels selected Tiffany after snubbing the Commission of Fine Arts, which had submitted drawings that Daniels criticized as "un-American".[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201884-69) The so-called Tiffany Cross was to be presented to a sailor or marine who "in action involving actual conflict with the enemy, distinguish\[es\] himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-70) Despite the "actual conflict" guidelines, the Tiffany Cross was awarded to Navy CDR (later RADM) [Richard E. Byrd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_E._Byrd "Richard E. Byrd") and [Floyd Bennett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floyd_Bennett "Floyd Bennett") for their flight to the North Pole in 1926.[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018148-71) The decision was controversial within the Navy's Bureau of Navigation (which handled personnel administration), and officials considered asking the attorney general of the United States for an advisory opinion on the matter.[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018148-71) Byrd himself apparently disliked the Tiffany Cross, and eventually requested the alternate version of the medal from President Herbert Hoover in 1930.[\[70\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018149-72) The Tiffany Cross itself was not popular among recipientsâone author reflected that it was "the most short-lived, legally contentious, and unpopular version of the Medal of Honor in American history."[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201884-69) In 1942, in response to a lawsuit, the Department of the Navy requested an amendment to expressly allow noncombat awards of the Medal of Honor.[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201894-73) When the amendment passed, the Department of the Navy returned to using only the original 1862 inverted 5-point star design and retired the Tiffany Cross.[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201895-74)
In 1944, the suspension ribbons for both versions were replaced with the now-familiar neck ribbon.[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-TIOH-MOH-58) When the Air and Space Force's version was designed in 1965,[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-af.mil-20) it incorporated similar elements and design from the Army version. At the Department of the Air Force leadership's insistence, the new medal depicted the Statue of Liberty's image in place of Minerva on the medal and changed the connecting device from an eagle to Jupiter's thunderbolt flanked with wings as found on the Department of the Air Force's seal.[\[73\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-75)[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-76)[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018114-77) The Air Force diverged from the traditional depiction of Minerva in part due to a desire to distinguish itself from the Army, including the Institute of Heraldry that traditionally designs awards, but which falls under the Army.[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018114-77)
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US-MOH-1862.png "1862â1895 Army version")
1862â1895 Army version
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US-MOH-1896.png "1896â1903 Army version")
1896â1903 Army version
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US-MOH-1904.png "1904â1944 Army version")
1904â1944 Army version
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Army_Medal_of_Honor.jpg "Post 1944 Army version")
Post 1944 Army version
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_Medal_of_Honor_\(1862_original\).png "1862â1912 Navy version")
1862â1912 Navy version
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_Medal_of_Honor_\(1913_to_1942\).png "1913â1942 Navy version")
1913â1942 Navy version
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tiffany_Cross_Medal_of_Honor.jpg "1919â1942 Navy \"Tiffany Cross\" version")
1919â1942 Navy "Tiffany Cross" version
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NavyMedalofHonor.jpg "Post 1942 Navy version")
Post 1942 Navy version
## Neck ribbon, service ribbon and lapel button
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=7 "Edit section: Neck ribbon, service ribbon and lapel button")\]
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medal_of_Honor_ribbon.svg)
[Service ribbon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_ribbon "Service ribbon")
On May 2, 1896, Congress authorized a "ribbon to be worn with the medal and \[a\] [rosette](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosette_\(decoration\) "Rosette (decoration)") or [knot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knot "Knot") to be worn in lieu of the medal."[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-typessecnav-35)[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-TIOH-MOH-58)[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-78)[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-79) The [service ribbon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_ribbon "Service ribbon") is light blue with five white stars in the form of an "M."[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-TIOH-MOH-58) It is placed first in the top position in the [order of precedence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awards_and_decorations_of_the_United_States_military#Order_of_precedence "Awards and decorations of the United States military") and is worn for situations other than full-dress military uniform.[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-TIOH-MOH-58) The lapel button is a 1â2\-inch (13 mm), six-sided light blue [bowknot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowknot "Bowknot") rosette with thirteen white stars and may be worn on appropriate civilian clothing on the left lapel.[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-TIOH-MOH-58)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medal_Of_Honor_Rosette_Lapel_Button.png)
Medal Of Honor [Rosette](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosette_\(decoration\) "Rosette (decoration)") Lapel Button
Since 1944, the Medal of Honor has been attached to a light blue colored [moirĂŠ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moir%C3%A9_pattern "MoirĂŠ pattern") silk [neck ribbon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neck_decoration "Neck decoration") that is 1\+3â16 in (30 mm) in width and 21\+3â4 in (550 mm) in length.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-regulations-2)[\[78\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-versions-80) The center of the ribbon displays [thirteen white stars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen_Colonies "Thirteen Colonies") in the form of three [chevron](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevron_\(insignia\) "Chevron (insignia)").[\[79\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor-81) Both the top and middle chevrons are made up of five stars, with the bottom chevron made of three stars.[\[79\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor-81) The medal itself differs by branch:
### Department of the Army
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=8 "Edit section: Department of the Army")\]
A gold five-pointed star, each point tipped with trefoils, one inch wide, surrounded by a green laurel wreath and suspended from a gold bar inscribed "VALOR" surmounted by an eagle.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army-57) In the center of the star, Minerva's head surrounded by the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army-57) On each ray of the star is a green oak leaf.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army-57) On the reverse is a bar engraved "THE CONGRESS TO" with a space for engraving the name of the recipient.[\[80\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-82)
### Department of the Navy
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=9 "Edit section: Department of the Navy")\]
The Navy Medal of Honor is a five-pointed bronze star, tipped with trefoils containing a crown of laurel and oak.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) In the center is Minerva, personifying the United States, standing with left hand resting of fasces and right hand holding a shield blazoned with the shield from the coat of arms of the United States.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) She repulses Discord, represented by snakes.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) The medal is suspended from the flukes of an anchor.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60)
### Department of the Air Force
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=10 "Edit section: Department of the Air Force")\]
Within a wreath of green laurel, a gold five-pointed star, one point down, tipped with trefoils and each point containing a crown of laurel and oak on a green background.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force-62) Centered on the star, an annulet of 34 stars is a representation of the head of the Statue of Liberty.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force-62) The star is suspended from a bar inscribed with the word "VALOR" above an adaptation of the thunderbolt from the Air Force Coat of Arms.[\[81\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-83)
The Medal of Honor is one of only two United States military awards suspended from a neck ribbon.[\[82\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-84) The other is the Commander's Degree of the [Legion of Merit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legion_of_Merit "Legion of Merit"), and is usually awarded to individuals serving foreign governments.[\[83\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-neckorderLOM-85)[\[84\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-86)
## Devices
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=11 "Edit section: Devices")\]
In 2011, Department of Defense (DOD) instructions in regard to the Medal of Honor were amended to read "for each succeeding act that would otherwise justify award of the \[Medal of Honor\], the individual receiving the subsequent award is authorized to wear an additional \[Medal of Honor\] ribbon or a ["V" Device](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%22V%22_Device "\"V\" Device") on the Medal of Honor suspension ribbon" (the "V" device is a 1â4\-inch-high (6.4 mm) bronze miniature letter "V" with serifs that denotes valor).[\[85\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-87) The Medal of Honor was the only decoration authorized to use the "V" device (none were ever issued) to designate subsequent awards in such a fashion. Nineteen individuals, all now deceased, were double Medal of Honor recipients.[\[86\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-double-88) Effective December 2016, the relevant DOD manual was updated to read:[\[87\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-89)
> A separate MOH is presented to an individual for each succeeding act that justifies award. A \[service\] member awarded more than one MOH will always wear a separate MOH or separate MOH ribbon to correspond with the number of awards received.
The update further explicitly removed authorization for any device(s) on the MOH:
> There are no attachments authorized for the MOH.
## Medal of Honor Flag
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=12 "Edit section: Medal of Honor Flag")\]
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medal_of_Honor_Flag_with_Gold_Fringe.svg)
Medal of Honor Flag
On October 23, 2002, [Pub. L.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_of_Congress#Public_law,_private_law,_designation "Act of Congress") [107â248 (text)](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/plaw/107/public/248?link-type=html) [(PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/plaw/107/public/248?link-type=pdf&.pdf) was enacted, modifying [36 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_36_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 36 of the United States Code") [§ 903](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/36/903), authorizing a Medal of Honor Flag to be presented to each person to whom a Medal of Honor is awarded. In the case of a posthumous award, the flag will be presented to whomever the Medal of Honor is presented to, which in most cases will be the primary [next of kin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next_of_kin "Next of kin") of the deceased awardee.[\[88\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-90)[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-91)
The flag was based on a concept by retired [U.S. Army Special Forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Army_Special_Forces "U.S. Army Special Forces") First Sergeant Bill Kendall of [Jefferson, Iowa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson,_Iowa "Jefferson, Iowa"), who in 2001, designed a flag to honor Medal of Honor recipient Army Air Forces Captain [Darrell Lindsey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darrell_Lindsey "Darrell Lindsey"), a [Martin B-26 Marauder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_B-26_Marauder "Martin B-26 Marauder") pilot from Jefferson who was killed in action during World War II.[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Kendall-92) Kendall's design of a light blue field emblazoned with 13 white five-pointed stars was nearly identical to that of Sarah LeClerc's of the [Institute of Heraldry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Army_Institute_of_Heraldry "U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry").[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Kendall-92) LeClerc's gold-fringed flag, ultimately accepted as the official flag, does not include the words "Medal of Honor" as written on Kendall's flag.[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Kendall-92) The color of the field and the 13 white stars, arranged in the form of a three-bar [chevron](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevron_\(insignia\) "Chevron (insignia)"), consisting of two chevrons of five stars and one chevron of three stars,[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-regulations-2) emulate the suspension ribbon of the Medal of Honor.[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Kendall-92) The flag has no defined proportions.[\[91\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-flag-93)
The first Medal of Honor Flag recipient was U.S. Army Sergeant First Class [Paul R. Smith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_R._Smith "Paul R. Smith"), whose flag was presented posthumously.[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-smithflag-94) President [George W. Bush](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush "George W. Bush") presented the Medal of Honor and Flag to the family of Smith during the award ceremony for him in the [White House](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House "White House") on April 4, 2005.[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-smithflag-94)
A special Medal of Honor Flag presentation ceremony was held for over 60 living Medal of Honor recipients on board the [USS *Constitution*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Constitution "USS Constitution") in September 2006.[\[93\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-flagpresent-95)
## Recommendation process and presentation
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=13 "Edit section: Recommendation process and presentation")\]
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Henry_Breault2.jpg)
President [Calvin Coolidge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_Coolidge "Calvin Coolidge") bestowing the Medal of Honor upon [Henry Breault](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Breault "Henry Breault"), March 8, 1924
There are two distinct protocols for recommending and adjudicating the Medal of Honor. The first and most common is recommendation within three years and approval within five years through the [chain of command](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_of_command "Chain of command") of the service member.[\[94\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-96) The second method, which normally applies outside of the statute of limitations, is when a recommendation is referred to a military service by a member of the U.S. Congress, generally at the request of a constituent under [10 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_10_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 10 of the United States Code") [§ 1130](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/1130). In both cases, if the proposal is outside the time limits for the recommendation, approval to waive the time limit requires a special [Act of Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_of_Congress "Act of Congress"). The Medal of Honor is presented by the President on behalf of, and in the name of, the Congress.[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-97) Since 1980, nearly all Medal of Honor recipientsâor in the case of posthumous awards, the next of kinâhave been personally decorated by the president.[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-98)[\[97\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-99)[\[98\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-100) Since 1941, more than half of the Medals of Honor have been awarded posthumously.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-101)
## Evolution of criteria
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=14 "Edit section: Evolution of criteria")\]
### Awarding
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=15 "Edit section: Awarding")\]
#### 19th century (Navy)
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=16 "Edit section: 19th century (Navy)")\]
Navy regulations published in 1865 specified that "The medal shall only be awarded to those petty officers, and others indicated, who shall have evinced in battle some signal act of valor or devotion to their country; and nothing save such conduct, coupled with good general qualities in the service, shall be held to establish a sufficient claim to it."[\[100\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-102) The regulation also permitted awards to seamen for "extraordinary heroism in the line of their profession," which meant heroism outside of combat operations.[\[101\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-103)
#### 19th century (Army)
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=17 "Edit section: 19th century (Army)")\]
Several months after President Abraham Lincoln signed Public Resolution 82 into law on December 21, 1861, for a Navy medal of honor, a similar resolution was passed in July 1862 for an Army version of the medal. Six U.S. Army soldiers who [hijacked](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Locomotive_Chase "Great Locomotive Chase") a [Confederate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_States_of_America "Confederate States of America") [locomotive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locomotive "Locomotive") named [*The General*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_General_\(locomotive\) "The General (locomotive)") in 1862 were the first [Medal of Honor recipients](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor_recipients "Medal of Honor recipients");[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MWxvii-104) [James J. Andrews](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_J._Andrews "James J. Andrews") led the raid.[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201824-105) He was caught and hanged as a U.S. spy, but as a civilian he was not eligible to receive the medal.[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201824-105) Many Medals of Honor awarded in the 19th century were associated with "saving the flag" (and country), not just for patriotic reasons, but because the [U.S. flag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._flag "U.S. flag") was a primary means of battlefield communication at the time.[\[104\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201823-106) Because no other military decoration was authorized during the Civil War, some seemingly less exceptional and notable actions were recognized by a Medal of Honor during that conflict.[\[105\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201823,_33-107)
#### 20th century
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=18 "Edit section: 20th century")\]
Early in the twentieth century, the Department of the Navy awarded many Medals of Honor for peacetime bravery. For instance, in 1901, [John Henry Helms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Henry_Helms "John Henry Helms") aboard [USS *Chicago*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Chicago_\(1885\) "USS Chicago (1885)") was awarded the medal for saving the ship's cook from drowning.[\[106\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-108) Six sailors aboard [USS *Iowa*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Iowa_\(BB-4\) "USS Iowa (BB-4)") were awarded the medal after the ship's boiler exploded on January 25, 1904.[\[107\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-109) Richard Byrd and Floyd Bennett were awarded the medalâthe combat ("Tiffany") version despite the existence then of a non-combat form of the Navy medalâfor the 1926 flight they claim reached the [North Pole](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Pole "North Pole").[\[108\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-HargisSinton2003-110) And [Ensign Thomas J. Ryan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_J._Ryan_\(admiral\) "Thomas J. Ryan (admiral)") was awarded the medal for saving a woman from the burning Grand Hotel in [Yokohama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yokohama "Yokohama"), Japan, following the 1923 [Great KantĹ earthquake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Kant%C5%8D_earthquake "Great KantĹ earthquake").[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-ryan-111) Between 1919 and 1942, the Department of the Navy issued two separate versions of the Medal of Honor, one for acts related to combat and one for non-combat bravery.[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-112)
#### World War I
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=19 "Edit section: World War I")\]
The criteria for the award tightened during World War I for the Army version of the Medal of Honor, while the Navy version retained a non-combat provision until 1963.[\[111\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018116-113) In an Act of Congress of July 9, 1918, the War Department version of the medal required that the recipient "distinguish himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty," and also required that the act of valor be performed "in action involving actual conflict with an enemy."[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Act_of_July_9,_1918,_40_Stat._870-114) This followed shortly after the results of the Army Medal of Honor Review Board, which struck 911 medals from the Medal of Honor list in February 1917 for lack of basic prerequisites.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201853-47) These included the members of the 27th Maine erroneously awarded the medal for reenlisting to guard the capital during the Civil War, 29 members of Abraham Lincoln's funeral detail, and six civilians, including [Buffalo Bill Cody](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Bill_Cody "Buffalo Bill Cody") (restored along with four other scouts in 1989)[\[113\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-115) and a doctor, [Mary Edwards Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Edwards_Walker "Mary Edwards Walker"), who had cared for the sick (this last was restored posthumously in 1977).[\[114\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-116)
#### World War II
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=20 "Edit section: World War II")\]
As a result of lawsuits, the Department of the Navy requested the Congress expressly authorize non-combat medals in the text of the authorizing statute, since the department had been awarding non-combat medals with questionable legal backing that had caused it much embarrassment.[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201894-73) The last non-combat Navy Medal of Honor was awarded in 1945, although the Department of the Navy attempted to award a non-combat Medal of Honor as late as the Korean War.[\[115\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201897%E2%80%9398-117) Official accounts vary, but generally, the Medal of Honor for combat was known as the "Tiffany Cross", after [the company that designed the medal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiffany_%26_Co. "Tiffany & Co.").[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201883-118) The Tiffany Cross was first awarded in 1919, but was unpopular partly because of its design as well as a lower gratuity than the Navy's original medal.[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201884-69) The [Tiffany Cross Medal of Honor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiffany_Cross_Medal_of_Honor "Tiffany Cross Medal of Honor") was awarded at least three times in non-combat circumstances. By a special [Act of Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_of_Congress "Act of Congress"), the medal was presented to Byrd and Bennett (see above).[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-119)[\[118\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-120) In 1942, the Department of the Navy reverted to a single Medal of Honor, although the statute still contained a loophole allowing the award for both "action involving actual conflict with the enemy" or "in the line of his profession."[\[119\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-121) Arising from these criteria, approximately 60 percent of the medals earned during and after World War II have been awarded posthumously.[\[120\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-122)
#### Vietnam Era
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=21 "Edit section: Vietnam Era")\]
With the passage of Public Law 88â77 on July 25, 1963, the requirements for the Medal of Honor were standardized among all the services, requiring that a recipient had "distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."[\[121\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-123) Thus, the act removed the loophole allowing non-combat awards to Navy personnel. The act also clarified that the act of valor must occur during one of three circumstances:[\[122\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-124)
1. While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States
2. While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.
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.[\[123\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-United_States_Code_1963-125)[\[124\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-126)
Congress drew these three circumstances of combat from President Kennedy's executive order of April 25, 1962, which previously added the same criteria to the [Purple Heart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple_Heart "Purple Heart"). On August 24, Kennedy added similar criteria for the [Bronze Star Medal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze_Star_Medal "Bronze Star Medal").[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-HR2998_1963-127)[\[126\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-128) The amendment was necessary because Cold War armed conflicts did not qualify for consideration under previous statutes such as the 1918 Army Medal of Honor statute that required valor "in action involving actual conflict with an enemy,"[\[127\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-129) since the United States has not formally declared war since World War II as a result of the provisions of the United Nations Charter.[\[128\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018117-130) According to congressional testimony by the Army's Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, the services were seeking authority to award the Medal of Honor and other valor awards retroactive to July 1, 1958, in areas such as Berlin, Lebanon, Quemoy and Matsu Islands, Taiwan Straits, Congo, Laos, Vietnam, and Cuba.[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-HR2998_1963-127)
#### Modern Adjudication
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=22 "Edit section: Modern Adjudication")\]
Recommendations for valor awards are processed under three basic pathways. First, a recommendation can originate with a servicemember's chain of command. Normally, servicemembers may not self-recommend for awards.[\[129\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto5-131) In cases of chain of command recommendation, each intermediate commander will recommend approval or disapproval, citing "specific reasons when disapproval is recommended."[\[129\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto5-131) The approval authority for the Medal of Honor is the President of the United States, although in the past this has been delegated to subordinate commanders.[\[129\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto5-131)[\[130\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-regulation600-132)
If outside of statutory time limitations, another pathway is for a member of Congress to submit a recommendation package for service review under 10 USC 1130, or for Congress to otherwise waive time limitations by statute.[\[131\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto4-133) A third pathway is for award packages that are submitted timely but lost during processing and then later rediscovered, which permits a service secretary to waive time limitations without seeking a congressional waiver.[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-134)
Most services first screen submissions at their awards branches. For the Army, this entails a review at the Human Resources Command level to determine if the award package is complete according to law and regulation.[\[130\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-regulation600-132) Next, the package is reviewed by the Army Decorations Board.[\[133\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto3-135) Then the Senior Army Decorations Board (SADB) reviews the packageâthis body "draws its membership from lieutenant generals who serve in the office of the Secretary of the Army and on the Army Staff," and is "responsible for reviewing high level valor awards and making recommendations to the Secretary of the Army."[\[133\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto3-135) The equivalent of the SADB in the Navy is the Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals (NDBDM), and in the Air Force the Secretary of the Air Force Decorations Board (SAFDB).[\[134\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-g188-136)[\[135\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-h564-137)
Above the decorations boards a Medal of Honor recommendation goes to the assistant secretary for manpower and reserve affairs, the chief of staff of the service, the service secretary, the secretary of defense, and ultimately the president.[\[131\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto4-133)
### Revocation
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=23 "Edit section: Revocation")\]
#### 19th century
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=24 "Edit section: 19th century")\]
Early Navy regulations published in the Civil War era permitted the Navy Department to unilaterally rescind Medals of Honor for dishonorable behavior, including being "convicted of treason, cowardice, felony, or any infamous crime."[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201817-138) As a result, at least 15 medals were revoked in the nineteenth century, including a medal for Third-Class Boy [George Hollat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Hollat "George Hollat"), whose medal was revoked for desertion.[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201817-138) Hollat's name erroneously remains on the Navy's list of medal recipients in modern times.[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201817-138) The Army did not revoke any medals until the twentieth century.
#### 20th century
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=25 "Edit section: 20th century")\]
In the early twentieth century the Medal of Honor Legion requested that some Army Medals of Honor be revoked, in particular the 864 medals awarded to members of the 27th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment for reenlisting to guard the capital during the Civil War.[\[137\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201843-139) The Judge Advocate General of the Army determined that it would be unlawful for the Army to revoke the medals unilaterally absent "fraud, mistake in matters of fact arising from errors in calculation, or newly discovered material evidence," since this would require reopening acts or decisions of predecessors, and thus unsettling administrative res judicata (an administrative finality doctrine).[\[138\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Dwight_Mears_2021-140) This interpretation led Congress to authorize a review to revoke these medals in 1916, leading to the revocation of 911 medals.[\[138\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Dwight_Mears_2021-140) The Army later authorized revocation of service medals due to misconduct in 1961, and eventually expanded this authority to include valor decorations (including the Medal of Honor) in 1974.[\[139\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-141) The Army regulation stated "\[o\]nce an award has been presented, it may be revoked if facts subsequently determined would have prevented original approval of the award, had they been known at the time of award."[\[140\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-142) Eventually, all services' regulations permitted revocation on similar grounds: the Air Force adopted unilateral revocation of valor decorations in 1969,[\[141\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-143) and Navy adopted regulations permitting revocation of valor decorations in 1976.[\[142\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-144)
#### 21st century
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=26 "Edit section: 21st century")\]
Unilateral revocation of decorations (including the Medal of Honor) were eventually standardized by the Office of the Secretary of Defense after controversy surrounding the revocation of the Distinguished Service Cross approved for Army Major [Mathew L. Golsteyn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathew_L._Golsteyn "Mathew L. Golsteyn"), who was charged with murdering a detainee but then pardoned (a grant of forgiveness, which differs from a court's finding of innocence) by President Trump before trial.[\[143\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-145) This incident led DoD to clarify the prerequisites for revoking military awards due to misconduct in the DoD Awards Manual in 2019: "\[t\]he revocation of \[personal military decorations\] under the 'honorable' service requirement should be used sparingly and should be limited to those cases where the Service member's actions are not compatible with continued military service, result in criminal convictions, result in determinations that the Service member did not serve satisfactorily in a specific grade or position, or result in a discharge from military service that is characterized as 'Other Than Honorable,' 'Bad Conduct,' or 'Dishonorable.'"[\[144\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-146) DoD also requested that Congress expand the statutory requirement for honorable service after award qualification to include all military decorations, which passed in December 2019.[\[145\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-147) In 2019, a bill titled "Remove the Stain Act" sought to revoke Medals of Honor awarded for conduct during the [Wounded Knee Massacre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wounded_Knee_Massacre "Wounded Knee Massacre") of 1890.[\[146\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto-148) The bill directed revocation of 20 Medals of Honor, and also directed removal of the recipients from the Medal of Honor Roll.[\[146\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto-148) The number of medals awarded for conduct at Wounded Knee â which was actually 19 â was based on a mistake in the War Department's circular listings in the 1890s, which transcribed Private Marvin Hillock as a Wounded Knee recipient despite actually earning the medal at White Clay Creek a day later.[\[147\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-149) Directing revocation from the MoH Roll was also a mistake, as the Roll of that time was merely a pension listing for recipients who lived past the age of 65 and separated honorably from the military without retiring.[\[148\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-150)[\[149\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto2-151) Since many of the Wounded Knee recipients did not live to the age of 65, were discharged dishonorably, or were retired from the military, this meant they never would have been on the Roll.[\[149\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto2-151) The Remove the Stain Act did not pass despite being added to the House version of the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act.[\[150\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto1-152) In that particular case, the Senate Committee on Armed Services reflected that "these Medals of Honor were awarded at the prerogative of the President of the United States, not the Congress," suggesting that it was not the role of the legislature to direct awarding or revocation of medals, rather to control the authorizing criteria for the award.[\[150\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto1-152) In July 2024, the Secretary of Defense announced a joint DoD/DoI review to consider revoking the Wounded Knee Medals of Honor.[\[151\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto6-153) Notably, the DoD review cited the joint explanatory statement for the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act (which removed the Remove the Stain Act from the bill) as the impetus for the medal review.[\[151\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto6-153) The DoD review concluded in October 2024, reportedly recommending that no medals be revoked.[\[152\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-154) Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe chairman Ryman LeBeau wrote an op-ed on the outcome, saying "the Pentagon board has recommended that America keep the Medals of Honor for the Wounded Knee Massacre" with all three DoD panelists voting against revocation and both [Department of Interior](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Department_of_Interior "U.S. Department of Interior") (the department charged with Indian affairs) panelists voting in favor.[\[153\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-155)
## Authority and privileges
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=27 "Edit section: Authority and privileges")\]
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:C-Chatanooga_Cemetery2.jpg)
Medal of Honor monument and Medal of Honor headstones of the Civil War recipients of "Andrews Raid" at the [Chattanooga National Cemetery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chattanooga_National_Cemetery "Chattanooga National Cemetery") in Chattanooga, Tennessee
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jimmie_W._Monteith_Jr._Gravemarker_03.jpg)
Medal of Honor gravemarker of [Jimmie W. Monteith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmie_W._Monteith "Jimmie W. Monteith") at the [Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normandy_American_Cemetery_and_Memorial "Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial")
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:James_H._Robinson_gravestone,_Medal_of_Honor,_Company_B,_3rd_Michigan_Cavalry,_26_July_1864_\(cropped\).jpg)
Medal of Honor headstone of [James H. Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_H._Robinson_\(soldier\) "James H. Robinson (soldier)") at the [Memphis National Cemetery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_National_Cemetery "Memphis National Cemetery")
The four specific statutory sections authorizing the medal, as last amended on January 1, 2021, are as follows:[\[123\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-United_States_Code_1963-125)
- Army: [10 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_10_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 10 of the United States Code") [§ 7271](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/7271)
> The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who while a member of the Army, distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty....[\[154\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-156)
- Navy and Marine Corps: [10 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_10_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 10 of the United States Code") [§ 8291](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/8291)
> The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who, while a member of the naval service, distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. . . .[\[155\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-157)
- Air Force and Space Force: [10 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_10_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 10 of the United States Code") [§ 9271](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/9271)
> The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who, while a member of the Air Force or the Space Force, distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. . . .[\[156\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-158)
- Coast Guard: [14 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_14_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 14 of the United States Code") [§ 2732](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/14/2732) A version is authorized but it has never been awarded.[\[c\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-159)[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navyfaq-51)
> The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who while a member of the \[Army\] \[naval service\] \[Air Force\] \[Coast Guard\], distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.[\[157\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-1998code-160)
### Privileges and courtesies
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=28 "Edit section: Privileges and courtesies")\]
The Medal of Honor confers special privileges on its recipients:[\[158\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-benefits-161)[\[159\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-benefits3-162)
- Each Medal of Honor recipient may have his or her name entered on the Medal of Honor Roll ([10 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_10_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 10 of the United States Code") [§ 1134a](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/1134a) and [38 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_38_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 38 of the United States Code") [§ 1562](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/38/1562)) so long as they qualified for the medal under modern statutory authority.
- Each person whose name is placed on the Medal of Honor Roll is certified to the [United States Department of Veterans Affairs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_Veterans_Affairs "United States Department of Veterans Affairs") as being entitled to receive a monthly pension above and beyond any military pensions or other benefits for which they may be eligible. The pension is subject to [cost-of-living increases](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cost_of_living#Other_uses "Cost of living"); as of December 1, 2023[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit), it is \$1,671.16 a month.[\[160\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-163)
- Enlisted recipients of the Medal of Honor are entitled to a supplemental uniform allowance.[\[161\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-32USC578.9-164)
- Recipients receive special entitlements to air transportation under the provisions of DOD Regulation 4515.13-R. This benefit allows the recipient to travel as deemed fit, as well as allows the recipient's dependents to travel either overseasâoverseas, overseasâcontinental U.S., or continental U.S.âoverseas when accompanied by the recipient.[\[162\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-165)
- Special identification cards and [commissary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Commissary_Agency "Defense Commissary Agency") and [exchange](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post_exchange "Post exchange") privileges are provided for Medal of Honor recipients and their eligible dependents.[\[163\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-166)
- Recipients are granted eligibility for interment at [Arlington National Cemetery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlington_National_Cemetery "Arlington National Cemetery"), if not otherwise eligible.[\[164\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-167)
- Fully qualified children of recipients are automatically nominated to any of the [United States service academies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_service_academies "United States service academies").[\[165\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-168)
- Recipients receive a ten percent increase in retired pay.[\[166\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-169)
- Those awarded the medal after October 23, 2002, receive a [Medal of Honor Flag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Medal_of_Honor_Flag). The law specified that all 103 living prior recipients as of that date would receive a flag.[\[167\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-170)
- Recipients receive an invitation to all future [presidential inaugurations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_inauguration "United States presidential inauguration") and [inaugural balls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_inaugural_balls "United States presidential inaugural balls").[\[168\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-cnnGiunta-171)
- As with all medals, retired personnel may wear the Medal of Honor on "appropriate" civilian clothing. Regulations specify that recipients of the Medal of Honor are allowed to wear the uniform "at their pleasure" with standard restrictions on political, commercial, or extremist purposes (other former members of the armed forces may do so only at certain ceremonial occasions).[\[169\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-AR670-172)
- Forty states offer a special license plate for certain types of vehicles to recipients at little or no cost to the recipient.[\[170\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-173)[\[171\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-174) The states that do not offer Medal of Honor specific license plate offer special license plates for veterans for which recipients may be eligible.[\[172\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-175)
- In 1969, the Nebraska State Legislature amended the [Nebraska Hall of Fame](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebraska_Hall_of_Fame "Nebraska Hall of Fame") statutes "to provide that Nebraskans awarded the Medal of Honor shall be named to the Hall of Fame" and required that the Hall of Fame Commission procure a plaque with the names of the Medal of Honor recipients.[\[173\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-176)
### Saluting
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=29 "Edit section: Saluting")\]
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Defense.gov_photo_essay_110713-F-RG147-129.jpg)
[Admiral](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Admiral_\(United_States\) "Admiral (United States)") [Eric T. Olson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_T._Olson "Eric T. Olson") salutes [Sergeant First Class](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_First_Class#United_States_Army "Sergeant First Class") [Leroy Petry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leroy_Petry "Leroy Petry") at a ceremony at [The Pentagon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pentagon "The Pentagon") (July 2011)
Although not required by law or military regulation of all military services,[\[174\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-177)[\[175\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-178)[\[176\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-179) members of the [uniformed services](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniformed_services_of_the_United_States "Uniformed services of the United States") are encouraged to render salutes to recipients of the Medal of Honor as a matter of respect and courtesy regardless of rank or status, whether or not they are in uniform.[\[177\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-180) This is one of the few instances where a living member of the military will receive salutes from members of a higher rank. According to paragraph 1.8.1.1 of Air Force Instruction 1-1, the United States Air Force requires that salutes be rendered to Medal of Honor recipients.[\[178\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-181)
## Legal protection
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=30 "Edit section: Legal protection")\]
### 1904
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=31 "Edit section: 1904")\]
The Army redesigned its Medal of Honor, largely a reaction to the copying of the Medal of Honor by various veterans organizations, such as the Grand Army of the Republic.[\[137\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201843-139)[\[179\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-CMOHS-182) To prevent the making of copies of the medal, Brigadier General [George Gillespie, Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Lewis_Gillespie,_Jr. "George Lewis Gillespie, Jr."), a Medal of Honor recipient from the Civil War, applied for and obtained a [patent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent "Patent") for the new design.[\[179\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-CMOHS-182)[\[180\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Design-183) General Gillespie received the patent on November 22, 1904, and he transferred it the following month to the Secretary of War at the time, [William Howard Taft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Howard_Taft "William Howard Taft").[\[179\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-CMOHS-182)
### 1923
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=32 "Edit section: 1923")\]
Congress passed a statute (the year before the 20-year term of the patent would expire)âwhich would later be codified at 18 U.S.C. §704âprohibiting the unauthorized wearing, manufacturing, or sale of military medals or decorations.[\[181\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-184) In 1994, Congress amended the statute to permit an enhanced penalty if the offense involved the Medal of Honor.[\[182\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-185)
### 2006
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=33 "Edit section: 2006")\]
The [Stolen Valor Act of 2005](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stolen_Valor_Act_of_2005 "Stolen Valor Act of 2005") was enacted.[\[183\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-186) The law amended 18 U.S.C. § 704 to make it a federal criminal offense for a person to deliberately state falsely that he or she had been awarded a military decoration, service medal, or badge.[\[184\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-187)[\[185\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-s1998track-188)[\[186\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-usc18-704-189) The law also permitted an enhanced penalty for someone who falsely claimed to have been awarded the Medal of Honor.[\[186\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-usc18-704-189)
### 2012
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=34 "Edit section: 2012")\]
In the case of *[United States v. Alvarez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Alvarez "United States v. Alvarez")*, the [Supreme Court of the United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States "Supreme Court of the United States") held that the Stolen Valor Act of 2005's criminalization of the making of false claims of having been awarded a military medal, decoration, or badge was an unconstitutional violation of the [First Amendment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution "First Amendment to the United States Constitution")'s guarantee of [free speech](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_speech "Free speech").[\[187\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-190) The case involved an elected official in [California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California "California"), Xavier Alvarez, who had falsely stated at a public meeting that he had been awarded the Medal of Honor, even though he had never served in any branch of the armed forces.[\[188\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-191) The Supreme Court's decision did not specifically address the constitutionality of the older portion of the statute which prohibits the unauthorized wearing, manufacturing, or sale of military medals or decorations, since the Alvarez prosecution only involved First Amendment protected speech.[\[189\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-192) Under the law, the unauthorized wearing, manufacturing, or sale of the Medal of Honor is punishable by a fine of up to \$100,000 and imprisonment of up to one year.[\[190\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-193)
### 2013
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=35 "Edit section: 2013")\]
Given the Supreme Court's ruling, President [Barack Obama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama "Barack Obama") signed into law the [Stolen Valor Act of 2013](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stolen_Valor_Act_of_2013 "Stolen Valor Act of 2013"), making it a federal offense for someone to falsely represent themselves as awardees of medals for valor in order to receive "money, property, or other tangible benefit" (including grants, educational benefits, housing, etc.).[\[191\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-194)[\[192\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-195) False representations about the Medal of Honor or other valor decorations still result in a fine or imprisonment up to one year, or both, but are now narrowly tailored to financial gain rather than protected speech.[\[193\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-196) As of 2017, there were only two reported arrests and prosecutions under the law, leading at least 22 states to enact their own legislation to criminalize stolen valor amid claims that the federal law was virtually unenforced.[\[194\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-197) Despite claims that violations of the act are rarely prosecuted, there is evidence that convictions are still taking place, although not all are for Medal of Honor claims, nor are all in federal court. In some cases charges are not explicitly under the Stolen Valor Act, since the same conduct criminalized under the statute is often equally capable of prosecution under regular criminal statutes not involving Stolen Valor.
- In 2016, a federal court in IA sentenced a defendant for multiple violations of the Stolen Valor Act.[\[195\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-198)
- In 2016, federal prosecutors in OH charged a defendant with violations related to the Stolen Valor Act.[\[196\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-199)
- In 2017, a federal court in MO sentenced a defendant for violating the Stolen Valor Act.[\[197\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-200)
- In 2017, a federal court in TX sentenced a defendant for violating the Stolen Valor Act.[\[198\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-201)
- In 2017, a federal court in IL sentenced a defendant for violations related to stolen valor claims.[\[199\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-202)
- In 2018, a PA court sentenced a defendant for violations of the PA state statute on stolen valor.[\[200\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-203)[\[201\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-204)
- In 2020, a federal court in GA sentenced a defendant for multiple violations of the Stolen Valor Act.[\[202\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-205)
- In 2021, a federal court in PA sentenced a defendant for violating the Stolen Valor Act.[\[203\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-206)
- In 2023, a federal court in TX sentenced a defendant for multiple violations of the Stolen Valor Act.[\[204\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-207)
- In 2023, a federal court in RI sentenced a defendant for multiple violations of the Stolen Valor Act.[\[205\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-208)
- In 2023, a WI man was convicted of several crimes at the state level in connection with stolen valor claims.[\[206\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-209)
- In 2024, a federal court in NY sentenced a Canadian man for multiple violations of the Stolen Valor Act.[\[207\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-210)
- In 2024, federal prosecutors in NY charged a woman with violating the Stolen Valor Act.[\[208\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-211)
- In 2024, federal prosecutors in MN charged a man with violating the Stolen Valor Act.[\[209\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-212)
## Duplicate medals
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=36 "Edit section: Duplicate medals")\]
Medal of Honor recipients may apply in writing to the headquarters of the service branch of the medal awarded for a replacement or display Medal of Honor, ribbon, and appurtenance (Medal of Honor flag) without charge. Primary next of kin may also do the same and have any questions answered in regard to the Medal of Honor that was awarded.[\[210\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-213)
## Recipients
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=37 "Edit section: Recipients")\]
Main article: [List of Medal of Honor recipients](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients "List of Medal of Honor recipients")
On This Day In History: The Medal of Honor was created in 1862.
- The first Medals of Honor were awarded and presented to six U.S. Army soldiers ("[Andrews Raiders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Locomotive_Chase "Great Locomotive Chase")") on March 25, 1863, by [Secretary of War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretary_of_War "Secretary of War") [Edwin Stanton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Stanton "Edwin Stanton"), in his office of the War Department. Private [Jacob Parrott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Parrott "Jacob Parrott"), a U.S. Army volunteer from Ohio, became the first Medal of Honor recipient, awarded for his volunteering for and participation in a raid on a [Confederate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_States_of_America "Confederate States of America") train in [Big Shanty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Shanty "Big Shanty"), [Georgia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_\(U.S._state\) "Georgia (U.S. state)"), on April 12, 1862, during the [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War").[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201824-105) After the medal presentations, the six decorated soldiers met with President Lincoln in the [White House](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House "White House").[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MWxviii-34)[\[211\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-214)
- [Bernard John Dowling Irwin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_John_Dowling_Irwin "Bernard John Dowling Irwin") was the first (chronologically by action) Medal of Honor recipient during the [Apache Wars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apache_Wars "Apache Wars"). His actions on February 13, 1861, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded.[\[212\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-215)
- The first U.S. Navy sailors were awarded the Medal of Honor on April 3, 1863. 41 sailors received the award, with 17 awards for action during the [Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Forts_Jackson_and_St._Philip "Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip").[\[213\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-216)
- The first marines awarded the Medal of Honor were [John F. Mackie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_F._Mackie "John F. Mackie") and [Pinkerton R. Vaughn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinkerton_R._Vaughn "Pinkerton R. Vaughn") on July 10, 1863;[\[214\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-217) Mackie for [USS *Galena*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Galena_\(1862\) "USS Galena (1862)") on May 15, 1862, and Vaughn for [USS *Mississippi*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Mississippi_\(1841\) "USS Mississippi (1841)") on March 14, 1863.[\[215\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-218)[\[216\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-219)
- The first, and so far only, Coast Guardsman to be awarded the Medal of Honor was Signalman First Class [Douglas Munro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Albert_Munro "Douglas Albert Munro"). He was posthumously awarded it on May 27, 1943, for evacuating 500 marines under fire on September 27, 1942, during the [Battle of Guadalcanal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Battle_of_Guadalcanal "Naval Battle of Guadalcanal").[\[217\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-CD19-220)
- The only woman awarded the Medal of Honor is [Mary Edwards Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Edwards_Walker "Mary Edwards Walker"), who was a civilian Army acting assistant surgeon during the American Civil War.[\[218\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018167-221) She received the award in 1865 after the Judge Advocate General of the Army determined that she could be given a retroactive commission or brevet, but Secretary of War Stanton ruled against her in spite of this legal advice.[\[219\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-222) Instead of a commission, President Andrew Johnson directed that "the usual medal of honor for meritorious services be given her."[\[220\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-walker-223) Evidently, Johnson did not know that the award was restricted by law to soldiers, which made the award to a contract surgeon (a civilian) unlawful. This defect later led to the award's revocation in 1917, and then questionable reinstatement by the Army's Board for Correction of Military Records in 1977.[\[221\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-224) The reinstatement is often attributed to President Jimmy Carter, in error.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018171-48)
- The first black recipients of the Medal of Honor were sixteen Army soldiers and sixteen Navy sailors that fought during the Civil War. The first black recipient was [Robert Blake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Blake_\(Medal_of_Honor\) "Robert Blake (Medal of Honor)"), who received the medal on April 16, 1864 for serving as a powder boy on the [USS *Marblehead*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Marblehead_\(1861\) "USS Marblehead (1861)").[\[222\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-225) The first Army award was announced on April 6, 1865, to twelve black soldiers from the five regiments of [U.S. Colored Troops](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Colored_Troops "United States Colored Troops") who fought at [New Market Heights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Chaffin%27s_Farm "Battle of Chaffin's Farm") outside of Richmond on September 29, 1864.[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Schubert-65) The first action by a black man to eventually earn the Medal of Honor was by [William Harvey Carney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Harvey_Carney "William Harvey Carney").[\[223\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-226) He earned the Medal during the [Battle of Fort Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Fort_Wagner "Battle of Fort Wagner"), but was not presented with it until 1900.[\[224\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-227)
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hiroshi_Miyamura_and_Eisenhowser.jpg)
President [Dwight D. Eisenhower](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_D._Eisenhower "Dwight D. Eisenhower") congratulates SSG Miyamura after having awarded him the Medal of Honor on October 27, 1953.
The only Medal of Honor to be classified as "[top secret](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classified_information "Classified information")" was awarded to [Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshi_Miyamura "Hiroshi Miyamura") for his actions on April 24, 1951, during the Korean War when he was presumed dead. The Medal of Honor, which had not been publicly announced, was classified as top secret for his protection until his release in August 1953.[\[225\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-228)
The 1917 Medal of Honor Board revoked 911 awards, but only 910 names from the Army's Medal of Honor list,[\[226\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201853,_55-229) including awards to Mary Edwards Walker, William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody and the first of two awards issued February 10, 1887, to George W. Mindil, who retained his award issued October 25, 1893. None of the 911 impacted recipients were ordered to return their medals, although on the question of whether the recipients could continue to wear their medals, the Judge Advocate General advised the Medal of Honor Board that the Army was not obligated to police the matter.[\[227\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-230) Walker continued to wear her medal until her death, although some authors mistakenly claim that the Army sought its return.[\[228\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-231) Although some sources claim that President [Jimmy Carter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Carter "Jimmy Carter") formally restored her medal posthumously in 1977,[\[229\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-clinic-232) this action was actually taken unilaterally by the Army's Board for Correction of Military Records.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018171-48) The Army Board for Correction of Military Records also restored the Medals of Honor of Buffalo Bill and four other civilian scouts in 1989.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018175-49)
- Sixty-one [Canadians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada "Canada") who served in the United States Armed Forces earned the Medal of Honor, most during the American Civil War. Since 1900, four Canadians have received the medal.[\[230\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-cbc-233) The only Canadian-born, naturalized U.S. citizen to receive the medal for heroism during the Vietnam War was [Peter C. Lemon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_C._Lemon "Peter C. Lemon").[\[231\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-vwam-234)
While the governing statute for the Army's Medal of Honor ([10 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_10_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 10 of the United States Code") [§ 6241](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/6241)), beginning in 1918, explicitly stated that a recipient must be "an officer or enlisted man of the Army", "distinguish himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty", and perform an act of valor "in action involving actual conflict with an enemy",[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Act_of_July_9,_1918,_40_Stat._870-114) exceptions have been made:
- [Charles Lindbergh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Lindbergh "Charles Lindbergh"), 1927, civilian pilot, and [U.S. Army Air Corps](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Army_Air_Corps "U.S. Army Air Corps") reserve officer.[\[232\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-235) Lindbergh's medal was authorized by a special act of Congress, which effectively waived his ineligibility on the grounds of not being on military duty, not performing an act of gallantry, and not being in action (combat) against an enemy.[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Act_of_July_9,_1918,_40_Stat._870-114)[\[233\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201891-236) Lindbergh's award also violated President Coolidge's executive order prohibiting multiple awards for the same action, as he also received a Distinguished Flying Cross for the same transatlantic flight.[\[233\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201891-236)
- Major General (Retired) [Adolphus Greely](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolphus_Greely "Adolphus Greely") was awarded the medal in 1935, on his 91st birthday, "for his life of splendid public service." The result of a special act of Congress similar to Lindbergh's, Greely's medal citation did not reference any acts of valor.[\[234\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-237)
- Foreign unknown recipients include five WWI Unknowns: the [Belgian Unknown Soldier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_the_Unknown_Soldier_\(Belgium\) "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Belgium)"), the [British Unknown Warrior](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unknown_Warrior "The Unknown Warrior"), the [French Unknown Soldier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_the_Unknown_Soldier_\(France\) "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (France)"), the [Italian Unknown Soldier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_the_Unknown_Soldier_\(Italy\) "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Italy)"), and the [Romanian Unknown Soldier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_the_Unknown_Soldier_\(Romania\) "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Romania)").[\[235\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-238)
- U.S. unknown recipients include one each from four wars: World War I,[\[236\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-239) World War II,[\[237\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-240) Korea,[\[238\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-241) and Vietnam.[\[239\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-242) The Vietnam Unknown was later identified as Air Force First Lieutenant [Michael Blassie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Blassie "Michael Blassie") through the use of DNA identification.[\[240\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-dvidshub.net-243) Blassie's family asked for his Medal of Honor, but the Department of Defense denied the request in 1998.[\[240\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-dvidshub.net-243) According to Undersecretary of Defense Rudy de Leon, the medal was awarded symbolically to all Vietnam unknowns, not to Blassie specifically.[\[241\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-244) The action also resulted in clarification of unknown medal awards in the FY2005 defense bill, which expressly stated such medals are "awarded to the member as a representative of the members of the armed forces who died in such war or other armed conflict and whose remains have not been identified, and not to the individual personally."[\[111\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018116-113)
| Conflict | Date | Medal count (3,530) | List article |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War") | 1861â1865 | 1,523 | [American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_American_Civil_War_Medal_of_Honor_recipients "List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [Indian Wars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Wars "Indian Wars") | 1865â1891 | 426 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the Indian Wars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_for_the_Indian_Wars "List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Indian Wars") |
| [Korean Expedition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinmiyangyo "Sinmiyangyo") | 1871 | 15 | [Medal of Honor recipients in the Korean Expedition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Korean_Expedition "List of Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [SpanishâAmerican War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish%E2%80%93American_War "SpanishâAmerican War") | 1898 | 110 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the SpanishâAmerican War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_for_the_Spanish%E2%80%93American_War "List of Medal of Honor recipients for the SpanishâAmerican War") |
| [Second Samoan Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Samoan_Civil_War "Second Samoan Civil War") | 1899 | 4 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the Samoan Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Samoan_Civil_War "List of Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [PhilippineâAmerican War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine%E2%80%93American_War "PhilippineâAmerican War") | 1899â1902 | 86 | [PhilippineâAmerican War Medal of Honor recipients](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Philippine%E2%80%93American_War_Medal_of_Honor_recipients "List of PhilippineâAmerican War Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [Boxer Rebellion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxer_Rebellion "Boxer Rebellion") | 1899â1901 | 59 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the Boxer Rebellion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_for_the_Boxer_Rebellion "List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Boxer Rebellion") |
| [Occupation of Veracruz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_occupation_of_Veracruz "United States occupation of Veracruz") | 1914 | 56 | [Medal of Honor recipients for Veracruz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_\(Veracruz\) "List of Medal of Honor recipients (Veracruz)") |
| [United States occupation of Haiti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_occupation_of_Haiti "United States occupation of Haiti") | 1915â1934 | 8 | [Medal of Honor recipients for Haiti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Invasion_and_occupation_of_Haiti "List of Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [Dominican Republic Occupation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1916_United_States_occupation_of_the_Dominican_Republic "1916 United States occupation of the Dominican Republic") | 1916â1924 | 3 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the Occupation of the Dominican Republic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Occupation_of_the_Dominican_Republic "List of Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [World War I](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I "World War I") | 1914â1918 | 126 | [Medal of Honor recipients for World War I](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_for_World_War_I "List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War I") |
| [Occupation of Nicaragua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupation_of_Nicaragua "Occupation of Nicaragua") | 1912â1933 | 2 | [Medal of Honor recipients for Occupation of Nicaragua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Occupation_of_Nicaragua "List of Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [World War II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II "World War II") | 1939â1945 | 472 | [Medal of Honor recipients for World War II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_for_World_War_II "List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II") |
| [Korean War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War "Korean War") | 1950â1953 | 146 | [Korean War Medal of Honor recipients](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Korean_War_Medal_of_Honor_recipients "List of Korean War Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [Vietnam War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_War "Vietnam War") | 1955â1975 | 268 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_for_the_Vietnam_War "List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War") |
| [USS *Liberty* incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Liberty_incident "USS Liberty incident") | 1967 | 1 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the USS *Liberty* incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#USS_Liberty_incident "List of Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [Battle of Mogadishu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mogadishu_\(1993\) "Battle of Mogadishu (1993)") | 1993 | 2 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the Battle of Mogadishu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Post_Vietnam_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Somalia "List of Post Vietnam Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [Iraq War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_War "Iraq War") | 2003â2011 | 7 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the Iraq War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Post_Vietnam_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Iraq_War "List of Post Vietnam Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [War in Afghanistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_\(2001%E2%80%932021\) "War in Afghanistan (2001â2021)") | 2001â2021 | 20 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the War in Afghanistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Post_Vietnam_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#War_in_Afghanistan "List of Post Vietnam Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [Operation Inherent Resolve](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Inherent_Resolve "Operation Inherent Resolve") | 2014âpresent | 1 | [Medal of Honor recipients for Operation Inherent Resolve](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Post_Vietnam_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Operation_Inherent_Resolve "List of Post Vietnam Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [Venezuelan Intervention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_intervention_in_Venezuela "2026 United States intervention in Venezuela") | 2026 | 1 | [Medal of Honor recipients for Venezuelan Intervention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Post_Vietnam_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Venezuelan_Intervention "List of Post Vietnam Medal of Honor recipients") |
| Noncombat | 1865â1939 | 193 | [Medal of Honor recipients in non-combat incidents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_in_non-combat_incidents "List of Medal of Honor recipients in non-combat incidents") |
| [Unknown soldiers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_the_Unknown_Soldier "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier") | 1914â1973 | 9 | [Unknown Medal of Honor recipients](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Foreign "List of Medal of Honor recipients") (4 American and 5 Allies) |
| Army | Navy | Marine Corps | Air Force | Coast Guard | Total[\[243\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-246) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,461 | 749[\[244\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-247) | 300 | 19 | 1 | 3,530 |
Note that the number of Air Force recipients does not count recipients from its pre-September 19, 1947, Army-related [predecessor organizations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force#Antecedents "United States Air Force"). Nevertheless, the Air Force's transfer agreement gave it retroactive jurisdiction over military awards to the date the Air Corps was authorized by statute: Jul. 2, 1926. Thus, were a decoration submitted retroactively for an aviator's actions on or after that date (including a Medal of Honor), it would be processed by the Air Force despite the fact that the Air Force did not yet exist as a separate service.[\[245\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-248)
### Double recipients
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=38 "Edit section: Double recipients")\]
Nineteen service members have been awarded the Medal of Honor twice.[\[246\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-249) The first double Medal of Honor recipient was [Thomas Custer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Custer "Thomas Custer") (brother of [George Armstrong Custer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Armstrong_Custer "George Armstrong Custer")) for two separate actions that took place several days apart during the American Civil War.[\[247\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-250)
Five "double recipients" were awarded both the Army's and Navy's Medal of Honor for the same action, with all five of these occurrences taking place during World War I.[\[248\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-251) This was a consequence of the marine recipients serving under Army command, which had been reviewed by the Army's judge advocate general. According to the judge advocate general, the marines were "a party 'of the Army'" since they were detached for service under the Army by presidential directive, and thus were subject to the Army's decoration statutes for that time period.[\[249\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201876-252) No modern recipients have more than one medal because of laws passed for the Army in 1918, and for the Navy in 1919, which stipulated that "no more than one medal of honor . . . shall be issued to any one person," although subsequent awards were still authorized by issuance of bars or other devices in lieu of the medal itself.[\[250\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018219,_221-253) The prohibition on wearing multiple medals did not technically apply to the double recipients of WWI because they received Medals of Honor from different services, which meant the same medals were not duplicated and had independent statutory authority.[\[251\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201880,_91-254) Later, in 1927, President Coolidge issued an executive order that forbade issuing more than one federal decoration for the same action, a policy that continues through the present time.[\[233\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201891-236) The statutory bar on issuing multiple Medals of Honor was finally repealed in the FY2014 defense bill,[\[252\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-255) at the request of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, meaning that recipients can now be issued more than one medal rather than simply receiving a device for subsequent awards.[\[253\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018130-256) However, it is still true that no more than one medal may be issued for the same action.[\[253\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018130-256)
The most Medals of Honor earned by any service member is two.[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navyfaq-51) The last living individual to be awarded two Medals of Honor was [John J. Kelly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_J._Kelly "John J. Kelly"), on October 3, 1918;[\[254\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-257) the last individual to receive two Medals of Honor for two different actions was [Smedley Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smedley_Butler "Smedley Butler"), in 1914 and 1915.[\[255\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-258) None of the double awardees earned two distinct medals under modern Medal of Honor criteria, although the WWI awardees qualified under substantially modern statutes.
| Name | Service | Rank[\[d\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-259) | War(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Frank Baldwin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Baldwin "Frank Baldwin") | [Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Army "US Army") | First Lieutenant, Captain | [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War"), [Indian Wars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Wars "Indian Wars") | |
| [Smedley Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smedley_Butler "Smedley Butler") | [Marine Corps](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Marine_Corps "US Marine Corps") | Major | [Veracruz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_occupation_of_Veracruz "United States occupation of Veracruz"), [Haiti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_occupation_of_Haiti "United States occupation of Haiti") | |
| [John Cooper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Laver_Mather_Cooper "John Laver Mather Cooper") | [Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Navy "US Navy") | [Coxswain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coxswain "Coxswain") | American Civil War | |
| [Louis Cukela](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Cukela "Louis Cukela") | Marine Corps | Sergeant | [World War I](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I "World War I") | Awarded both Navy and Army versions for same action. |
| [Thomas Custer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Custer "Thomas Custer") | Army | Second Lieutenant | American Civil War | [Battle of Namozine Church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Namozine_Church "Battle of Namozine Church") on April 3 and [Battle of Sayler's Creek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Sayler%27s_Creek "Battle of Sayler's Creek") on April 6, 1865. |
| [Daniel Daly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Daly "Daniel Daly") | Marine Corps | Private, Gunnery Sergeant | [Boxer Rebellion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxer_Rebellion "Boxer Rebellion"), Haiti | [\[256\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-260) |
| [Henry Hogan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Hogan "Henry Hogan") | Army | First Sergeant | Indian Wars | |
| [Ernest A. Janson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_A._Janson "Ernest A. Janson") | Marine Corps | Gunnery Sergeant | World War I | Both awarded for same action. Received the Army MOH under the name Charles F. Hoffman. |
| [John J. Kelly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_J._Kelly "John J. Kelly") | Marine Corps | Private | World War I | Both awarded for same action. |
| [John King](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_King_\(sailor\) "John King (sailor)") | Navy | Water tender | Peacetime | 1901 and 1909 |
| [Matej Kocak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matej_Kocak "Matej Kocak") | Marine Corps | Sergeant | World War I | Both awarded for same action. |
| [John Lafferty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lafferty "John Lafferty") | Navy | Fireman, First Class Fireman | American Civil War, peacetime | |
| [John C. McCloy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C._McCloy "John C. McCloy") | Navy | Coxswain, Chief Boatswain | Boxer Rebellion, Veracruz | |
| [Patrick Mullen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Mullen_\(Medal_of_Honor\) "Patrick Mullen (Medal of Honor)") | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | American Civil War | |
| [John H. Pruitt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_H._Pruitt "John H. Pruitt") | Marine Corps | Corporal | World War I | Both awarded for same action. |
| [Robert Sweeney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Augustus_Sweeney "Robert Augustus Sweeney") | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | Peacetime | 1881 and 1883 |
| [Albert Weisbogel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Weisbogel "Albert Weisbogel") | Navy | Captain of the Mizzen Top | Peacetime | 1874 and 1876 |
| [Louis Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_Andreas_Olsen "Ludwig Andreas Olsen") | Navy | Captain of the Hold | Peacetime | 1883 and 1884. Also known as [Ludwig Andreas Olsen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_Andreas_Olsen "Ludwig Andreas Olsen"). |
| [William Wilson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Wilson_\(soldier,_born_1847\) "William Wilson (soldier, born 1847)") | Army | Sergeant | Indian Wars | |
### Related recipients
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=39 "Edit section: Related recipients")\]
[Arthur MacArthur, Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_MacArthur,_Jr. "Arthur MacArthur, Jr.") and [Douglas MacArthur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_MacArthur "Douglas MacArthur") were the first father and son to be awarded the Medal of Honor.[\[257\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-father-261) The only other such pairing is [Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Roosevelt "Theodore Roosevelt") (awarded in 2001) and [Theodore Roosevelt III](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Roosevelt_Jr. "Theodore Roosevelt Jr.").[\[257\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-father-261) Notably, one member in each pair was strongly influenced by political considerations; Douglas MacArthur's medal was approved for service (rather than gallantry) in violation of both law and policy that prohibited such action,[\[258\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018143-145-262) and Theodore Roosevelt's medal was approved after members of Congress successfully lobbied the Secretary of the Army to reverse a prior determination that "Theodore Roosevelt's bravery in battle did not rise to the level that would justify the Medal of Honor and, indeed, it did not rise to the level of men who fought in that engagement."[\[259\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018154-263)
Seven pairs of brothers have received the Medal of Honor:
- [James Pond](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Pond_\(Medal_of_Honor\) "James Pond (Medal of Honor)") and [George F. Pond](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_F._Pond "George F. Pond"), in the [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War") for separate actions. James for actions on 6 October 1863 and George on 15 May 1864.[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-brothers-264)
- [George N. Galloway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_N._Galloway "George N. Galloway") and [John Galloway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Galloway_\(Medal_of_Honor\) "John Galloway (Medal of Honor)"), in the [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War") for separate actions. George for actions on May 8, 1864 and John for actions on April 7, 1865.[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-brothers-264)
- [John](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C._Black "John C. Black") and [William Black](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_P._Black "William P. Black"), in the [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War"). The Blacks are the first brothers to be so honored.[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-brothers-264)
- [Charles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_E._Capehart "Charles E. Capehart") and [Henry Capehart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Capehart "Henry Capehart"), in the American Civil War, the latter for saving a drowning man while under fire.[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-brothers-264)
- [Antoine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoine_August_Michel_Gaujot "Antoine August Michel Gaujot") and [Julien Gaujot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julien_Edmund_Victor_Gaujot "Julien Edmund Victor Gaujot"). The Gaujots also have the unique distinction of receiving their medals for actions in separate conflicts, Antoine in the [PhilippineâAmerican War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine%E2%80%93American_War "PhilippineâAmerican War") and Julien when he crossed the Mexican border to rescue Mexicans and Americans in a [Mexican Revolution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_Revolution "Mexican Revolution") skirmish.[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-brothers-264)
- [Harry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Herbert_Miller "Harry Herbert Miller") and [Willard Miller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willard_Miller "Willard Miller"), during the same naval action in the [SpanishâAmerican War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish%E2%80%93American_War "SpanishâAmerican War").[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-brothers-264)
- [Allen and James Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_and_James_Thompson "Allen and James Thompson"), in the same American Civil War action.[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-brothers-264)
Two other notable pairs of related recipients include two uncle and nephew recipients. Admiral [Frank Friday Fletcher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Friday_Fletcher "Frank Friday Fletcher") (rear admiral at the time of award) and his nephew, Admiral [Frank Jack Fletcher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Jack_Fletcher "Frank Jack Fletcher") (lieutenant at the time of award), both awarded for actions during the [United States occupation of Veracruz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_occupation_of_Veracruz "United States occupation of Veracruz").[\[261\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-b814-265) [Guy W. S. Castle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_W._S._Castle "Guy W. S. Castle") for actions during the U.S. occupation of Veracruz,[\[262\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-266) and his nephew [Frederick Walker Castle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Walker_Castle "Frederick Walker Castle") for actions during [World War II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II "World War II").[\[263\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-267)
### Late awards
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=40 "Edit section: Late awards")\]
Since 1979, 86 late Medal of Honor awards have been presented for actions from the Civil War to the Vietnam War. In addition, five recipients whose names were included on the Army's medal revocations in 1917 had their awards restored.[\[264\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-268) A 1993 study commissioned by the U.S. Army investigated "racial disparity" in the awarding of medals.[\[265\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-African-269) At the time, no Medals of Honor had been awarded to U.S. soldiers of [African descent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_descent "African descent") who served in World War II. After an exhaustive review, the study recommended that ten [Distinguished Service Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distinguished_Service_Cross_\(United_States\) "Distinguished Service Cross (United States)") recipients be awarded the Medal of Honor. On January 13, 1997, President [Bill Clinton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Clinton "Bill Clinton") presented the Medal of Honor to seven of these World War II veterans, six of them posthumously and one to former Second Lieutenant [Vernon Baker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernon_Baker "Vernon Baker").[\[266\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-CD25-270)
In 1998, a similar study of [Asian Americans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_American "Asian American") resulted in Clinton presenting 22 Medals of Honor in 2000.[\[267\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-AsianDoD-271) This was following a historical review conducted by a team of historians headed by Jim McNaughton at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, located in the Presidio of Monterey, California.[\[268\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-272) The review ultimately forwarded at least 47 cases of Distinguished Service Crosses for potential upgrade, as well as one Silver Star.[\[269\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-273) Twenty of the resulting medals went to U.S. soldiers of [Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_people "Japanese people") descent of the [442nd Regimental Combat Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/442nd_Regimental_Combat_Team "442nd Regimental Combat Team") (442nd RCT) who served in the [European Theater of Operations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Theater_of_Operations "European Theater of Operations") during World War II.[\[267\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-AsianDoD-271)[\[270\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-274) One of these Medal of Honor recipients was Senator [Daniel Inouye](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Inouye "Daniel Inouye"), a former U.S. Army officer in the 442nd RCT.[\[266\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-CD25-270)
In 2005, President George W. Bush presented the Medal of Honor to [Tibor Rubin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibor_Rubin "Tibor Rubin"), a [Hungarian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungary "Hungary")\-born [American Jew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Jews "American Jews") who was a [Holocaust survivor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holocaust_survivor "Holocaust survivor") of World War II and enlisted U.S. infantryman and [prisoner of war](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prisoner_of_war "Prisoner of war") in the [Korean War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War "Korean War"), whom many believed to have been overlooked because of his [religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion "Religion").[\[271\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-275)
On April 11, 2013, President Obama presented the Medal of Honor posthumously to [Army chaplain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaplain_Corps_\(United_States_Army\) "Chaplain Corps (United States Army)") Captain [Emil Kapaun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emil_Kapaun "Emil Kapaun") for his actions as a [prisoner of war](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War#Prisoners_of_War_\(POWs\) "Korean War") during the Korean War.[\[272\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-276) This follows other awards to Army Sergeant [Leslie H. Sabo, Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_H._Sabo,_Jr. "Leslie H. Sabo, Jr.") for conspicuous gallantry in action on May 10, 1970, near [Se San](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonl%C3%A9_San "TonlĂŠ San"), [Cambodia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodia "Cambodia"), during the Vietnam War[\[273\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-cbsnews5-16-12-277) and to Army Private First Class [Henry Svehla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Svehla "Henry Svehla") and Army Private First Class [Anthony T. KahoĘťohanohano](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_T._Kaho%CA%BBohanohano "Anthony T. KahoĘťohanohano") for their heroic actions during the Korean War.[\[274\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-278)
As a result of a congressionally mandated review to ensure brave acts were not overlooked due to prejudice or discrimination, on March 18, 2014, President Obama upgraded Distinguished Service Crosses to Medals of Honor for 24 Hispanic, Jewish and black individualsâthe "Valor 24"âfor their actions in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.[\[275\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-USarmyCAC201403-279) Three were still living at the time of the ceremony.[\[275\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-USarmyCAC201403-279)
In 2010 and again in 2014, Congress directed the Department of Defense to "survey military leaders . . . to the lowest level of command to determine if there is a trend of downgrading awards . . . for medals related to acts of valor and gallantry," and also to "review the Medal of Honor process to ensure that the nomination process, valor requirements, and timeliness of the process do not unfairly penalize service members."[\[276\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018129-134-280) This ultimately resulted in a review of all post 9/11 valor awards, several of which resulted in Medals of Honor.[\[276\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018129-134-280)
Another historical review for World War I medals that may have been tainted by discrimination was authorized in the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act.[\[277\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-281) Conducted under the George S. Rob Centre at Park University, the review is still ongoing but has already identified some 200 medals for potential upgrade.[\[278\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-282)
## 27th Maine and other revoked awards
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=41 "Edit section: 27th Maine and other revoked awards")\]
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medal_of_Honor_monument,_Austin,_TX_IMG_2206.JPG)
A Medal of Honor monument at the [Texas State Cemetery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_State_Cemetery "Texas State Cemetery") in [Austin, Texas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin,_Texas "Austin, Texas")
During the Civil War, [Secretary of War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_War "United States Secretary of War") [Edwin M. Stanton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_M._Stanton "Edwin M. Stanton") promised a Medal of Honor to every man in the [27th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/27th_Maine_Volunteer_Infantry_Regiment "27th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment") who extended his enlistment beyond his separation date.[\[279\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201825-283) The Battle of Gettysburg was imminent, and approximately 300 men of the regiment volunteered to serve until the battle was resolved.[\[279\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201825-283) The remaining men returned to Maine, and with the Union victory at Gettysburg the volunteers with extended enlistments soon followed.[\[279\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201825-283) They arrived back in Maine in time to be discharged with the men who had returned earlier. Since there seemed to be no official list of the extended volunteers, the War Department exacerbated the situation by forwarding 864 medals to the commanding officer of the regiment.[\[280\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201825-26-284) The commanding officer only issued the medals to the volunteers who stayed behind and retained the others on the grounds that, if he returned the remainder to the War Department, the War Department would try to reissue the medals.[\[281\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MWxix-285)
In 1916, a board of five Army generals on the retired list convened under act of law to review every Army Medal of Honor awarded.[\[282\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201852-286) The board was to report on any Medals of Honor awarded or issued "for any cause other than distinguished conduct by an officer or enlisted man in action involving actual conflict with an enemy."[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201853-47) The board, led by [Nelson A. Miles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_A._Miles "Nelson A. Miles"), identified 911 awards for causes other than distinguished conduct.[\[283\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201855-287) This included the 864 medals awarded to members of the 27th Maine regiment; 29 servicemen who served as Abraham Lincoln's funeral guard; six civilians, including [Mary Edwards Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Edwards_Walker "Mary Edwards Walker") and [Buffalo Bill Cody](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Bill_Cody "Buffalo Bill Cody"); and 12 others.[\[284\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MWxxv-288)[\[285\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-CD15-289) Walker's medal was restored by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in 1977, an action that is often erroneously attributed to President [Jimmy Carter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Carter "Jimmy Carter").[\[286\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018168,_171-290) Cody and four other civilian scouts who rendered distinguished service in action, and who were therefore considered by the board to have fully earned their medals, also had their medals restored by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in 1989.[\[287\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-CD16-291) The report issued by the Medal of Honor review board in 1917 was reviewed by the [Judge Advocate General](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judge_Advocate_General_of_the_United_States_Army "Judge Advocate General of the United States Army"), who also advised that the War Department should not seek the return of the revoked medals from the recipients identified by the board.[\[288\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Session_1919-292) In the case of recipients who continued to wear the medal, the War Department was advised to take no action to enforce the statute.[\[288\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Session_1919-292)
## See also
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=42 "Edit section: See also")\]
- [United States portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:United_States "Portal:United States")
- [Medal of Honor Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor_Day "Medal of Honor Day")
- [List of Medal of Honor recipients](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients "List of Medal of Honor recipients")
- Medal of Honor Memorials
- [Medal of Honor Memorial (Indianapolis)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor_Memorial_\(Indianapolis\) "Medal of Honor Memorial (Indianapolis)")
- [African-American Medal of Honor Recipients Memorial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_Medal_of_Honor_Recipients_Memorial "African-American Medal of Honor Recipients Memorial")
- [Kentucky Medal of Honor Memorial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kentucky_Medal_of_Honor_Memorial "Kentucky Medal of Honor Memorial")
- [Texas Medal of Honor Memorial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Medal_of_Honor_Memorial "Texas Medal of Honor Memorial")
- [Distinguished Intelligence Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distinguished_Intelligence_Cross "Distinguished Intelligence Cross")
- [Home of the Heroes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pueblo,_Colorado#Home_of_Heroes "Pueblo, Colorado"), a recognition of Pueblo, Colorado, for being the hometown of four Medal of Honor recipients
- [Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_Marine_Distinguished_Service_Medal "Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal")
- [Military awards and decorations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_awards_and_decorations "Military awards and decorations")
- [National Medal of Honor Museum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Medal_of_Honor_Museum "National Medal of Honor Museum")
## Notes
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=43 "Edit section: Notes")\]
1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-3)** As amended by Act of July 25, 1963
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-10)** For service in the [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War") to a U.S. Army Private [Jacob Parrott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Parrott "Jacob Parrott").
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-159)** U.S. Coast Guard Signalman First Class [Douglas Albert Munro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Albert_Munro "Douglas Albert Munro") was posthumously awarded the Navy version of the Medal of Honor for bravery at [Guadalcanal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guadalcanal_Campaign "Guadalcanal Campaign") on September 27, 1942.
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-259)** Rank refers to rank held at time of Medal of Honor action.
## References
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=44 "Edit section: References")\]
### Citations
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=45 "Edit section: Citations")\]
1. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-valor_1-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-valor_1-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-valor_1-2)
["Description of Awards â U.S. Military Awards for Valor"](https://valor.defense.gov/Description-of-Awards/). *[U.S. Department of Defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Department_of_Defense "U.S. Department of Defense")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210618070138/https://valor.defense.gov/Description-of-Awards/) from the original on 2021-06-18. Retrieved 2020-12-25.
2. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-regulations_2-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-regulations_2-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-regulations_2-2)
[Department of the Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_the_Army "United States Department of the Army") (July 1, 2002). ["Section 578.4 Medal of Honor"](http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2002/julqtr/32cfr578.4.htm). *[Code of Federal Regulations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Federal_Regulations "Code of Federal Regulations") Title 32, Volume 2*. [United States Government Publishing Office](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Government_Publishing_Office "United States Government Publishing Office"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130615164829/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2002-title32-vol3/html/CFR-2002-title32-vol3-sec578-4.htm) from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-4)**
["DoD Manual 1348.33, Vol 1, October 19, 2020. p. 4, 1.2.b./p. 8, 3.1.a."](https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/134833_Vol1.PDF?ver=103X2lC-z6ECdoT0q0rcgQ%3D%3D) (PDF). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201129014230/https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/134833_Vol1.PDF?ver=103X2lC-z6ECdoT0q0rcgQ%3D%3D) (PDF) from the original on November 29, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-5)** Act of December 21, 1861, 12 Stat. 330
5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-6)** Act of July 12, 1862, 12 Stat. 623â624
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-7)** An Act to Revise, Codify, and Enact into Law, Title 10 of the United States Code, Entitled âArmed Forces,â and Title 32 of the United States Code, Entitled âNational Guard,â Pub. L. 84-1028 (1956), 70A Stat. 540.
7. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Pub._L._88%E2%80%9377_1963,_77_Stat._95_8-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Pub._L._88%E2%80%9377_1963,_77_Stat._95_8-1) Pub. L. 88â77 (1963), 77 Stat. 95.
8. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-9)** National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, Pub L. 116â283 (2021), 134 Stat. 3811.
9. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-11)**
["Statistics of the Medal of Honor for the United States Army"](https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/statistics.html). *U.S. Army*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210325231735/https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/statistics.html) from the original on 2021-03-25. Retrieved 2020-12-19.
10. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-AMOHWStat_12-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-AMOHWStat_12-1)
["Medal of Honor"](http://www.mohhsus.com/medal-of-honor). *Mohhsus.com*. Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160629095327/http://www.mohhsus.com/medal-of-honor) from the original on June 29, 2016. Retrieved September 12, 2025. "as of February 3, 2025, there have been 3,547 Medals of Honor awarded"
11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-13)**
["Department of Defense Manual 1348.33, Volume 1"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170209095623/http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833v1_dodm_2016.pdf) (PDF). [Defense Technical Information Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Technical_Information_Center "Defense Technical Information Center"). p. 4. Archived from [the original](http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833v1_dodm_2016.pdf) (PDF) on February 9, 2017. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
12. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-14)** 10 U.S.C. § 7271
13. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-LoC_15-0)**
["The Medal of Honor"](https://www.loc.gov/collections/charles-reed/articles-and-essays/the-medal-of-honor/). [Library of Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Congress "Library of Congress"). December 14, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201028000259/https://www.loc.gov/collections/charles-reed/articles-and-essays/the-medal-of-honor/) from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
14. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-16)**
DoD Award Manual, November 23, 2010, 1348. 33, P. 31, 8. c. (1) (a)
Tucker, Spencer C.; Arnold, James; Wiener, Roberta (2011). [*The Encyclopedia of North American Indian Wars, 1607â1890: A Political, Social, and Military History*](https://books.google.com/books?id=JsM4A0GSO34C&pg=PA879). ABC-CLIO. p. 879. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-85109-697-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-85109-697-8 "Special:BookSources/978-1-85109-697-8")
. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230115062217/https://books.google.com/books?id=JsM4A0GSO34C&pg=PA879) from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
15. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-17)**
["Congressional Medal of Honor Society"](http://www.cmohs.org/medal-types.php). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110810181831/http://www.cmohs.org/medal-types.php) from the original on August 10, 2011. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
16. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-18)** Act of December 21, 1861, 12 Stat. 330.
17. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-19)** Act of July 12, 1862, 12 Stat. 623â624.
18. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-af.mil_20-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-af.mil_20-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-af.mil_20-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-af.mil_20-3)
["The Medal of Honor"](https://www.af.mil/Medal-of-Honor/The-Medal/). *www.af.mil*. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
19. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-21)**
["Medal of Honor"](https://www.battlefields.org/learn/topics/medal-honor). *American Battlefield Trust*. March 23, 2018. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190331025637/https://www.battlefields.org/learn/topics/medal-honor) from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
20. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-22)**
["Department of Defense Manual 1348.33, Volume 1"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170209095623/http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833v1_dodm_2016.pdf) (PDF). [Defense Technical Information Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Technical_Information_Center "Defense Technical Information Center"). p. 19. Archived from [the original](http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833v1_dodm_2016.pdf) (PDF) on February 9, 2017. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
21. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-posthumousQuantification_23-0)**
Pullen, John J. (1997). [*A Shower of Stars: The Medal of Honor and the 27th Maine*](https://books.google.com/books?id=xGtImta-9QEC&q=Pullen+A+Shower+of+stars). Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. pp. preface p2. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0811700757](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0811700757 "Special:BookSources/978-0811700757")
. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230115062218/https://books.google.com/books?id=xGtImta-9QEC&q=Pullen+A+Shower+of+stars) from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2010.
22. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-24)** SECNAVINST 1650.1H, P. 2â20, 224.2. August 22, 2006
23. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-25)** Dwight Mears, âMedals âRidiculously Givenâ?: The Authority to Award, Revoke, and Reinstate Military Decorations in Three Case Studies Involving Executive Clemency,â Military Law Review 229 (2021): 398, 419.
24. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-26)** Public Law 101-564, November 15, 1990
25. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201818_27-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201818_27-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201818_27-2) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 18.
26. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-28)**
["U.S. Senate: James Grimes: A Featured Biography"](https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/Featured_Bio_GrimesJames.htm). *www.senate.gov*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170719222459/https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/Featured_Bio_GrimesJames.htm) from the original on 2017-07-19. Retrieved 2018-02-16.
27. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-12_Stat._329%E2%80%93330_29-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-12_Stat._329%E2%80%93330_29-1) 12 Stat. 329â330.
28. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-AboveandBeyond_30-0)**
*Above and Beyond*. Boston Publishing Company. 1985. p. 5.
29. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201813_31-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 13.
30. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-32)**
Bonds, Russell S. (2006). *Stealing the General: Great Locomotive Chase and The First Medal of Honor*. Westholme. p. 308. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[1-59416-033-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-59416-033-3 "Special:BookSources/1-59416-033-3")
.
31. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-valorhonor_33-0)**
["Two Chief Engineers Were Medal of Honor Recipients?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060818051221/http://www.hq.usace.army.mil/history/Vignettes/Vignette_78.htm). *Did You Know?*. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Archived from [the original](http://www.hq.usace.army.mil/history/Vignettes/Vignette_78.htm) on August 18, 2006. Retrieved July 29, 2006.
32. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MWxviii_34-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MWxviii_34-1) [Mikaelian & Wallace 2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMikaelianWallace2003), p. xviii
33. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-typessecnav_35-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-typessecnav_35-1)
["Types of the Medal of Honor: 1862 To Present"](http://www.cmohs.org/medal-types.php). Congressional Medal of Honor Society. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110810181831/http://www.cmohs.org/medal-types.php) from the original on August 10, 2011. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
34. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-36)**
*Above and Beyond: A History of the Medal of Honor and the Civil War*. Boston Publishing Company in cooperation with the CMOH Society. 1985. p. 5. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-939526-19-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-939526-19-0 "Special:BookSources/0-939526-19-0")
. "These medals were made of copper and coated with bronze"
35. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-ReferenceA_37-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-ReferenceA_37-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-ReferenceA_37-2) 37th Congress, Second Session; Resolution No. 52, 12 Stat. 623â624
36. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-38)**
*Above and Beyond*. Boston Publishing Company. 1985. p. 5. 2nd paragraph.
37. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-39)**
Bonds, Russell S. (2006). *Stealing the General, The Great Locomotive Chase and the First Medal of Honor*. Westholme. p. 309. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-59416-033-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-59416-033-2 "Special:BookSources/978-1-59416-033-2")
. "The medal of honor is bronze, of neat device, and is highly prized by those of whom it has been bestowed," Townsend wrote in an 1864 report. Its original design, embodied first in the Navy Medal, was an inverted, five-pointed star ..."
38. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-40)**
*Above and Beyond: A History of the Medal of Honor from the Civil War to Vietnam*. Boston Publishing Company in cooperation with the CMOH Society. 1985. p. 5. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-939526-19-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-939526-19-0 "Special:BookSources/0-939526-19-0")
. "The medals were made of copper and coated with bronze, which gave them a reddish tint"
39. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201821_41-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 21.
40. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-42)**
*Above and Beyond*. 1985. p. 5.
41. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-43)**
Bonds, Russell S. (2006). *Great Locomotive Chase and the First Medal of Honor*.
42. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-RHargis2012_44-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-RHargis2012_44-1)
Hargis, Robert (August 20, 2012). [*World War II Medal of Honor Recipients (2): Army & Air Corps*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Q2LFnUmOuHEC&q=Medal%20of%20honor%20redesign%201896&pg=PA3). Osprey Publishing. p. 3. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-78200-207-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-78200-207-9 "Special:BookSources/978-1-78200-207-9")
. Retrieved September 3, 2012.
\[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot "Wikipedia:Link rot")*\]
43. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-45)**
Mollan, Mark C. (Summer 2001). ["The Army Medal of Honor: The First Fifty-five Years"](https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2001/summer/medal-of-honor-1.html). *Prologue Magazine*. **33** (2). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140718052027/http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2001/summer/medal-of-honor-1.html) from the original on July 18, 2014. Retrieved September 3, 2014. "Further depreciating the value of the medal, the Grand Army of the Republic and other veterans groups began giving out their own medals, some of which looked conspicuously similar to the Medal of Honor."
44. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-46)**
Comerford, Tim (February 5, 2016). ["A Matter of Honor â History of the Medal of Honor"](https://www.doncio.navy.mil/Chips/ArticleDetails.aspx?ID=7419). *www.doncio.navy.mil*. Department of the Navy. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161031001830/https://www.doncio.navy.mil/Chips/ArticleDetails.aspx?ID=7419) from the original on October 31, 2016. Retrieved January 26, 2025. "According to Frank, the Army redesigned its medal because other organizations had medals that looked similar. For example, the Grand Army of the Republic had a medal that, from far away, looked like a MoH."
45. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201853_47-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201853_47-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201853_47-2) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 53.
46. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018171_48-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018171_48-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018171_48-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018171_48-3) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 171.
47. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018175_49-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018175_49-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 175.
48. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018192_50-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018192_50-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 192.
49. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navyfaq_51-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navyfaq_51-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navyfaq_51-2)
["Medal of Honor, Frequently Asked Questions"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120605001140/http://www.navy.mil/moh/faq.html). Navy.mil. Archived from [the original](http://www.navy.mil/moh/faq.html) on June 5, 2012. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
50. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-52)** An Act to Revise, Codify, and Enact into Law, Title 10 of the United States Code, Entitled âArmed Forces,â and Title 32 of the United States Code, Entitled âNational Guard,â Pub. L. 84-1028 (1956), 70A Stat. 540
51. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MWxxvi_53-0)** [Mikaelian & Wallace 2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMikaelianWallace2003), p. xxvi
52. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-design_54-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-design_54-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-design_54-2)
["Medal of Honor Design Details - All Branches \| CMOHS"](https://www.cmohs.org/medal/design).
53. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-55)**
["History of the Medal of Honor â MOH Host City Program"](https://medalofhonorhostcity.com/history/).
54. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-ABC-GoldorBrass_56-0)**
Martin, John (February 5, 2004). ["Medal of Honor: Gold or Brass?"](https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=130511&page=1#.UFu-W41mTYg). *ABC News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140320193303/http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=130511&page=1#.UFu-W41mTYg) from the original on March 20, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2012.
55. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army_57-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army_57-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army_57-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army_57-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army_57-4)
["Medal of Honor - Army"](https://web.archive.org/web/20250527022011/https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15237&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0). *tioh.army.mil*. Archived from [the original](https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15237&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0) on 2025-05-27. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
56. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-TIOH-MOH_58-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-TIOH-MOH_58-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-TIOH-MOH_58-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-TIOH-MOH_58-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-TIOH-MOH_58-4) [***f***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-TIOH-MOH_58-5) [***g***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-TIOH-MOH_58-6) [***h***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-TIOH-MOH_58-7)
["Medal of Honor-Army"](https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15237&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0). *US Government*. The Institute of Heraldry. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210416135710/https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15237&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0) from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
57. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MIL-DTL-3943/1F_59-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MIL-DTL-3943/1F_59-1)
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58. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-4) [***f***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-5) [***g***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-6) [***h***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-7) [***i***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-8) [***j***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-9)
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59. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MIL-DTL-3943/2H_61-0)**
Defense Standardization Program Office. ["Detail Specification Sheet MIL-DTL-3943/2H, Revision H, dated 29 May 2007 (PDF Document)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150701164409/http://www.assistdocs.com/search/document_details.cfm?ident_number=4590&StartRow=7101&PaginatorPageNumber=143&status_all=ON&search_method=BASIC). Assistdocs.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.assistdocs.com/search/document_details.cfm?ident_number=4590&StartRow=7101&PaginatorPageNumber=143&status_all=ON&search_method=BASIC) on 1 July 2015. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
60. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force_62-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force_62-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force_62-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force_62-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force_62-4)
["Medal of Honor - Air Force"](https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15243&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0).
61. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MIL-DTL-3943/3G_63-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MIL-DTL-3943/3G_63-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MIL-DTL-3943/3G_63-2)
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62. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-64)**
["U.S. Army Service, Campaign Medals and Foreign Awards Information"](https://veteranmedals.army.mil/home/us-army-medals-award-badges-ribbon-and-attachments-information/us-army-service-campaign-medals-and-foreign-awards-information).
63. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Schubert_65-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Schubert_65-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Schubert_65-2)
[Schubert, Frank N.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_N._Schubert "Frank N. Schubert") (1997). [*Black Valor: Buffalo Soldiers and the Medal of Honor, 1870â1898*](https://archive.org/details/blackvalorbuffal00schu/page/2). Scholarly Resources Inc. pp. [2, 6](https://archive.org/details/blackvalorbuffal00schu/page/2). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[9780842025867](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780842025867 "Special:BookSources/9780842025867")
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64. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navalhistory_66-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navalhistory_66-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navalhistory_66-2)
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66. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201882%E2%80%9383_68-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), pp. 82â83.
67. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201884_69-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201884_69-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201884_69-2) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 84.
68. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-70)**
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69. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018148_71-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018148_71-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 148.
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71. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201894_73-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201894_73-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 94.
72. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201895_74-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 95.
73. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-75)**
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74. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-76)**
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`{{cite news}}`: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service "Category:CS1 maint: deprecated archival service"))
75. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018114_77-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018114_77-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 114.
76. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-78)** Congressional Medal of Honor site, History of the Medal of Honor, May 2, 1896 (20 Stat. 473)
77. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-79)**
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79. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_81-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_81-1)
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80. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-82)**
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81. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-83)**
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82. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-84)**
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Zabecki, David T. (April 26, 2010). ["Ask MHQ: Any Reason the U.S. Legion of Merit Looks Like the French Legion of Honor?"](http://www.historynet.com/ask-mhq-any-reason-the-u-s-legion-of-merit-looks-like-the-french-legion-of-honor.htm). *historynet.com*. Weider History. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150101180208/http://www.historynet.com/ask-mhq-any-reason-the-u-s-legion-of-merit-looks-like-the-french-legion-of-honor.htm) from the original on January 1, 2015. Retrieved September 3, 2014. "For the degree of Commander, the badge is worn from a neck ribbon. (The Medal of Honor is the only other American decoration worn from the neck.)"
83. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-neckorderLOM_85-0)**
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84. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-86)**
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85. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-87)** DoDM 1348.33-V1, November 23, 2010, Change 1, 10/12/2011, p.34.
86. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-double_88-0)**
["Double Recipients"](http://www.cmohs.org/double-recipients.php). Congressional Medal of Honor Society. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120228040830/http://www.cmohs.org/double-recipients.php) from the original on February 28, 2012. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
87. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-89)**
["Department of Defense Manual 1348.33, Volume 1"](https://web.archive.org/web/20251202000000/https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/134833_vol1.PDF?ver=oTB4fmi1OELByGP17fELwg%3D%3D) (PDF). [Defense Technical Information Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Technical_Information_Center "Defense Technical Information Center"). p. 10. Archived from [the original](https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/134833_vol1.PDF?ver=oTB4fmi1OELByGP17fELwg%3D%3D) (PDF) on December 2, 2025. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
[Alt URL](https://archive.org/details/do-d-manual-1348-33-vol-1)
88. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-90)**
["Department of Defense Manual 1348.33, Volume 1"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170209095623/http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833v1_dodm_2016.pdf) (PDF). [Defense Technical Information Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Technical_Information_Center "Defense Technical Information Center"). p. 20. Archived from [the original](http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833v1_dodm_2016.pdf) (PDF) on February 9, 2017. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
89. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-91)**
["Medal of Honor Flag"](https://web.archive.org/web/20161126140245/http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15743&CategoryId=9360&grp=2&menu=Uniformed%20Services&ps=24&p=0). Archived from [the original](http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15743&CategoryId=9360&grp=2&menu=Uniformed%20Services&ps=24&p=0) on November 26, 2016.
90. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Kendall_92-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Kendall_92-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Kendall_92-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Kendall_92-3)
["Special Forces veteran's idea leads to new Medal of Honor Flag"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060111151709/http://www4.army.mil/news/article.php?story=7244). Army News Service. Archived from [the original](http://www4.army.mil/news/article.php?story=7244) on January 11, 2006. Retrieved July 24, 2006.
91. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-flag_93-0)**
["Medal of Honor Flag"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060911012812/http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Flags_Guidons/MedalOfHonorFlag.htm). *The Institute of Heraldry*. US Army. Archived from [the original](http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Flags_Guidons/MedalOfHonorFlag.htm) on September 11, 2006. Retrieved July 21, 2006.
92. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-smithflag_94-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-smithflag_94-1)
Cramer, Eric W. (March 29, 2005). ["First Medal of Honor Flag to be presented"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060721040551/http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/read.php?story_id_key=7085). *Army News Service*. US Army. Archived from [the original](http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/read.php?story_id_key=7085) on July 21, 2006. Retrieved July 21, 2006.
93. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-flagpresent_95-0)**
[""Old Ironsides" Hosts Medal of Honor Recipients"](https://web.archive.org/web/20061008063242/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25834). *Navy Newsstand*. US Navy. 2006. Archived from [the original](http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25834) on October 8, 2006. Retrieved October 1, 2006.
94. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-96)** See, e.g., AR 600-8-22 (5 Mar 2019), para. 1-14(g), and 10 U.S.C. § 7274.
95. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-97)**
["Medal of Honor Citations"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090611082639/http://www.history.army.mil/moh.html). History.army.mil. June 4, 2008. Archived from [the original](http://www.history.army.mil/moh.html) on June 11, 2009. Retrieved January 3, 2012.
96. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-98)**
Ron Owens. Medal of Honor: historical facts and figures, Turner, 2004,
[ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-68162-240-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-68162-240-8 "Special:BookSources/978-1-68162-240-8")
97. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-99)**
["Medal of Honor Recipients Tell Their Stories"](http://www.c-span.org/Events/Medal-of-Honor-Recipients-Tell-Their-Stories/10737435807/). *C-SPAN*. National Cable Satellite Corporation. November 21, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2013. "The Medal of Honor is the highest U.S. military honor and is usually presented by the President of the United States."
`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service "Category:CS1 maint: deprecated archival service"))
98. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-100)** [10 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_10_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 10 of the United States Code") [§ 3752](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/3752)
99. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-101)**
Jeff Schogol; Leoo Shane III (January 12, 2007). ["Marine posthumously awarded Medal of Honor"](http://www.stripes.com/news/marine-posthumously-awarded-medal-of-honor-1.59068). *Stars and Stripes*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130219071159/http://www.stripes.com/news/marine-posthumously-awarded-medal-of-honor-1.59068) from the original on February 19, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2013. "At the ceremony, Bush noted that more than half of the Medal of Honor recipients since World War II have died earning it."
100. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-102)** Regulations for the Government of the United States Navy (Washington: GPO, 1865), 141.
101. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-103)** Regulations for the Government of the United States Navy (Washington: GPO, 1865), 142.
102. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MWxvii_104-0)** [Mikaelian & Wallace 2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMikaelianWallace2003), p. xvii
103. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201824_105-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201824_105-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201824_105-2) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 24.
104. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201823_106-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 23.
105. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201823,_33_107-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 23, 33.
106. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-108)**
["John Henry Helms \| Interim 1899 - 1910 \| U.S. Marine Corps \| Medal of Honor Recipient"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/john-h-helms).
107. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-109)**
["U.S Navy Interim 1899 - 1910"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/page/1?branches%5B%5D=us-navy&conflicts%5B%5D=interim-1899-1910). *cmohs.org*. Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
108. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-HargisSinton2003_110-0)**
Argis, Robert H; Sinton, Starr (2003). [*World War II Medal of Honor recipients (1): Navy & USMC*](https://web.archive.org/web/20160322011736/https://books.google.com/books?id=JdGr1QFy9HwC&pg=PA6). Osprey Publishing. p. 6. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-84176-613-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-84176-613-3 "Special:BookSources/978-1-84176-613-3")
. Archived from [the original](https://books.google.com/books?id=JdGr1QFy9HwC&pg=PA6) on 2016-03-22. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
109. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-ryan_111-0)**
["Medal of Honor Recipients, Interim Awards 1920â1940"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100420102912/http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/interim1920-40.html). [United States Army Center of Military History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Center_of_Military_History "United States Army Center of Military History"). Archived from [the original](http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/interim1920-40.html) on April 20, 2010. Retrieved July 23, 2006.
110. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-112)**
["The Making of the Medal of Honor"](https://web.archive.org/web/20250525055119/https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/Heritage/Article-View/Article/2686199/the-making-of-the-medal-of-honor/). *The Sextant*. Archived from [the original](https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/Heritage/Article-View/Article/2686199/the-making-of-the-medal-of-honor/) on 2025-05-25. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
111. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018116_113-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018116_113-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 116.
112. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Act_of_July_9,_1918,_40_Stat._870_114-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Act_of_July_9,_1918,_40_Stat._870_114-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Act_of_July_9,_1918,_40_Stat._870_114-2) Act of July 9, 1918, 40 Stat. 870.
113. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-115)**
["Buffalo Bill's Medal Restored"](https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/09/us/buffalo-bill-s-medal-restored.html). *The New York Times*. July 9, 1989. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161219204955/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/09/us/buffalo-bill-s-medal-restored.html) from the original on December 19, 2016. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
114. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-116)**
["History of the Medal of Honor"](http://www.cmohs.org/medal-history.php). CMOHS.org. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110828043704/http://www.cmohs.org/medal-history.php) from the original on August 28, 2011. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
115. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201897%E2%80%9398_117-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), pp. 97â98.
116. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201883_118-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 83.
117. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-119)**
Tillman, Barrett (2003). *Above and Beyond: The Aviation Medals of Honor*. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press. p. 3.
118. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-120)**
["Encyclopedia Virginia"](http://encyclopediavirginia.org/media_player?mets_filename=evm00000779mets.xml). Encyclopedia Virginia. February 19, 1927. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130517030451/http://encyclopediavirginia.org/media_player?mets_filename=evm00000779mets.xml) from the original on May 17, 2013. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
119. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-121)** "An Act to Amend the Act Approved February 4, 1919 (40 Stat. 1056)", August 7, 1942, Public Law 702, 56 Stat. 743-45."
120. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-122)**
Ron Owens. Medal of Honor: Historical Facts and Figures (Paducah, KY: Turner, 2004), 11.
[ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-68162-240-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-68162-240-8 "Special:BookSources/978-1-68162-240-8")
121. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-123)** "An Act to Amend Titles 10, 14, and 38, United States Code, with Respect to the Award of Certain Medals and the Medal of Honor Roll", July 25, 1956, HR 2998, Public Law 88-77, 77 Stat. 93.
122. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-124)** DoD Awards Manual 1348.33, V1, October 12, 2011 (November 23, 2010). pp. 31â32, 8. Medal of Honor (1) (a) 1., 2., 3. (k), *p. 10, Title 10 US Code* sections 3741, 6241, and 8741 (*Titles 14 & 38 not referenced by DoD*)
123. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-United_States_Code_1963_125-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-United_States_Code_1963_125-1) "An Act to Amend Titles 10, 14, and 38, United States Code, with Respect to the Award of Certain Medals and the Medal of Honor Roll", July 25, 1963, HR 2998, Public Law 88â77, 77 Stat. 93.
124. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-126)** DoD Manual 1348.33, V1, Oct. 12. 2011 (November 23, 2010), pp. 31 & 32, 8. Medal of Honor (1) (a) 3. (k), *p. 10, Title 10 US Code* sections 3741, 6241, and 8741 (*Title 14 & 38 not referenced By DoD*).
125. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-HR2998_1963_127-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-HR2998_1963_127-1) "Subcommittee No.2 Consideration of HR2998, A Bill to Amend Titles 10, 14, and 38, United States Code, with Respect to the Award of Certain Medals and the Medal of Honor Roll", House of Representatives, Committee of Armed Services, June 6, 1963.
126. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-128)** Executive order 11046 â DoD Awards Manual 1348.33, V3, October 12, 2011 (November 23, 2010), pp. 19â21, 4. Bronze Star Medal (Title 10 & 37 is referenced by DoD, Titles 14 & 38 is not referenced by DoD)
127. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-129)** "An Act Making Appropriations for the Support of the Army for the Fiscal Year Ending June Thirtieth, Nineteen Hundred and Nineteen", July 9, 1918, HR12281, Public Law 193, 40 Stat. 870.
128. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018117_130-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 117.
129. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto5_131-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto5_131-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto5_131-2)
["Awards and Decorations Branch"](https://www.hrc.army.mil/wcmt-api/sites/default/wcmtfiles/files/15928_0.pdf) (PDF). *www.hrc.army.mil*. United States Army Human Resources Command. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
130. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-regulation600_132-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-regulation600_132-1)
["Army Regulation 600â8â22"](https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN42665-AR_600-8-22-000-WEB-1.pdf) (PDF). *armypubs.army.mil*. Department of the Army. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
131. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto4_133-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto4_133-1)
["Medal of Honor - United States Army"](https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/). *www.army.mil*.
132. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-134)** 10 U.S. Code § 7274; 10 U.S. Code § 8298; 10 U.S. Code § 9274; 14 U.S. Code § 2741
133. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto3_135-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto3_135-1)
["Metal of Honor Review Process Review: U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer Nominee"](https://web.archive.org/web/20260204064759/https://media.defense.gov/2016/Jun/08/2001714247/-1/-1/1/DODIG-2016-095.pdf) (PDF). *United States Department of Defense*. May 4, 2016. Archived from [the original](https://media.defense.gov/2016/Jun/08/2001714247/-1/-1/1/DODIG-2016-095.pdf) (PDF) on February 4, 2026.
134. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-g188_136-0)**
["Navy Celebrates 100th Anniversary of the Board of Decorations and Medals"](https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/2239070/navy-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-the-board-of-decorations-and-medals/). *United States Navy*. 6 March 1919. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
135. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-h564_137-0)**
["Secretary of the Air Force Decorations Board (SAFDB)"](https://afrba-portal.cce.af.mil/#board-info/safdb). *afrba-portal.cce.af.mil*. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
136. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201817_138-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201817_138-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201817_138-2) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 17.
137. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201843_139-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201843_139-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 43.
138. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Dwight_Mears_2021_140-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Dwight_Mears_2021_140-1) Dwight Mears, âMedals âRidiculously Givenâ?: The Authority to Award, Revoke, and Reinstate Military Decorations in Three Case Studies Involving Executive Clemency,â Military Law Review 229 (2021): 398.
139. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-141)** Dwight Mears, âMedals âRidiculously Givenâ?: The Authority to Award, Revoke, and Reinstate Military Decorations in Three Case Studies Involving Executive Clemency,â Military Law Review 229 (2021): 400, 402.
140. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-142)** Army Regulation 672-5-1, Military Awards, Par. 1-28a, Jun. 3, 1974.
141. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-143)** Air Force Manual 900-3, para. 3-2(d)(2), Nov. 20, 1969.
142. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-144)** Dwight Mears, âMedals âRidiculously Givenâ?: The Authority to Award, Revoke, and Reinstate Military Decorations in Three Case Studies Involving Executive Clemency,â Military Law Review 229 (2021): 419.
143. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-145)**
South, Todd (March 17, 2021). ["Former Green Beret, whom Trump pardoned for alleged murder, won't get Silver Star or SF tab back, Army rules"](https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2021/03/17/former-green-beret-whom-trump-pardoned-for-alleged-murder-wont-get-silver-star-or-sf-tab-back-army-rules/). *Army Times*. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
144. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-146)** DoD Instruction 1348.33, Sec. 8, Dec. 21. 2016, Change 3, May 22, 2019
145. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-147)**
Mears, Dwight (2021). ["Medals 'Ridiculously Given'?: The Authority to Award, Revoke, and Reinstate Military Decorations in Three Case Studies Involving Executive Clemency"](https://web.archive.org/web/20240525060705/https://tjaglcs.army.mil/Portals/0/Publications/Military%20Law%20Review/2021%20\(Vol%20229\)/Vol.%20229%20-%20Issue%203/4%20Mears%20Final.pdf) (PDF). *Military Law Review* (229): 406. Archived from [the original](https://tjaglcs.army.mil/Portals/0/Publications/Military%20Law%20Review/2021%20\(Vol%20229\)/Vol.%20229%20-%20Issue%203/4%20Mears%20Final.pdf) (PDF) on 25 May 2024.
146. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto_148-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto_148-1)
["A Bill to rescind each Medal of Honor awarded for acts at Wounded Knee Creek on December 29, 1890, and for other purposes"](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-116hr3467ih/pdf/BILLS-116hr3467ih.pdf) (PDF). *www.govinfo.gov*. 25 June 2019. H. R. 3467.
147. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-149)** War Dept. General Orders No. 100, Dec. 17, 1891.
148. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-150)** An Act to Establish in the War Department and in the Navy Department, Respectively, a Roll, Designated as âthe Army and Navy Medal of Honor Roll,â and for Other Purposes, Pub. L. 64-50, 36 Stat. 53.
149. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto2_151-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto2_151-1) Dwight Mears, "Removing the Stain Without Undermining Military Awards: Revoking Medals Earned at Wounded Knee Creek in 1890," 48 Am. Indian L. Rev. 179 (2024), 196-97.
150. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto1_152-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto1_152-1)
["JOINT EXPLANATORY STATEMENT TO ACCOMPANY THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022"](https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20211206/17s1605-rcp117-21-jes.pdf) (PDF). *U.S. House of Representatives*. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
151. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto6_153-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto6_153-1)
["Austin Orders Review of Wounded Knee Medals"](https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3848583/austin-orders-review-of-wounded-knee-medals/).
152. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-154)**
["Wounded Knee anniversary renews push to revoke US Medals of Honor"](https://www.voanews.com/a/wounded-knee-anniversary-renews-push-to-revoke-us-medals-of-honor/7908513.html). *Voice of America*. 2024-12-29. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
153. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-155)**
LeBeau, Ryman (2024-11-18). ["Ryman LeBeau: Rescind the Wounded Knee Massacre medals"](https://indianz.com/News/2024/11/18/ryman-lebeau-rescind-the-wounded-knee-massacre-medals/). *Indianz.Com*. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
154. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-156)**
["10 U.S. Code § 7271 - Medal of honor: award"](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/7271). *LII / Legal Information Institute*.
155. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-157)**
["10 U.S. Code § 8291 - Medal of honor"](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/8291). *LII / Legal Information Institute*.
156. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-158)**
["10 U.S. Code § 9271 - Medal of honor: award"](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/9271). *LII / Legal Information Institute*.
157. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-1998code_160-0)**
["Sec. 3741. Medal of honor: award"](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/3741-). Cornell University. January 26, 1998. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230115062220/https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/3741) from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved January 26, 2012.
158. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-benefits_161-0)**
["Medal of Honor Recipients"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121019143719/http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Eligibility/WhoIsEligible?kw=Medal+of+Honor+Recipients+and+Their+Families). Tricare. Archived from [the original](https://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Eligibility/WhoIsEligible?kw=Medal+of+Honor+Recipients+and+Their+Families) on October 19, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
159. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-benefits3_162-0)**
["Special Benefits and Allowances Table"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060722172254/http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/special1.htm). Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Archived from [the original](http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/special1.htm) on July 22, 2006. Retrieved July 24, 2006.
160. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-163)**
["Current special benefit allowances rates"](https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special-benefit-allowance-rates/). *va.gov*. 3 May 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
161. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-32USC578.9_164-0)** [32 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_32_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 32 of the United States Code") [§ 578.9](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/32/578.9)
162. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-165)**
["Air Transportation Eligibility"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121213232029/http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/451513r.pdf) (PDF). Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology. April 9, 1998. p. 85. Archived from [the original](http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/451513r.pdf) (PDF) on December 13, 2012. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
163. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-166)**
["Process"](https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/process.html). *Medal of Honor*. United States Army. December 21, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110901222212/http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/process.html) from the original on September 1, 2011. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
164. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-167)** 32 CFR 553.15(d)(1)
165. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-168)**
["Admissions"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110720101849/http://webster-new.dmz.usna.edu/Admissions/stnommed.htm). USNA. Archived from [the original](http://webster-new.dmz.usna.edu/Admissions/stnommed.htm) on July 20, 2011.
166. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-169)** [10 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_10_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 10 of the United States Code") [§ 3991](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/3991)
167. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-170)** [14 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_14_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 14 of the United States Code") [§ 505](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/14/505)
168. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-cnnGiunta_171-0)**
Shaughnessy, Larry (February 8, 2011). ["America's newest Medal of Honor recipient is leaving the Army"](http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/02/08/army.medal/). CNN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121109084509/http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/02/08/army.medal/) from the original on November 9, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2011. "Even though he's leaving the Army, Giunta is entitled to a number of special benefits reserved for Medal of Honor recipients, including a monthly Veterans Affairs pension of more than \$1,237 a month for life as well as an invitation to every presidential inauguration and inauguration party."
169. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-AR670_172-0)**
["Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150406195111/http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r670_1.pdf) (PDF). Department of the Army. p. 316. Archived from [the original](http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r670_1.pdf) (PDF) on April 6, 2015. Retrieved September 21, 2011.
170. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-173)**
["Application for Valor Specific License Plate"](http://www.dmv.de.gov/forms/veh_serv_forms/pdfs/ve_frm_valor.pdf) (PDF). *Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles*. State of Delaware. March 2001. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131105021835/http://www.dmv.de.gov/forms/veh_serv_forms/pdfs/ve_frm_valor.pdf) (PDF) from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
171. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-174)**
["Military License Plate"](http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/militarycenter/licenseplates.shtml). *Pennsylvania Department of Transportation*. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121116153437/http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/militaryCenter/licensePlates.shtml) from the original on November 16, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
["Military personnel"](http://www.nj.gov/mvc/Vehicle/MilitaryPersonnel.htm). *Motor Vehicle Commission*. State of New Jersey. January 31, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130128122240/http://www.nj.gov/mvc/Vehicle/MilitaryPersonnel.htm) from the original on January 28, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["§ 40-2-68 â Special license plates for Medal of Honor winners"](http://statutes.laws.com/georgia/title-40/chapter-2/article-3/40-2-68). *Georgia Statutes*. Laws.com. 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131105021433/http://statutes.laws.com/georgia/title-40/chapter-2/article-3/40-2-68) from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Connecticut"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170702172532/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Connecticut.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. February 13, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Connecticut.html) on July 2, 2017. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Congressional Medal of Honor Plates"](http://www.mass.gov/rmv/veteran/honor.htm). *Massachusetts Department of Transportation*. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120915025818/http://www.mass.gov/rmv/veteran/honor.htm) from the original on September 15, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Military Related Plates"](http://www.mva.maryland.gov/Vehicle-Services/SpecialtyPlates/MilitPlates_Entry.asp). *Department of Transportation*. State of Maryland. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130522164204/http://www.mva.maryland.gov/Vehicle-Services/SpecialtyPlates/MilitPlates_Entry.asp) from the original on May 22, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Plate Galleries"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130127175511/http://www.scdmvonline.com/dmvnew/plategallery.aspx). *South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles*. State of South Carolina. 2007. Archived from [the original](http://www.scdmvonline.com/dmvnew/plategallery.aspx) on January 27, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
["Special Plates: Plate Information"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101124213521/https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/exec/vehicle/splates/info.asp?idnm=LVU). *Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles*. Commonwealth of Virginia. 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/exec/vehicle/splates/info.asp?idnm=LVU) on November 24, 2010. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Custom Plate Gallery â Military and Veterans"](http://www.dmv.ny.gov/military.htm). *New York State Department of Motor Vehicles*. State of New York. 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121230035745/http://www.dmv.ny.gov/military.htm) from the original on December 30, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
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["State / Territory Benefits â Kentucky"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130130052957/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Kentucky.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. January 9, 2013. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Kentucky.html) on January 30, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Specialty License Plates â Military/Memorial"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130127131404/http://www.tn.gov/revenue/vehicle/licenseplates/militarymemorial/military.shtml). *Department of Revenue*. State of Tennessee. Archived from [the original](http://www.tn.gov/revenue/vehicle/licenseplates/militarymemorial/military.shtml) on January 27, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Congressional Medal of Honor"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130125111633/http://bmv.ohio.gov/g_cmoh.stm). *Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles*. State of Ohio. Archived from [the original](http://bmv.ohio.gov/g_cmoh.stm) on January 25, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Congressional Medal of Honor License Plates"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131105022119/http://web01.dps.louisiana.gov/omv1.nsf/58c968bd569b099986256cdc000806eb/38d533205d0135dc862564af00649d33?OpenDocument). *Office of Motor Vehicles*. State of Louisiana. December 1, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://web01.dps.louisiana.gov/omv1.nsf/58c968bd569b099986256cdc000806eb/38d533205d0135dc862564af00649d33?OpenDocument) on November 5, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["BMV news"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130124115411/http://www.in.gov/bmv/files/IGWT_Medal_of_Honor_and_Customer_Choices.pdf) (PDF). *Bureau of Motor Vehicles*. State of Indiana. December 20, 2011. Archived from [the original](http://www.in.gov/bmv/files/IGWT_Medal_of_Honor_and_Customer_Choices.pdf) (PDF) on January 24, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Section 32-6-231.1"](http://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/2009/Title32/Chapter6/32-6-231_1.html). *2009 Alabama Code*. Justia.com. 2009. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131105022142/http://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/2009/Title32/Chapter6/32-6-231_1.html) from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Maine License Plates"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130114040454/http://www.maine.gov/sos/kids/maine-government/licenseplates.htm). *Secretary of State*. State of Maine. 2007. Archived from [the original](http://www.maine.gov/sos/kids/maine-government/licenseplates.htm) on January 14, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Application for Missouri Military Personalized License Plates"](http://dor.mo.gov/forms/4601.pdf) (PDF). *Missouri Department of Revenue*. State of Missouri. August 20, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130512232600/http://dor.mo.gov/forms/4601.pdf) (PDF) from the original on May 12, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Military Speciality Plates and Placards"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130625202911/http://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/offices/motorVehicle/Pages/specialityPlatesCategory.aspx?category=Military). *Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration*. State of Arkansas. 2011. Archived from [the original](http://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/offices/motorVehicle/Pages/specialityPlatesCategory.aspx?category=Military) on June 25, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Medal of Honor"](http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1585_1595_1598-158232--,00.html). *Department of State*. State of Michigan. 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130128104929/http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1585_1595_1598-158232--,00.html) from the original on January 28, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Military License Plates"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120424212736/http://www.flhsmv.gov/specialtytags/miltags.html). *Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles*. State of Florida. 2011. Archived from [the original](http://www.flhsmv.gov/specialtytags/miltags.html) on April 24, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Sec. 504.001"](http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TN/htm/TN.504.htm). *Transportation Code*. State of Texas. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130402194356/http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TN/htm/TN.504.htm) from the original on April 2, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Personalized and specialty plates"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130123005419/http://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ovs/plates/plates.htm). *Iowa Department of Transportation*. State of Iowa. 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ovs/plates/plates.htm) on January 23, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Medal of Honor license plates"](http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/vehicles/personal/special/moh.htm). *Wisconsin Department of Transportation*. State of Wisconsin. March 20, 2009. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130121141953/http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/vehicles/personal/special/moh.htm) from the original on January 21, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Special Recognition License Plates"](https://web.archive.org/web/20211130220744/https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-plates/special-license-plates/). *California Department of Motor Vehicles*. State of California. 2021. Archived from [the original](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-plates/special-license-plates/) on November 30, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
["Minnesota Veteran, Military and related license plates"](http://www.mdva.state.mn.us/extras/VeteranMilitaryPlates.htm). *Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs*. State of Minnesota. 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130123032422/http://www.mdva.state.mn.us/extras/VeteranMilitaryPlates.htm) from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Veteran & Military Service-related License Plates"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130211040513/http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/pages/vehicle/platevet.aspx). *Oregon DMV*. State of Oregon. Archived from [the original](http://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/vehicle/platevet.aspx) on February 11, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Kansas Medal of Honor Plate"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121025164343/http://ksrevenue.org/dmv-medalofhonor.html). *Kansas Department of Revenue*. State of Kansas. 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.ksrevenue.org/dmv-medalofhonor.html) on October 25, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Special License Plates"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130201101205/http://www.transportation.wv.gov/dmv/Vehicles/Pages/PersonalizedPlates.aspx). *West Virginia Department of Transportation*. State of West Virginia. 2013. Archived from [the original](http://www.transportation.wv.gov/dmv/vehicles/pages/personalizedplates.aspx) on February 1, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Veterans License Plates"](http://www.dmvnv.com/platesveterans.htm). *Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles*. State of Nevada. 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121023015537/http://www.dmvnv.com/platesveterans.htm) from the original on October 23, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Military Plates"](https://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1201542141638). *Department of Revenue*. State of California. 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130204054458/http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1201542141638) from the original on February 4, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Congressional Medal of Honor License Plates"](http://www.state.sd.us/drr2/motorvehicle/licenseplates/medal_of_honor.htm). *South Dakota Department of Revenue*. State of South Dakota. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121116034103/http://www.state.sd.us/drr2/motorvehicle/licenseplates/medal_of_honor.htm) from the original on November 16, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Medal of Honor plates"](http://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/spmoh.html). *Washington State Department of Licensing*. State of Washington. 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130311133949/http://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/spmoh.html) from the original on March 11, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Idaho Code 49-415A â Congressional Medal of Honor License Plates"](http://www.lawserver.com/law/state/idaho/id-code/idaho_code_49-415a). *Vehicle Registration*. LawServer Online, Inc. 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131105022012/http://www.lawserver.com/law/state/idaho/id-code/idaho_code_49-415a) from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State Benefits"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120201222906/http://www.ok.gov/odva/Oklahoma_Veterans_Benefits/License_Plates/index.html). *Oklahoma Department of Veterans*. State of Oklahoma. November 7, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.ok.gov/odva/Oklahoma_Veterans_Benefits/License_Plates/index.html) on February 1, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["License Plates Details"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130517032131/http://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/Vehicles/Pages/License-Plates-Details.aspx). *New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department*. State of New Mexico. 2011. Archived from [the original](http://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/Vehicles/Pages/License-Plates-Details.aspx) on May 17, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Plates and Placards"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130126150437/http://www.azdot.gov/mvd/vehicle/mvdplate.asp#MedalofHonor). *Arizona Department of Transportation*. State of Arizona. Archived from [the original](http://www.azdot.gov/mvd/vehicle/mvdplate.asp#MedalofHonor) on January 26, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
172. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-175)**
["State / Territory Benefits â New Hampshire"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130202005948/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/_New_Hampshire.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. July 25, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/_New_Hampshire.html) on February 2, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Rhode Island"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130215161711/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Rhode_Island.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. March 7, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Rhode_Island.html) on February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Vermont"](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Vermont.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. July 21, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130215161754/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Vermont.html) from the original on February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Nebraska"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130215135706/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Nebraska.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. November 11, 2010. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Nebraska.html) on February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â North Dakota"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130215152330/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/North_Dakota.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. September 23, 2010. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/North_Dakota.html) on February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Montana"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130131063551/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Montana.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. October 5, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Montana.html) on January 31, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Wyoming"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130215172548/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Wyoming.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. December 30, 2011. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Wyoming.html) on February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Utah"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130127174928/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Utah.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. June 28, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Utah.html) on January 27, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Alaska"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130215053841/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Alaska_.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. October 29, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Alaska_.html) on February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Hawaii"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130202043144/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Hawaii.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. December 6, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Hawaii.html) on February 2, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
173. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-176)**
["Legislative Bill 1212"](http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/80/PDF/Journal/r1journal.pdf) (PDF). *Legislative Journal of the State of Nebraska*. **1** (Eightieth Session): 603. 1969. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
174. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-177)** United States Army. [*The Soldier's Guide*](http://www.smdc.army.mil/2008/CSM/docs/FM7_21_13.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120903224919/http://www.smdc.army.mil/2008/CSM/docs/FM7_21_13.pdf) September 3, 2012, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). 2003. Chapter 4.
175. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-178)** Army Regulation 600-25, Sep. 10, 2019, para. 2-1
176. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-179)** OPNAVINST 1710.7A, Jun. 15, 2001, para. 1209
177. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-180)**
["USCG CG-5421 Web Site â Customs & Courtesy"](http://www.uscg.mil/auxiliary/cginfo/uniforms/custom.asp). Uscg.mil. February 18, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160314183722/http://www.uscg.mil/auxiliary/cginfo/uniforms/custom.asp) from the original on March 14, 2016. Retrieved January 3, 2012.
178. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-181)**
["Air Force Instruction 1-1"](https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_cc/publication/afi1-1/afi1-1.pdf) (PDF). November 12, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210322143440/https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_cc/publication/afi1-1/afi1-1.pdf) (PDF) from the original on March 22, 2021. Retrieved March 9, 2021.
179. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-CMOHS_182-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-CMOHS_182-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-CMOHS_182-2) [Types of Medals of Honor](http://www.cmohs.org/medal-types.php) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110810181831/http://www.cmohs.org/medal-types.php) 2011-08-10 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") From the website of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved on July 1, 2012.
180. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Design_183-0)** [U.S. patent D37236](https://patents.google.com/patent/USD37236)
181. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-184)** See [Notes to 18 U.S.C. § 704](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/704) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170703125532/https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/704) 2017-07-03 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), citing 42 Stat. 1286. Retrieved on June 30, 2012.
182. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-185)** [Pub.L. 103-322, The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, § 320109](https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-103hr3355enr/pdf/BILLS-103hr3355enr.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181207215545/https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-103hr3355enr/pdf/BILLS-103hr3355enr.pdf) 2018-12-07 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") (page 318 of the PDF version). Retrieved on June 30, 2012.
183. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-186)** [Pub.L. 109-437, The Stolen Valor Act of 2005](https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-109publ437/pdf/PLAW-109publ437.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120318201658/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-109publ437/pdf/PLAW-109publ437.pdf) 2012-03-18 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). Retrieved on June 30, 2012.
184. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-187)** *Id..*
185. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-s1998track_188-0)**
["S. 1998: Stolen Valor Act of 2005"](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s109-1998). *109th U.S. Congress (2005â2006)*. GovTrak.us. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070927194047/http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s109-1998) from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved March 8, 2007.
186. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-usc18-704_189-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-usc18-704_189-1) [18 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_18_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 18 of the United States Code") [§ 704](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/704)
187. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-190)** [United States v. Alvarez (slip opinion)](https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/11pdf/11-210d4e9.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170619224509/https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/11pdf/11-210d4e9.pdf) 2017-06-19 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), 567 U.S. \_\_\_ (2012). Retrieved on June 30, 2012.
188. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-191)**
["Facts and Case Summary - U.S. V. Alvarez"](https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/educational-activities/first-amendment-activities/us-v-alvarez/facts-and-case-summary-us-v-alvarez).
189. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-192)**
["United States v. Alvarez"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230425050928/https://aci.princeton.edu/sites/g/files/toruqf4201/files/aci/files/aci5.us_.alvarez.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](https://aci.princeton.edu/sites/g/files/toruqf4201/files/aci/files/aci5.us_.alvarez.pdf) (PDF) on 2023-04-25.
190. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-193)** [18 U.S.C. § 704](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/704) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230115062218/https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/704) 2023-01-15 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). *See also* [18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(5)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/3571) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170526235258/https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/3571) 2017-05-26 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") (specifying the permissible fine for a federal Class A misdemeanor not resulting in death), and [18 U.S.C. § 3559(a)(6)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/3559) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170329222936/https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/3559) 2017-03-29 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") (defining a federal Class A misdemeanor). Retrieved on June 30, 2012.
191. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-194)** 18 U.S. Code § 704(b).
192. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-195)**
Jordan, Bryant (June 3, 2013). ["Obama Signs New Stolen Valor Act"](http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/06/03/obama-signs-new-stolen-valor-act.html). Military.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150406032546/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/06/03/obama-signs-new-stolen-valor-act.html) from the original on April 6, 2015. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
193. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-196)** 18 U.S. Code § 704(b)
194. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-197)** Mary E. Johnston, Combating Thieves of Valor: The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 Is Constitutional Yet Unenforced, 25 Wm. & Mary Bill Rts. J. 1355 (2017), 1358â1359
195. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-198)**
["Southern District of Iowa \| Davenport Man Sentenced For Stolen Valor Act Conviction \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/pr/davenport-man-sentenced-stolen-valor-act-conviction). *www.justice.gov*. August 31, 2016.
196. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-199)**
["Northern District of Ohio \| Wisconsin man charged with fraud and obstruction after falsely claiming to be Navy SEAL wounded four times in Vietnam \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/pr/wisconsin-man-charged-fraud-and-obstruction-after-falsely-claiming-be-navy-seal-wounded). *www.justice.gov*. August 3, 2016.
197. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-200)**
["Eastern District of Missouri \| Local Man Pleads Guilty to Posing as a Purple Heart Awardee \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/local-man-pleads-guilty-posing-purple-heart-awardee). *www.justice.gov*. May 25, 2017.
198. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-201)**
KrauseApr, Kevin (April 21, 2017). ["Ex-Marine from Arlington gets prison for lying about an Iraq war injury to make money"](https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2017/04/21/ex-marine-from-arlington-gets-prison-for-lying-about-an-iraq-war-injury-to-make-money/). *Dallas News*.
199. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-202)**
["Central District of Illinois \| Geneseo Man Pleads Guilty to Stolen Valor Offenses \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdil/pr/geneseo-man-pleads-guilty-stolen-valor-offenses). *www.justice.gov*. August 22, 2017.
200. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-203)**
["Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting by attorney general Josh Shapiro V. Tapan U. Patel, individually and as Owner and Sole Member of HBK Technology LLC"](https://web.archive.org/web/20201018134104/https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-11-08-AVC-Tapan-Patel.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-11-08-AVC-Tapan-Patel.pdf) (PDF) on 2020-10-18.
201. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-204)**
["Pennsylvania man fined for violating Stolen Valor Act"](https://www.abc27.com/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-man-fined-for-violating-stolen-valor-act/). *ABC27*. November 8, 2018.
202. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-205)**
["Middle District of Georgia \| Max Prison Sentence + Restitution For Discharged Veteran Who Faked Military Honors And Combat-Related Mental Health Illness To Claim VA Benefits \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/max-prison-sentence-restitution-discharged-veteran-who-faked-military-honors-and-combat). *www.justice.gov*. August 19, 2020.
203. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-206)**
["Eastern District of Pennsylvania \| Bucks County Man Sentenced to Over Three Years for Faking Military Hero Status and Stealing from the Government \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/bucks-county-man-sentenced-over-three-years-faking-military-hero-status-and-stealing). *www.justice.gov*. September 8, 2021.
204. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-207)**
["Eastern District of Texas \| Smith County man sentenced for using stolen valor to defraud investors \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx/pr/smith-county-man-sentenced-using-stolen-valor-defraud-investors). *www.justice.gov*. December 8, 2023.
205. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-208)**
["District of Rhode Island \| Rhode Island Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Falsifying Military Service; False Use of Military Medals; Identity Theft; and Fraudulently Collecting More Than \$250,000 In Veteran Benefits and Charitable Contributions \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/pr/rhode-island-woman-sentenced-federal-prison-falsifying-military-service-false-use). *www.justice.gov*. March 14, 2023.
206. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-209)**
["Washington County stolen valor case, man sentenced to prison"](https://www.fox6now.com/news/washington-county-stolen-valor-prison). *FOX6 News Milwaukee*. August 1, 2023.
207. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-210)**
["Northern District of New York \| Canadian Man Sentenced for Stolen Valor and Unlawfully Forging Military Discharge Paperwork \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/canadian-man-sentenced-stolen-valor-and-unlawfully-forging-military-discharge). *www.justice.gov*. July 7, 2024.
208. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-211)**
["Southern District of New York \| Newburgh Woman Charged With Defrauding Military Charities And The Veteran's Administration And With Fraudulently Claiming To Be A Purple Heart Recipient \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/newburgh-woman-charged-defrauding-military-charities-and-veterans-administration-and). *www.justice.gov*. May 1, 2024.
209. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-212)**
["District of Minnesota \| Clay County Man Charged with 'Stolen Valor' and Benefits Fraud \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/clay-county-man-charged-stolen-valor-and-benefits-fraud). *www.justice.gov*. April 4, 2024.
210. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-213)** DoD Manual 1348.33, November 10, 2010, Vol. 1, P. 29, 6., a., (1), (2) & P. 35, i.
211. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-214)**
*Stealing the General: Great Locomotive Chase and The First Medal of Honor*,
[ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[1-59416-033-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-59416-033-3 "Special:BookSources/1-59416-033-3")
, 2006, by [Russell S. Bonds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_S._Bonds "Russell S. Bonds")
212. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-215)**
["History of the Medal \| Medal of Honor Convention"](https://www.mohconvention.com/the-medals/history-of-the-medal/). *www.mohconvention.com*.
213. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-216)**
Comerford, Tim. ["A Matter of Honor â History of the Medal of Honor"](https://www.doncio.navy.mil/CHIPS/ArticleDetails.aspx?ID=7419). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200803220344/https://www.doncio.navy.mil/CHIPS/ArticleDetails.aspx?ID=7419) from the original on 2020-08-03. Retrieved 2019-11-05.
214. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-217)**
["Cpl Mackie's Actions (*G.O. 17: July 10, 1863. 2 marines awarded the MOH*)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091828/https://www.mcrc.marines.mil/1stmcd/Unit-Home/Cpl-John-F-Mackie/). U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Corps Recruiting Command, 1st Marine Corps District. Archived from [the original](https://www.mcrc.marines.mil/1stmcd/Unit-Home/Cpl-John-F-Mackie/) on March 27, 2019. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
215. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-218)**
["John Freeman Mackie \| U.S. Civil War \| U.S. Marine Corps \| Medal of Honor Recipient"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/john-f-mackie). *Congressional Medal of Honor Society*. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
216. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-219)**
["Pinkerton Ross Vaughn \| U.S. Civil War \| U.S. Marine Corps \| Medal of Honor Recipient"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/pinkerton-r-vaughn). *Congressional Medal of Honor Society*. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
217. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-CD19_220-0)** [Collier & Del Calzo 2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFCollierDel_Calzo2006), p. 19
218. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018167_221-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 167.
219. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-222)** Dwight Mears, ââNeither an Officer nor an Enlisted Manâ: Contract Surgeonsâ Eligibility for the Medal of Honor,â Journal of Military History 85 (2021): 55.
220. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-walker_223-0)** [Mikaelian & Wallace 2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMikaelianWallace2003), p. 8
221. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-224)** Dwight Mears, ââNeither an Officer nor an Enlisted Manâ: Contract Surgeonsâ Eligibility for the Medal of Honor,â Journal of Military History 85 (2021): 57, 60.
222. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-225)** US Navy General Order No. 32, April 16, 1864.
223. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-226)**
["Massachusetts Historical Society: Object of the Month"](https://www.masshist.org/object-of-the-month/objects/july-2023).
224. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-227)**
["William Harvey Carney \| U.S. Civil War \| U.S. Army \| Medal of Honor Recipient"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/william-h-carney).
225. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-228)**
["Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura"](https://www.valortrail.org/stories/hiroshi-hershey-miyamura). *Medal of Honor Valor Trail*. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
226. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201853,_55_229-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), pp. 53, 55.
227. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-230)** Dwight Mears, ââNeither an Officer nor an Enlisted Manâ: Contract Surgeonsâ Eligibility for the Medal of Honor,â Journal of Military History 85 (2021): 60.
228. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-231)** Melissa Winn, "I Wear My Own Clothes," Military Images, 2024, Vol.42, p.70
229. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-clinic_232-0)**
["About Whitman-Walker Clinic"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150701192148/http://www.whitman-walker.org/our-mission-values/our-history/our-namesakes/). *Our History/Our Namesakes*. Whitman-Walker Clinic. Archived from [the original](http://www.whitman-walker.org/our-mission-values/our-history/our-namesakes/) on July 1, 2015. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
230. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-cbc_233-0)**
["Canada honours winners of top U.S. medal"](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-honours-winners-of-top-u-s-medal-1.535917). CBC News. July 1, 2005. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070529190113/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2005/07/01/canadians-usmedal050701.html) from the original on May 29, 2007. Retrieved July 20, 2006.
231. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-vwam_234-0)**
["Thousands of Canadians, including a Medal of Honor winner, served with the U.S. military in Vietnam"](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-honours-winners-of-top-u-s-medal-1.535917). Veterans With a Mission. July 1, 2005. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070529190113/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2005/07/01/canadians-usmedal050701.html) from the original on May 29, 2007. Retrieved July 20, 2006.
232. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-235)** "An Act Authorizing the President of the United States to present in the name of Congress a medal of honor to Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh", December 14, 1927, HR 3190, Public Law 1, 45 Stat. 1
233. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201891_236-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201891_236-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201891_236-2) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 91.
234. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-237)** William Putnam, *Arctic Superstars: The Scientific Exploration and Study of High Mountain Elevations and of the Regions Lying Within or about the Arctic and Antarctic Circles* (Boulder, CO: American Alpine Club, 2001), 171.
235. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-238)**
["Medal of Honor Recipients â Authorized by Special Acts of Congress"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110814042719/http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/asaoc.html). History.army.mil. Archived from [the original](http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/asaoc.html) on August 14, 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
236. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-239)** War Department General orders, No. 59, December 13, 1921, Sec. I
237. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-240)** Approved March 9, 1948, Public Law 438, Eightieth Congress
238. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-241)** Approved August 31, 1957, Public Law 85-251 Eighty-fifth Congress
239. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-242)** Approved May 25, 1984, Public Law 98-301, Ninety-eighth Congress
240. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-dvidshub.net_243-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-dvidshub.net_243-1)
["Vietnam Unknown's Medal of Honor Transfer Denied"](https://www.dvidshub.net/news/529340/vietnam-unknowns-medal-honor-transfer-denied).
241. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-244)**
"Medal of Honor Won't Join Once-unknown Pilot". *Chicago Tribune*. August 23, 1998.
242. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-245)** Department of Defense, Military Awards for Valor - Top 3, <https://valor.defense.gov/>, verified May 16, 2023
243. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-246)**
["Medal of Honor Society FAQ"](https://www.cmohs.org/medal/faqs). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210522214047/https://www.cmohs.org/medal/faqs) from the original on 2021-05-22. Retrieved 2021-05-22.
244. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-247)** This number is off by one â 3d Class Boy George Hollat had his Civil War medal revoked for desertion
245. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-248)** Joint Army and Air Force Adjustment Regulations No. 1-11-53, Dec. 20, 1948, para. 2(b)
246. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-249)** [Tucker 2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFTucker2012), p. 2,359
247. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-250)**
["Medal of Honor Recipients: Thomas W. Custer"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190629125947/https://history.army.mil/moh/civilwar_af.html#CUSTER). United States Army Center of Military History. Archived from [the original](http://www.history.army.mil/moh/civilwar_af.html#CUSTER) on June 29, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
248. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-251)**
["Medal of Honor Statistics"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110809030651/http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/mohstats.html). History.army.mil. Archived from [the original](http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/mohstats.html) on August 9, 2011. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
249. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201876_252-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 76.
250. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018219,_221_253-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), pp. 219, 221.
251. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201880,_91_254-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 80, 91.
252. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-255)** Pub. L. 113â66 (2013), 127 Stat. 766
253. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018130_256-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018130_256-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 130.
254. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-257)**
["John Joseph Kelly \| World War I \| U.S. Marine Corps \| Medal of Honor Recipient"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/john-j-kelly).
255. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-258)**
["Smedley Darlington Butler \| Haitian Campaign 1915 \| U.S. Marine Corps \| Medal of Honor Recipient"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/smedley-d-butler).
256. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-260)**
["Scott, Stephen W."](https://web.archive.org/web/20050204180918/http://stephenwscott.com/), (2009) Sergeant Major Dan Daly; The Most Outstanding Marine of all Time. Publishamerica Publishers.
[ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[1-60836-465-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-60836-465-8 "Special:BookSources/1-60836-465-8")
.
257. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-father_261-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-father_261-1)
["MOAA - Meet the Only Father-Son Medal of Honor Recipients"](https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2019-news-articles/meet-the-only-father-son-medal-of-honor-recipients/). 10 October 2019.
258. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018143-145_262-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 143-145.
259. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018154_263-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 154.
260. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-brothers_264-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-brothers_264-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-brothers_264-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-brothers_264-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-brothers_264-4) [***f***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-brothers_264-5) [***g***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-brothers_264-6)
["7 Sets of Medal of Honor Siblings: Literal Brothers in Arms"](https://www.cmohs.org/news-events/history/literal-brothers-in-arms-medal-of-honor-recipients-who-were-siblings/). 31 August 2022.
261. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-b814_265-0)**
["Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz)"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/frank-j-fletcher). *Congressional Medal of Honor Society*. 21 April 1914. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
262. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-266)**
["Guy Wilkinson stuart Castle \| Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz) \| U.S. Navy \| Medal of Honor Recipient"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/guy-w-castle).
263. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-267)**
["Frederick Walker Castle \| World War II \| U.S. Army Air Corps \| Medal of Honor Recipient"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/frederick-w-castle).
264. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-268)** Congressional Research Service, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1979â2014, Anne Leland, Information Research Specialist, December 2, 2014, <https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/RL30011.pdf> [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150924134259/http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL30011.pdf) 2015-09-24 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). The report lists the late awards until the end of 2014. seven additional late awards have been presented at the White House, three by President Obama in 2015 and 2016 and four by President Trump in 2017 and 2018. Not included as a late award is the award to the Vietnam Unknown in 1984 by President Reagan.
265. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-African_269-0)**
["WWII black MOH recipients"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101110225927/http://www.history.army.mil//html/moh/mohb.html). [United States Army Center of Military History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Center_of_Military_History "United States Army Center of Military History"). Archived from [the original](http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/mohb.html) on November 10, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2006.
266. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-CD25_270-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-CD25_270-1) [Collier & Del Calzo 2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFCollierDel_Calzo2006), p. 25
267. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-AsianDoD_271-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-AsianDoD_271-1)
Rudi Williams (June 28, 2000). ["22 Asian Americans Inducted into Hall of Heroes"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151224041125/http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=45241). *American Forces Press Service*. United States Department of Defense. Archived from [the original](http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=45241) on December 24, 2015. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
268. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-272)** McNaughton, Edwards, Price, "'Incontestable Proof Will Be Exacted': Historians, Asian Americans, and the Medal of Honor," Public Historian 24 (Fall 2002), 19.
269. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-273)** McNaughton, et. al, 'Incontestable Proof Will Be Exacted,' 29-30.
270. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-274)**
Gregg K. Kakesako (June 21, 2000). ["Today, an old wrong is righted as 22 Asian-American heroes are awarded the nation's highest honor for bravery in battle"](http://archives.starbulletin.com/2000/06/21/special/). *Honolulu Star-Bulletin*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141027160403/http://archives.starbulletin.com/2000/06/21/special/) from the original on October 27, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
271. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-275)**
Nguyen Huy Vu (October 18, 2005). ["Medal of Honor recipient just did duty"](http://www.ocregister.com/news/medal-207819-honor-rubin.html). *Orange County Register*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141213014427/http://www.ocregister.com/news/medal-207819-honor-rubin.html) from the original on December 13, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
Tom Tugend (May 16, 2002). ["Pentagon Reviews Jewish Veteran Files"](http://www.jewishjournal.com/community_briefs/article/pentagon_reviews_jewish_veteran_files_20020517). *Jewish Journal*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150701200111/http://www.jewishjournal.com/community_briefs/article/pentagon_reviews_jewish_veteran_files_20020517) from the original on July 1, 2015. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
["Corporal Tibor Rubin, Korean War Veteran"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130121034930/http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/rubin/profile/index.html). *Medal of Honor Corporal Tibor Rubin*. United States Army. February 1, 2013. Archived from [the original](http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/rubin/profile/index.html) on January 21, 2013. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
272. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-276)**
Barack Obama (2013). [*Army Chaplain Gets Posthumous Medal of Honor*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV-Y2N_z3FE). Associated Press. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130420131311/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV-Y2N_z3FE) from the original on April 20, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
["Medal of Honor for US Army chaplain Father Kapaun"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22111385). *BBC News*. April 11, 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130414021206/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22111385) from the original on April 14, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
Krissah Thompson (April 11, 2013). ["Obama awards Kapaun Medal of Honor"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/04/11/obama-awards-kapaun-medal-of-honor/). *Washington Post*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130414122603/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/04/11/obama-awards-kapaun-medal-of-honor/) from the original on April 14, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
273. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-cbsnews5-16-12_277-0)**
["GI killed in Vietnam War receives Medal of Honor"](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gi-killed-in-vietnam-war-receives-medal-of-honor/). CBS News. May 16, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120517055418/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57435607/gi-killed-in-vietnam-war-receives-medal-of-honor/) from the original on May 17, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
274. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-278)**
Marsh, Wendell (May 2, 2011). ["Two Korean War vets receive Medal of Honor posthumously"](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-obama-medals-idUSTRE7416NA20110502). Reuters. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110506031625/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/02/us-obama-medals-idUSTRE7416NA20110502) from the original on May 6, 2011.
275. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-USarmyCAC201403_279-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-USarmyCAC201403_279-1)
â˘
["Valor 24 / Medal of Honor / World War II Korean War Vietnam War"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140714172746/http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/MilitaryReview/Archives/English/MilitaryReview_20140630_art019.pdf) (PDF). U.S. Army Combined Arms Center. March 18, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/MilitaryReview/Archives/English/MilitaryReview_20140630_art019.pdf) (PDF) on July 14, 2014. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
⢠List with basic details is at U.S. Army's [List of Recipients](https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/valor24/recipients/) .
276. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018129-134_280-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018129-134_280-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 129-134.
277. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-281)** Sec 584, Pub. L. 116-92, 133 Stat. 1412.
278. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-282)** [Park University, Valor Medals Review Project.](https://gsr.park.edu/valor-medals-review-project/)
279. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201825_283-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201825_283-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201825_283-2) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 25.
280. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201825-26_284-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 25-26.
281. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MWxix_285-0)** [Mikaelian & Wallace 2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMikaelianWallace2003), p. xix
282. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201852_286-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 52.
283. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201855_287-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 55.
284. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MWxxv_288-0)** [Mikaelian & Wallace 2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMikaelianWallace2003), p. xxv
285. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-CD15_289-0)** [Collier & Del Calzo 2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFCollierDel_Calzo2006), p. 15
286. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018168,_171_290-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), pp. 168, 171.
287. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-CD16_291-0)** [Collier & Del Calzo 2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFCollierDel_Calzo2006), p. 16
288. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Session_1919_292-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Session_1919_292-1) 66th Congress 1st Session, Document 58, General Staff and Medals of Honor, ordered to be printed July 23, 1919.
### Works cited
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=46 "Edit section: Works cited")\]
-  This article incorporates [public domain material](https://history.army.mil/sec-priv.htm) from websites or documents of the [United States Army Center of Military History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Center_of_Military_History "United States Army Center of Military History").\[*[not specific enough to verify](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability "Wikipedia:Verifiability")*\]
- Collier, Peter; Del Calzo, Nick (2006). [*Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty*](https://archive.org/details/medalofhonorport00coll) (2nd ed.). New York: [Workman Publishing Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workman_Publishing_Company "Workman Publishing Company"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-57965-314-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-57965-314-9 "Special:BookSources/978-1-57965-314-9")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [852666368](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/852666368).
- Mears, Dwight S. (2018). *The Medal of Honor: The Evolution of America's Highest Military Decoration*. Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[9780700626656](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780700626656 "Special:BookSources/9780700626656")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [1032014828](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/1032014828).
- Mikaelian, Allen; Wallace, Mike (2003). *Medal of Honor: Profiles of America's Military Heroes from the Civil War to the Present*. New York: [Hyperion Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachette_Books "Hachette Books"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-7868-8576-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7868-8576-3 "Special:BookSources/978-0-7868-8576-3")
.
- Tucker, Spencer (2012). *Almanac of American Military History*. Vol. 1. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-59884-530-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-59884-530-3 "Special:BookSources/978-1-59884-530-3")
.
## Further reading
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=47 "Edit section: Further reading")\]
- Broadwater, Robert P. (2007). *Civil War Medal of Honor recipients still in actice duty:Thomas Payne, Earl Plumlee, William Swenson, and Matthew Williams Medal of Honor Recipients: A Complete Illustrated Record*. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Co. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-7864-3223-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7864-3223-3 "Special:BookSources/978-0-7864-3223-3")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [144767966](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/144767966).
- Collier, Peter; Del Calzo, Nick (2011). *Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty* (3rd ed.). New York: Artisan. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-57965-462-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-57965-462-7 "Special:BookSources/978-1-57965-462-7")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [712124011](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/712124011).
- Curtis, Arthur S. (1969). *37 Greatest Navy Heroes: Navy Hall of Heroes*. Washington, D.C.: self-published. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [10660663](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/10660663).
- DeKever, Andrew J. (2008). *Here Rests in Honored Glory: Life Stories of Our Country's Medal of Honor Recipients*. Bennigton, Vermont: Merriam Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-4357-1749-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4357-1749-7 "Special:BookSources/978-1-4357-1749-7")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [233835859](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/233835859).
- Foster, Frank C. (2002). *A Complete Guide to All United States Military Medals, 1939 to Present*. Fountain Inn, S.C.: MOA Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-884452-18-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-884452-18-5 "Special:BookSources/978-1-884452-18-5")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [54755134](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/54755134).
- Hanna, Charles W. (2010). *Black Recipients of the Medal of Honor: A Biographical Dictionary, Civil War Through Vietnam War*. Jefferson, N.C.: Mcfarland. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-7864-4911-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7864-4911-8 "Special:BookSources/978-0-7864-4911-8")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [476156919](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/476156919).
- Johnson, John L. (2007). *Every Night & Every Morn: Portraits of Asian, Hispanic, Jewish, African-American, and Native-American Recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor*. Winston-Salem, NC: Tristan Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-9799572-0-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-9799572-0-8 "Special:BookSources/978-0-9799572-0-8")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [180773640](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/180773640).
- Willbanks, James H. (2011). [*America's Heroes: Medal of Honor Recipients from the Civil War to Afghanistan*](https://archive.org/details/childrenduringho0000hebe). Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-59884-394-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-59884-394-1 "Special:BookSources/978-1-59884-394-1")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [662405903](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/662405903).
## External links
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=48 "Edit section: External links")\]
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Commons-logo.svg)
Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Medal of Honor (United States)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Medal_of_Honor_\(United_States\) "commons:Category:Medal of Honor (United States)").
Wikiquote has quotations related to ***[Medal of Honor](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Special:Search/Medal_of_Honor "q:Special:Search/Medal of Honor")***.
- [Congressional Medal of Honor Society](http://www.cmohs.org/)
- [U.S. Army Medal of Honor](https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/)
- [Submarine Force Medal of Honor Recipients](https://web.archive.org/web/20100901090058/http://www.ussnautilus.org/medalofhonor/index.shtml). Submarine Force Museum website
- [List of Native Americans who have received the Medal of Honor](https://web.archive.org/web/20131203221121/http://www.indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content)
- [History, Legend and Myth: Hollywood and the Medal of Honor](https://web.archive.org/web/20061023064717/http://www.voicenet.com/~lpadilla/mohintro.html) (Medal of Honor recipients depicted on film)
- [National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History](http://www.mohm.org/) in Chattanooga, Tennessee
- [American Valor](https://www.pbs.org/weta/americanvalor/) PBS/WETA.
- [Loubat, J. F. and Jacquemart, Jules, Illustrator, *The Medallic History of the United States of America 1776â1876*.](http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/21880)
- [U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry: Medal of Honor-Army](https://web.archive.org/web/20210416135710/https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15237&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0)
- [U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry: Medal of Honor-Navy](https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15242&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0)
- [U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry: Medal of Honor-Air Force](https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15243&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0)
- [Pritzker Military Museum & Library](http://www.pritzkermilitary.org/explore/museum/permanent-current-upcoming-exhibits/medal-honor/)
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Highest_gallantry_awards "Template:Highest gallantry awards") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Highest_gallantry_awards "Template talk:Highest gallantry awards") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:Highest_gallantry_awards "Special:EditPage/Template:Highest gallantry awards")Highest [military awards for gallantry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_military_decorations "List of military decorations") | |
|---|---|
| [List of highest military decorations by country](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest_military_decorations_by_country "List of highest military decorations by country") | |
| Current | [Argentine Nation to the Heroic Valour in Combat Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_to_the_Heroic_Valour_in_Combat "Cross to the Heroic Valour in Combat") (Argentina) [National Hero of Armenia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Hero_of_Armenia "National Hero of Armenia") (Armenia) [National Hero of Azerbaijan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Hero_of_Azerbaijan "National Hero of Azerbaijan") *title* (Azerbaijan) [Bir Sreshtho](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bir_Sreshtho "Bir Sreshtho") (Bangladesh) [Hero of Belarus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero_of_Belarus "Hero of Belarus") *title* (Belarus) [Order of Bravery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Bravery "Order of Bravery") (Bulgaria) [Order of August First](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_August_First "Order of August First") (China) [Order of Duke Domagoj](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Duke_Domagoj "Order of Duke Domagoj") (Croatia) [Valour Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valour_Cross "Valour Cross") (Denmark) [Cross of Liberty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_of_Liberty_\(Estonia\) "Cross of Liberty (Estonia)") (Estonia) [Mannerheim Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannerheim_Cross "Mannerheim Cross") (Finland) [LĂŠgion d'honneur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legion_of_Honour "Legion of Honour") (France) [Cross of Honour for Valour](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bundeswehr_Cross_of_Honour_for_Valour "Bundeswehr Cross of Honour for Valour") (Germany) [Cross of Valour](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_of_Valour_\(Greece\) "Cross of Valour (Greece)") (Greece) [Param Vir Chakra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Param_Vir_Chakra "Param Vir Chakra") (wartime) / [Ashoka Chakra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashoka_Chakra_\(military_decoration\) "Ashoka Chakra (military decoration)") (peacetime) (India) [Order of Fat'h](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Fath "Order of Fath") (Iran) [Military Medal for Gallantry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Medal_for_Gallantry "Military Medal for Gallantry") (Ireland) [Medal of Valor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Valor_\(Israel\) "Medal of Valor (Israel)") (Israel) [Gold Medal of Military Valor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_Medal_of_Military_Valor "Gold Medal of Military Valor") (Italy) [Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seri_Pahlawan_Gagah_Perkasa "Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa") (Malaysia) [Military Order of William](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Order_of_William "Military Order of William") (Netherlands) [War Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Cross_\(Norway\) "War Cross (Norway)") (Norway) [Nishan-e-Haider](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nishan-e-Haider "Nishan-e-Haider") (Pakistan) [Medal of Valor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_of_the_Philippines_Medal_of_Valor "Armed Forces of the Philippines Medal of Valor") (Philippines) [War Order Virtuti Militari](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtuti_Militari "Virtuti Militari") (wartime) / [Order KrzyĹźa Wojskowego](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Military_Cross "Order of the Military Cross") (peacetime) (Poland) [Order of the Tower and Sword](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Tower_and_Sword "Order of the Tower and Sword") (Portugal) [Order of Michael the Brave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Michael_the_Brave "Order of Michael the Brave") (Romania) [Hero of the Russian Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero_of_the_Russian_Federation "Hero of the Russian Federation") *title* (Russian Federation) [Order of the White Eagle with swords](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_White_Eagle_\(Serbia\) "Order of the White Eagle (Serbia)") (Serbia) [Order of the Somali Star](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Somali_Star "Order of the Somali Star") (Somalia) [Nkwe ya Gauta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nkwe_ya_Gauta "Nkwe ya Gauta") (South Africa) [Laureate Cross of St. Ferdinand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laureate_Cross_of_Saint_Ferdinand "Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand") (Spain) [Parama Weera Vibhushanaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parama_Weera_Vibhushanaya "Parama Weera Vibhushanaya") (Sri Lanka) [Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Sword](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Sword "Order of the Sword") (Sweden) [Order of Rama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Rama "Order of Rama") (Thailand) [Medal of Honor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_Armed_Forces_Medal_of_Honor "Turkish Armed Forces Medal of Honor") (Turkey) [Order of Katonga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Katonga "Order of Katonga") (Uganda) [Order of the Gold Star](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero_of_Ukraine "Hero of Ukraine") (Ukraine) [Victoria Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Cross "Victoria Cross") ([United Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Cross "Victoria Cross") [Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Cross_for_Australia "Victoria Cross for Australia") [Canada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Cross_\(Canada\) "Victoria Cross (Canada)") [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Cross_for_New_Zealand "Victoria Cross for New Zealand")) [Medal of Honor]() (United States) |
| Obsolete | [Order of Saint Louis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Saint_Louis "Order of Saint Louis") (Kingdom of France) [Military Order of Maria Theresa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Order_of_Maria_Theresa "Military Order of Maria Theresa") (Austria-Hungary) [Medal of Bravery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Bravery_\(Hungary\) "Medal of Bravery (Hungary)") (Kingdom of Hungary) [Pour le MĂŠrite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pour_le_M%C3%A9rite "Pour le MĂŠrite") (Kingdom of Prussia) [Military Order of Max Joseph](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Order_of_Max_Joseph "Military Order of Max Joseph") (Kingdom of Bavaria) [Military Order of St. Henry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Order_of_St._Henry "Military Order of St. Henry") (Kingdom of Saxony) [Military Merit Order](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Merit_Order_\(W%C3%BCrttemberg\) "Military Merit Order (WĂźrttemberg)") (Kingdom of WĂźrttemberg) [Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight%27s_Cross_of_the_Iron_Cross "Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross") (Nazi Germany) [Order of the Golden Kite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Golden_Kite "Order of the Golden Kite") (Empire of Japan) [Order of LÄÄplÄsis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_L%C4%81%C4%8Dpl%C4%93sis "Order of LÄÄplÄsis") (Latvia) [Grand Cross of Valour](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Cross_of_Valour "Grand Cross of Valour") (Rhodesia) [Laureate Plate of Madrid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laureate_Plate_of_Madrid "Laureate Plate of Madrid") (Second Spanish Republic) [Castle of Good Hope Decoration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_of_Good_Hope_Decoration "Castle of Good Hope Decoration") (South Africa) [Vietnam Military Merit Medal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Merit_Medal_\(Vietnam\) "Military Merit Medal (Vietnam)") (South Vietnam) [Hero of the Soviet Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero_of_the_Soviet_Union "Hero of the Soviet Union") (Soviet Union) [Order of the KaraÄorÄe's Star with Swords](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Kara%C4%91or%C4%91e%27s_Star "Order of KaraÄorÄe's Star") (Kingdom of Yugoslavia) [Order of Freedom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Freedom_\(Yugoslavia\) "Order of Freedom (Yugoslavia)") (SFR Yugoslavia) [Grass Crown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grass_Crown "Grass Crown") (Ancient Rome) [Hero of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero_of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_Afghanistan "Hero of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan") (Afghanistan) |
| [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:US_interservice_decorations "Template:US interservice decorations") [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:US_interservice_decorations "Template talk:US interservice decorations") [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:EditPage/Template:US_interservice_decorations "Special:EditPage/Template:US interservice decorations")[Joint awards and decorations of the United States Armed Forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inter-service_awards_and_decorations_of_the_United_States_military "Inter-service awards and decorations of the United States military") | |
|---|---|
| Joint military decorations | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Defense_Distinguished_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Defense Distinguished Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Distinguished_Service_Medal "Defense Distinguished Service Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Homeland_Security_Distinguished_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Homeland Security Distinguished Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeland_Security_Distinguished_Service_Medal "Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Defense_Superior_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Defense Superior Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Superior_Service_Medal "Defense Superior Service Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Defense_Meritorious_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Defense Meritorious Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Meritorious_Service_Medal "Defense Meritorious Service Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Joint_Service_Commendation_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Joint Service Commendation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commendation_Medal "Commendation Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Joint_Service_Achievement_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Joint Service Achievement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achievement_Medal "Achievement Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Joint_Meritorious_Unit_Award-3d.svg) [Joint Meritorious Unit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Meritorious_Unit_Award "Joint Meritorious Unit Award") |
| Joint service medals | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Prisoner_of_War_Medal.svg) [Prisoner of War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prisoner_of_War_Medal "Prisoner of War Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:National_Defense_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg) [National Defense Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Defense_Service_Medal "National Defense Service Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Antarctica_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Antarctica Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antarctica_Service_Medal "Antarctica Service Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Korean_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Korean Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Service_Medal "Korean Service Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Armed_Forces_Expeditionary_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Armed Forces Expeditionary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_Expeditionary_Medal "Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vietnam_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Vietnam Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_Service_Medal "Vietnam Service Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Southwest_Asia_Service_Medal_ribbon_\(1991%E2%80%932016\).svg) [Southwest Asia Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Asia_Service_Medal "Southwest Asia Service Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kosovo_Campaign_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Kosovo Campaign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosovo_Campaign_Medal "Kosovo Campaign Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Afghanistan_Campaign_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Afghanistan Campaign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghanistan_Campaign_Medal "Afghanistan Campaign Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Iraq_Campaign_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Iraq Campaign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_Campaign_Medal "Iraq Campaign Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Inherent_Resolve_Campaign_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Inherent Resolve Campaign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inherent_Resolve_Campaign_Medal "Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Global_War_on_Terrorism_Expeditionary_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_War_on_Terrorism_Expeditionary_Medal "Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Global_War_on_Terrorism_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Global War on Terrorism Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_War_on_Terrorism_Service_Medal "Global War on Terrorism Service Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Korea_Defense_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Korea Defense Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korea_Defense_Service_Medal "Korea Defense Service Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Armed_Forces_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Armed Forces Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_Service_Medal "Armed Forces Service Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Humanitarian_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Humanitarian Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanitarian_Service_Medal "Humanitarian Service Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Military_Outstanding_Volunteer_Service_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Outstanding Volunteer Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Outstanding_Volunteer_Service_Medal "Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal") [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Armed_Forces_Reserve_Medal_ribbon.svg) [Armed Forces Reserve](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_Reserve_Medal "Armed Forces Reserve Medal") |
| [Authority control databases](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Authority_control "Help:Authority control") [](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q203535#identifiers "Edit this at Wikidata") | |
|---|---|
| National | [United States](https://id.loc.gov/authorities/sh85082800) [Israel](https://www.nli.org.il/en/authorities/987007560504405171) |
| Other | [NARA](https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10646616) [Yale LUX](https://lux.collections.yale.edu/view/concept/5702a484-6c1b-4422-9022-5a28326d732d) |
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Medal of Honor
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| Readable Markdown | | Medal of Honor | |
|---|---|
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tri-service_medal_of_honor.jpg)Medals of Honor of the three military departments | |
| Type | Military medal with neck ribbon (decoration) |
| Awarded for | Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-valor-1)[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-regulations-2)[\[a\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-3) |
| Presented by | The [President of the United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_the_United_States "President of the United States") in the name of Congress[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-4) |
| Eligibility | United States Armed Forces service members |
| Status | Actively awarded |
| Established | [Naval Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy "United States Navy"): December 21, 1861[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-5) [Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army "United States Army"): July 12, 1862[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-6) [Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force "United States Air Force"): August 10, 1956[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-7) [Coast Guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Coast_Guard "United States Coast Guard"): July 25, 1963[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Pub._L._88%E2%80%9377_1963,_77_Stat._95-8) [Space Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Space_Force "United States Space Force"): January 1, 2021[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-9) |
| First award | March 25, 1863[\[b\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-10) |
| Final award | Currently Awarded |
| Total awarded posthumously | 618[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-11) |
| Total recipients | 3,538[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-AMOHWStat-12) |
| [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medal_of_Honor_ribbon.svg)[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medal_of_Honor_Flag_with_Gold_Fringe.svg)[Service ribbon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_ribbon "Service ribbon") and flag | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (lower) | Army: [Distinguished Service Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distinguished_Service_Cross_\(United_States\) "Distinguished Service Cross (United States)") Naval Service: [Navy Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy_Cross_\(United_States\) "Navy Cross (United States)") Air and Space Forces: [Air Force Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Cross_\(United_States\) "Air Force Cross (United States)") Coast Guard: [Coast Guard Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coast_Guard_Cross "Coast Guard Cross") |
The **Medal of Honor** (**MOH**) is the highest [military decoration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awards_and_decorations_of_the_United_States_Armed_Forces "Awards and decorations of the United States Armed Forces") of the [United States Armed Forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Armed_Forces "United States Armed Forces") and is awarded to recognize American [soldiers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army "United States Army"), [sailors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy "United States Navy"), [Marines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine_Corps "United States Marine Corps"), [airmen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force "United States Air Force"), [guardians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Space_Force "United States Space Force"), and [coast guardsmen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Coast_Guard "United States Coast Guard") who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-valor-1)[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-13) The medal is normally awarded by the [president of the United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_the_United_States "President of the United States") (the commander in chief of the armed forces) and is presented "in the name of Congress."[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-14) It is often referred to as the **Congressional Medal of Honor**, though the official name of the award is simply "Medal of Honor."[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-LoC-15)[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-16)
There are three distinct variants of the medal: one for the [Department of the Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_the_Army "United States Department of the Army"), awarded to soldiers; one for branches of the [Department of the Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_the_Navy "United States Department of the Navy"), awarded to sailors, marines, and coast guardsmen; and one for military branches of the [Department of the Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_the_Air_Force "United States Department of the Air Force"), awarded to airmen and guardians.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-valor-1)[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-17) The Medal of Honor was introduced for the Naval Service in 1861,[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-18) soon followed by the Army's version in 1862.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-19) The Air Force used the Army's version until they received their own distinctive version in 1965.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-af.mil-20) The Medal of Honor is the oldest continuously issued combat decoration of the United States Armed Forces.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-21) The president typically presents the Medal of Honor at a formal ceremony intended to represent the gratitude of the American people, with posthumous presentations made to the primary next of kin.[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-22)[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-posthumousQuantification-23)[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-24)
There have been 3,552 Medals of Honor awarded, with over 40 percent awarded for actions during the [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War").[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-AMOHWStat-12) A total of 911 Army medals were revoked after Congress authorized a review in 1917, and a number of Navy medals were also revoked before the turn of the centuryânone of these are included in this total except for those that were subsequently restored.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-25) In 1990, Congress designated March 25 as [Medal of Honor Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor_Day "Medal of Honor Day").[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-26)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ortega_meda_of_Honor.jpg)
Medal of Honor (without the suspension ribbon) awarded to [Seaman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seaman_\(rank\) "Seaman (rank)") [John Ortega](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ortega "John Ortega") in 1864.
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:John-Morehead-Scott-MOH-crop.jpg)
Medal of Honor awarded posthumously in 1866 to John Morehead Scott, one of the [Andrews Raiders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Locomotive_Chase "Great Locomotive Chase")
In 1861, early in the [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War"), a proposal for a battlefield decoration for [valor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courage "Courage") was submitted to Lieutenant General [Winfield Scott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winfield_Scott "Winfield Scott"), the [Commanding General of the United States Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commanding_General_of_the_United_States_Army "Commanding General of the United States Army"), by Lieutenant Colonel [Edward D. Townsend](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_D._Townsend "Edward D. Townsend"), an assistant adjutant at the [Department of War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_War "United States Department of War") and Scott's chief of staff.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201818-27) Scott, however, was strongly against the American republic's awarding medals for valor, a European monarchical tradition.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201818-27) After Scott retired in October 1861, however, [Secretary of the Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretary_of_the_Navy "Secretary of the Navy") [Gideon Welles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gideon_Welles "Gideon Welles") adopted the idea of a decoration to recognize and honor distinguished naval service.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201818-27)
On December 9, 1861, [Iowa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa "Iowa") [Senator](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Senator "U.S. Senator") [James W. Grimes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_W._Grimes "James W. Grimes"), Chairman on the Committee on Naval Affairs,[\[26\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-28) introduced bill S. 82.[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-12_Stat._329%E2%80%93330-29)[\[28\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-AboveandBeyond-30) The bill included a provision authorizing 200 "medals of honor,"[\[29\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201813-31) "to be bestowed upon such [petty officers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petty_officer "Petty officer"), [seamen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seaman_\(rank\) "Seaman (rank)"), [landsmen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landsman_\(rank\) "Landsman (rank)"), and [marines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marines "Marines") as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other seaman-like qualities during the present war...."[\[30\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-32) On December 21, the bill was passed and signed into law by President [Abraham Lincoln](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln "Abraham Lincoln").[\[27\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-12_Stat._329%E2%80%93330-29) Secretary Welles directed the [Philadelphia Mint](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Mint "Philadelphia Mint") to design the new military decoration.[\[31\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-valorhonor-33)[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MWxviii-34)[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-typessecnav-35) On May 15, 1862, the [United States Department of the Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_the_Navy "United States Department of the Navy") ordered 175 medals (\$1.85 each) from the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia with "Personal Valor" inscribed on the back of each one.[\[34\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-36)
On February 15, 1862, Senator [Henry Wilson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Wilson "Henry Wilson"), the chairman of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs and the Militia, introduced a resolution (equivalent to a bill) for a Medal of Honor for the Army.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-ReferenceA-37) The resolution (equivalent to a modern Act of Congress) was approved by Congress and signed into law on July 12, 1862.[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-ReferenceA-37) This measure provided for awarding a medal of honor "to such non-commissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other soldier-like qualities during the present insurrection."[\[35\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-ReferenceA-37) By mid-November the Department of War contracted with Philadelphia [silversmith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silversmith "Silversmith") William Wilson and Son, who had been responsible for the Navy's design, to prepare 2,000 medals for the Army (\$2.00 each) to be struck at the mint.[\[36\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-38) The Army's version had "The Congress to" written on the back of the medal. Both versions were made of copper and coated with bronze, which "gave them a reddish tint."[\[37\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-39)[\[38\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-40)
On March 3, 1863, Congress made the Army Medal of Honor a permanent decoration by passing legislation permitting the award to such soldiers "as have most distinguished or who may hereafter most distinguish themselves in action."[\[39\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201821-41) The same legislation also authorized the medal for officers of the Army.[\[40\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-42) On March 25, 1863 the [Secretary of War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_War "United States Secretary of War") presented the first Medals of Honor to six U.S. Army volunteers in his office.[\[41\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-43)
In 1896, the ribbon of the Army's version of the Medal of Honor was redesigned with all stripes being vertical.[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-RHargis2012-44) Again, in 1904 the planchet of the Army's version of the Medal of Honor was redesigned by General [George Lewis Gillespie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Lewis_Gillespie "George Lewis Gillespie").[\[42\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-RHargis2012-44) The purpose of the redesign was to help distinguish the Medal of Honor from other medals,[\[43\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-45) particularly the membership insignia issued by the [Grand Army of the Republic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Army_of_the_Republic "Grand Army of the Republic").[\[44\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-46)
In 1917, based on the report of the Medal of Honor Review Board, established by Congress in 1916, 911 recipients were stricken from the Army's Medal of Honor list because the medal had been awarded inappropriately.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201853-47) Among them were [William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Bill "Buffalo Bill") and [Mary Edwards Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Edwards_Walker "Mary Edwards Walker"). In 1977, the Army's board for correction of military records unilaterally restored Walker's medal at the request of a relative.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018171-48) The board had no authority to overturn a statute, and the restoration violated not only the period law during the Civil War, but also the law requiring revocation in 1916, and modern law in 1977.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018171-48) As a reaction to Walker's restoration, a relative of Cody's requested the same action from the Army's board for correction, and it reinstated the medals for Cody and four other civilian scouts on June 12, 1989.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018175-49) Subsequent litigation over the [Garlin Conner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garlin_Conner "Garlin Conner") award, which was recommended by the Army's board for correction of military records in 2015, established that the correction boards lack the authority to unilaterally award Medals of Honor.[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018192-50) In Conner's case, the board merely recommended the medal, which was then referred to the Senior Army Decorations Board, and ultimately to the [Secretary of the Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_the_Army "United States Secretary of the Army"), the [Secretary of Defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_Defense "United States Secretary of Defense"), and the President, who requested a waiver be passed by Congress.[\[48\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018192-50)
A separate Coast Guard Medal of Honor was authorized in 1963 but was not designed or awarded.[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navyfaq-51)[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Pub._L._88%E2%80%9377_1963,_77_Stat._95-8) A separate design for a version of the medal for the Department of the Air Force was authorized in 1956,[\[50\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-52) designed on April 14, 1965,[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-af.mil-20) and first awarded in January 1967.[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-af.mil-20) Previously, airmen of the [U.S. Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Air_Force "U.S. Air Force") received the Army's version of the medal.[\[51\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MWxxvi-53)
There are three versions of the Medal of Honor, one for each of the [military departments](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_of_the_United_States_Department_of_Defense "Organizational structure of the United States Department of Defense") of the [Department of Defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_Defense "United States Department of Defense") (DoD): the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy (including the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard), and Department of the Air Force (Air and Space Forces).[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-design-54) Members of the Coast Guard, part of the [Department of Homeland Security](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_Homeland_Security "United States Department of Homeland Security"), are eligible to receive the Naval version.[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-design-54) Each medal is constructed differently, and the components are made from gilding metals and red brass alloys with some gold plating, enamel, and bronze pieces.[\[53\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-55) The United States Congress considered a bill in 2004 which would require the Medal of Honor to be made with 90% gold, the same composition as the lesser-known [Congressional Gold Medal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_Gold_Medal "Congressional Gold Medal"), but the bill did not pass Congress.[\[54\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-ABC-GoldorBrass-56)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Army_Medal_of_Honor_Obverse.png)
Army Medal of Honor
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_Medal_of_Honor.svg)
Naval Medal of Honor
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Air_Force_Medal_of_Honor.png)
Air and Space Forces Medal of Honor
The Army's version is described by the [Institute of Heraldry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Institute_of_Heraldry "United States Army Institute of Heraldry") as "a gold five-pointed star, each point tipped with trefoils, 1\+1â2 inches \[3.8 cm\] wide, surrounded by a green laurel wreath and suspended from a gold bar inscribed *VALOR*, surmounted by an eagle.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army-57) In the center of the star, [Minerva](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minerva "Minerva")'s head surrounded by the words *UNITED STATES OF AMERICA*.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army-57) On each ray of the star is a green oak leaf. On the reverse is a bar engraved *THE CONGRESS TO* with a space for engraving the name of the recipient."[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-TIOH-MOH-58) The pendant and suspension bar are made of gilding metal, with the eye, jump rings, and suspension ring made of [red brass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_brass "Red brass").[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MIL-DTL-3943/1F-59) The finish on the pendant and suspension bar is hard enameled, gold plated, and rose gold plated, with polished highlights.[\[57\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MIL-DTL-3943/1F-59)
The Naval version is described as "a five-pointed bronze star, tipped with trefoils containing a crown of laurel and oak.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) In the center is Minerva, personifying the United States, standing with her left hand resting on [fasces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasces "Fasces") and her right hand holding a shield emblazoned with the shield from the coat of arms of the United States.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) She repulses Discord, represented by snakes (originally, she was repulsing the snakes of [secession](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secession "Secession")).[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) The medal is suspended from the flukes of an anchor."[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) It is made of solid red brass, oxidized and buffed.[\[59\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MIL-DTL-3943/2H-61)
### Air and Space Forces variant
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=5 "Edit section: Air and Space Forces variant")\]
The Air and Space Forces version is described as "within a wreath of green laurel, a gold five-pointed star, one point down, tipped with trefoils and each point containing a crown of laurel and oak on a green background.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force-62) Centered on the star, an annulet of 34 stars is a representation of the head of the [Statue of Liberty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertas "Libertas").[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force-62) The star is suspended from a bar inscribed with the word *VALOR* above an adaptation of Jupiter's thunderbolt from the Department of the Air Force's seal.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force-62) The pendant is made of gilding metal.[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MIL-DTL-3943/3G-63) The connecting bar, hinge, and pin are made of bronze.[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MIL-DTL-3943/3G-63) The finish on the pendant and suspension bar is hard enameled, gold plated, and rose gold plated, with buffed relief.[\[61\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MIL-DTL-3943/3G-63)
The Medal of Honor has evolved in appearance over time. The inverted pentagram design of the Naval version's pendant adopted in early 1862 has not changed since its inception.[\[52\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-design-54) The Army's 1862 version followed and was identical to the Naval version except an eagle perched atop cannons was used instead of an anchor to connect the pendant to the suspension ribbon.[\[62\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-64) The medals featured a female [allegory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegory "Allegory") of the Union, with a shield in her right hand that she used to fend off a crouching attacker and serpents.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) In her left hand, she held a [fasces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasces "Fasces").[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) There are 34 stars surrounding the scene, representing the number of states in the union at the time.[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Schubert-65) In 1896, the Army version changed the ribbon's design and colors due to misuse and imitation by nonmilitary organizations.[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-TIOH-MOH-58) In 1904, the Army "[Gillespie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Lewis_Gillespie,_Jr. "George Lewis Gillespie, Jr.")" version introduced a smaller redesigned star and the ribbon was changed to the light blue pattern with white stars seen today.[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-TIOH-MOH-58) The 1904 Army version also introduced a bar with the word "Valor" above the star.[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Schubert-65) In 1913, the Naval version adopted the same ribbon pattern.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navalhistory-66)
After World War I, the Department of the Navy decided to separate the Medal of Honor into two versions, one for combat and one for non-combat.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navalhistory-66) This was an attempt to circumvent the requirement enacted in 1919 that recipients participate "in action involving actual conflict with the enemy," which would have foreclosed non-combat awards.[\[65\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201882,_221-67) By treating the 1919 Medal of Honor as a separate award from its Civil War counterpart, this allowed the Department of the Navy to claim that it was not literally in violation of the 1919 law.[\[66\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201882%E2%80%9383-68) The original upside-down star was designated as the non-combat version and a new pattern of the medal pendant, in cross form, was designed by the [Tiffany Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiffany_%26_Co. "Tiffany & Co.") in 1919.[\[64\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navalhistory-66) Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels selected Tiffany after snubbing the Commission of Fine Arts, which had submitted drawings that Daniels criticized as "un-American".[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201884-69) The so-called Tiffany Cross was to be presented to a sailor or marine who "in action involving actual conflict with the enemy, distinguish\[es\] himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."[\[68\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-70) Despite the "actual conflict" guidelines, the Tiffany Cross was awarded to Navy CDR (later RADM) [Richard E. Byrd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_E._Byrd "Richard E. Byrd") and [Floyd Bennett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floyd_Bennett "Floyd Bennett") for their flight to the North Pole in 1926.[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018148-71) The decision was controversial within the Navy's Bureau of Navigation (which handled personnel administration), and officials considered asking the attorney general of the United States for an advisory opinion on the matter.[\[69\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018148-71) Byrd himself apparently disliked the Tiffany Cross, and eventually requested the alternate version of the medal from President Herbert Hoover in 1930.[\[70\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018149-72) The Tiffany Cross itself was not popular among recipientsâone author reflected that it was "the most short-lived, legally contentious, and unpopular version of the Medal of Honor in American history."[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201884-69) In 1942, in response to a lawsuit, the Department of the Navy requested an amendment to expressly allow noncombat awards of the Medal of Honor.[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201894-73) When the amendment passed, the Department of the Navy returned to using only the original 1862 inverted 5-point star design and retired the Tiffany Cross.[\[72\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201895-74)
In 1944, the suspension ribbons for both versions were replaced with the now-familiar neck ribbon.[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-TIOH-MOH-58) When the Air and Space Force's version was designed in 1965,[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-af.mil-20) it incorporated similar elements and design from the Army version. At the Department of the Air Force leadership's insistence, the new medal depicted the Statue of Liberty's image in place of Minerva on the medal and changed the connecting device from an eagle to Jupiter's thunderbolt flanked with wings as found on the Department of the Air Force's seal.[\[73\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-75)[\[74\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-76)[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018114-77) The Air Force diverged from the traditional depiction of Minerva in part due to a desire to distinguish itself from the Army, including the Institute of Heraldry that traditionally designs awards, but which falls under the Army.[\[75\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018114-77)
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US-MOH-1862.png "1862â1895 Army version")
1862â1895 Army version
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US-MOH-1896.png "1896â1903 Army version")
1896â1903 Army version
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US-MOH-1904.png "1904â1944 Army version")
1904â1944 Army version
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Army_Medal_of_Honor.jpg "Post 1944 Army version")
Post 1944 Army version
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_Medal_of_Honor_\(1862_original\).png "1862â1912 Navy version")
1862â1912 Navy version
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_Medal_of_Honor_\(1913_to_1942\).png "1913â1942 Navy version")
1913â1942 Navy version
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tiffany_Cross_Medal_of_Honor.jpg "1919â1942 Navy \"Tiffany Cross\" version")
1919â1942 Navy "Tiffany Cross" version
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NavyMedalofHonor.jpg "Post 1942 Navy version")
Post 1942 Navy version
## Neck ribbon, service ribbon and lapel button
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=7 "Edit section: Neck ribbon, service ribbon and lapel button")\]
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medal_of_Honor_ribbon.svg)
[Service ribbon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_ribbon "Service ribbon")
On May 2, 1896, Congress authorized a "ribbon to be worn with the medal and \[a\] [rosette](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosette_\(decoration\) "Rosette (decoration)") or [knot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knot "Knot") to be worn in lieu of the medal."[\[33\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-typessecnav-35)[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-TIOH-MOH-58)[\[76\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-78)[\[77\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-79) The [service ribbon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_ribbon "Service ribbon") is light blue with five white stars in the form of an "M."[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-TIOH-MOH-58) It is placed first in the top position in the [order of precedence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awards_and_decorations_of_the_United_States_military#Order_of_precedence "Awards and decorations of the United States military") and is worn for situations other than full-dress military uniform.[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-TIOH-MOH-58) The lapel button is a 1â2\-inch (13 mm), six-sided light blue [bowknot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowknot "Bowknot") rosette with thirteen white stars and may be worn on appropriate civilian clothing on the left lapel.[\[56\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-TIOH-MOH-58)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medal_Of_Honor_Rosette_Lapel_Button.png)
Medal Of Honor [Rosette](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosette_\(decoration\) "Rosette (decoration)") Lapel Button
Since 1944, the Medal of Honor has been attached to a light blue colored [moirĂŠ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moir%C3%A9_pattern "MoirĂŠ pattern") silk [neck ribbon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neck_decoration "Neck decoration") that is 1\+3â16 in (30 mm) in width and 21\+3â4 in (550 mm) in length.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-regulations-2)[\[78\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-versions-80) The center of the ribbon displays [thirteen white stars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen_Colonies "Thirteen Colonies") in the form of three [chevron](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevron_\(insignia\) "Chevron (insignia)").[\[79\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor-81) Both the top and middle chevrons are made up of five stars, with the bottom chevron made of three stars.[\[79\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor-81) The medal itself differs by branch:
### Department of the Army
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=8 "Edit section: Department of the Army")\]
A gold five-pointed star, each point tipped with trefoils, one inch wide, surrounded by a green laurel wreath and suspended from a gold bar inscribed "VALOR" surmounted by an eagle.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army-57) In the center of the star, Minerva's head surrounded by the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army-57) On each ray of the star is a green oak leaf.[\[55\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army-57) On the reverse is a bar engraved "THE CONGRESS TO" with a space for engraving the name of the recipient.[\[80\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-82)
### Department of the Navy
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=9 "Edit section: Department of the Navy")\]
The Navy Medal of Honor is a five-pointed bronze star, tipped with trefoils containing a crown of laurel and oak.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) In the center is Minerva, personifying the United States, standing with left hand resting of fasces and right hand holding a shield blazoned with the shield from the coat of arms of the United States.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) She repulses Discord, represented by snakes.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60) The medal is suspended from the flukes of an anchor.[\[58\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navymedal-60)
### Department of the Air Force
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=10 "Edit section: Department of the Air Force")\]
Within a wreath of green laurel, a gold five-pointed star, one point down, tipped with trefoils and each point containing a crown of laurel and oak on a green background.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force-62) Centered on the star, an annulet of 34 stars is a representation of the head of the Statue of Liberty.[\[60\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force-62) The star is suspended from a bar inscribed with the word "VALOR" above an adaptation of the thunderbolt from the Air Force Coat of Arms.[\[81\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-83)
The Medal of Honor is one of only two United States military awards suspended from a neck ribbon.[\[82\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-84) The other is the Commander's Degree of the [Legion of Merit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legion_of_Merit "Legion of Merit"), and is usually awarded to individuals serving foreign governments.[\[83\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-neckorderLOM-85)[\[84\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-86)
In 2011, Department of Defense (DOD) instructions in regard to the Medal of Honor were amended to read "for each succeeding act that would otherwise justify award of the \[Medal of Honor\], the individual receiving the subsequent award is authorized to wear an additional \[Medal of Honor\] ribbon or a ["V" Device](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%22V%22_Device "\"V\" Device") on the Medal of Honor suspension ribbon" (the "V" device is a 1â4\-inch-high (6.4 mm) bronze miniature letter "V" with serifs that denotes valor).[\[85\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-87) The Medal of Honor was the only decoration authorized to use the "V" device (none were ever issued) to designate subsequent awards in such a fashion. Nineteen individuals, all now deceased, were double Medal of Honor recipients.[\[86\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-double-88) Effective December 2016, the relevant DOD manual was updated to read:[\[87\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-89)
> A separate MOH is presented to an individual for each succeeding act that justifies award. A \[service\] member awarded more than one MOH will always wear a separate MOH or separate MOH ribbon to correspond with the number of awards received.
The update further explicitly removed authorization for any device(s) on the MOH:
> There are no attachments authorized for the MOH.
## Medal of Honor Flag
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=12 "Edit section: Medal of Honor Flag")\]
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medal_of_Honor_Flag_with_Gold_Fringe.svg)
Medal of Honor Flag
On October 23, 2002, [Pub. L.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_of_Congress#Public_law,_private_law,_designation "Act of Congress") [107â248 (text)](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/plaw/107/public/248?link-type=html) [(PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/link/plaw/107/public/248?link-type=pdf&.pdf) was enacted, modifying [36 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_36_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 36 of the United States Code") [§ 903](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/36/903), authorizing a Medal of Honor Flag to be presented to each person to whom a Medal of Honor is awarded. In the case of a posthumous award, the flag will be presented to whomever the Medal of Honor is presented to, which in most cases will be the primary [next of kin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next_of_kin "Next of kin") of the deceased awardee.[\[88\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-90)[\[89\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-91)
The flag was based on a concept by retired [U.S. Army Special Forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Army_Special_Forces "U.S. Army Special Forces") First Sergeant Bill Kendall of [Jefferson, Iowa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson,_Iowa "Jefferson, Iowa"), who in 2001, designed a flag to honor Medal of Honor recipient Army Air Forces Captain [Darrell Lindsey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darrell_Lindsey "Darrell Lindsey"), a [Martin B-26 Marauder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_B-26_Marauder "Martin B-26 Marauder") pilot from Jefferson who was killed in action during World War II.[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Kendall-92) Kendall's design of a light blue field emblazoned with 13 white five-pointed stars was nearly identical to that of Sarah LeClerc's of the [Institute of Heraldry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Army_Institute_of_Heraldry "U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry").[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Kendall-92) LeClerc's gold-fringed flag, ultimately accepted as the official flag, does not include the words "Medal of Honor" as written on Kendall's flag.[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Kendall-92) The color of the field and the 13 white stars, arranged in the form of a three-bar [chevron](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevron_\(insignia\) "Chevron (insignia)"), consisting of two chevrons of five stars and one chevron of three stars,[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-regulations-2) emulate the suspension ribbon of the Medal of Honor.[\[90\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Kendall-92) The flag has no defined proportions.[\[91\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-flag-93)
The first Medal of Honor Flag recipient was U.S. Army Sergeant First Class [Paul R. Smith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_R._Smith "Paul R. Smith"), whose flag was presented posthumously.[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-smithflag-94) President [George W. Bush](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush "George W. Bush") presented the Medal of Honor and Flag to the family of Smith during the award ceremony for him in the [White House](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House "White House") on April 4, 2005.[\[92\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-smithflag-94)
A special Medal of Honor Flag presentation ceremony was held for over 60 living Medal of Honor recipients on board the [USS *Constitution*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Constitution "USS Constitution") in September 2006.[\[93\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-flagpresent-95)
## Recommendation process and presentation
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=13 "Edit section: Recommendation process and presentation")\]
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Henry_Breault2.jpg)
President [Calvin Coolidge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_Coolidge "Calvin Coolidge") bestowing the Medal of Honor upon [Henry Breault](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Breault "Henry Breault"), March 8, 1924
There are two distinct protocols for recommending and adjudicating the Medal of Honor. The first and most common is recommendation within three years and approval within five years through the [chain of command](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_of_command "Chain of command") of the service member.[\[94\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-96) The second method, which normally applies outside of the statute of limitations, is when a recommendation is referred to a military service by a member of the U.S. Congress, generally at the request of a constituent under [10 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_10_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 10 of the United States Code") [§ 1130](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/1130). In both cases, if the proposal is outside the time limits for the recommendation, approval to waive the time limit requires a special [Act of Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_of_Congress "Act of Congress"). The Medal of Honor is presented by the President on behalf of, and in the name of, the Congress.[\[95\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-97) Since 1980, nearly all Medal of Honor recipientsâor in the case of posthumous awards, the next of kinâhave been personally decorated by the president.[\[96\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-98)[\[97\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-99)[\[98\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-100) Since 1941, more than half of the Medals of Honor have been awarded posthumously.[\[99\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-101)
## Evolution of criteria
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=14 "Edit section: Evolution of criteria")\]
#### 19th century (Navy)
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=16 "Edit section: 19th century (Navy)")\]
Navy regulations published in 1865 specified that "The medal shall only be awarded to those petty officers, and others indicated, who shall have evinced in battle some signal act of valor or devotion to their country; and nothing save such conduct, coupled with good general qualities in the service, shall be held to establish a sufficient claim to it."[\[100\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-102) The regulation also permitted awards to seamen for "extraordinary heroism in the line of their profession," which meant heroism outside of combat operations.[\[101\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-103)
#### 19th century (Army)
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=17 "Edit section: 19th century (Army)")\]
Several months after President Abraham Lincoln signed Public Resolution 82 into law on December 21, 1861, for a Navy medal of honor, a similar resolution was passed in July 1862 for an Army version of the medal. Six U.S. Army soldiers who [hijacked](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Locomotive_Chase "Great Locomotive Chase") a [Confederate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_States_of_America "Confederate States of America") [locomotive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locomotive "Locomotive") named [*The General*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_General_\(locomotive\) "The General (locomotive)") in 1862 were the first [Medal of Honor recipients](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor_recipients "Medal of Honor recipients");[\[102\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MWxvii-104) [James J. Andrews](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_J._Andrews "James J. Andrews") led the raid.[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201824-105) He was caught and hanged as a U.S. spy, but as a civilian he was not eligible to receive the medal.[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201824-105) Many Medals of Honor awarded in the 19th century were associated with "saving the flag" (and country), not just for patriotic reasons, but because the [U.S. flag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._flag "U.S. flag") was a primary means of battlefield communication at the time.[\[104\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201823-106) Because no other military decoration was authorized during the Civil War, some seemingly less exceptional and notable actions were recognized by a Medal of Honor during that conflict.[\[105\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201823,_33-107)
Early in the twentieth century, the Department of the Navy awarded many Medals of Honor for peacetime bravery. For instance, in 1901, [John Henry Helms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Henry_Helms "John Henry Helms") aboard [USS *Chicago*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Chicago_\(1885\) "USS Chicago (1885)") was awarded the medal for saving the ship's cook from drowning.[\[106\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-108) Six sailors aboard [USS *Iowa*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Iowa_\(BB-4\) "USS Iowa (BB-4)") were awarded the medal after the ship's boiler exploded on January 25, 1904.[\[107\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-109) Richard Byrd and Floyd Bennett were awarded the medalâthe combat ("Tiffany") version despite the existence then of a non-combat form of the Navy medalâfor the 1926 flight they claim reached the [North Pole](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Pole "North Pole").[\[108\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-HargisSinton2003-110) And [Ensign Thomas J. Ryan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_J._Ryan_\(admiral\) "Thomas J. Ryan (admiral)") was awarded the medal for saving a woman from the burning Grand Hotel in [Yokohama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yokohama "Yokohama"), Japan, following the 1923 [Great KantĹ earthquake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Kant%C5%8D_earthquake "Great KantĹ earthquake").[\[109\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-ryan-111) Between 1919 and 1942, the Department of the Navy issued two separate versions of the Medal of Honor, one for acts related to combat and one for non-combat bravery.[\[110\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-112)
The criteria for the award tightened during World War I for the Army version of the Medal of Honor, while the Navy version retained a non-combat provision until 1963.[\[111\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018116-113) In an Act of Congress of July 9, 1918, the War Department version of the medal required that the recipient "distinguish himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty," and also required that the act of valor be performed "in action involving actual conflict with an enemy."[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Act_of_July_9,_1918,_40_Stat._870-114) This followed shortly after the results of the Army Medal of Honor Review Board, which struck 911 medals from the Medal of Honor list in February 1917 for lack of basic prerequisites.[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201853-47) These included the members of the 27th Maine erroneously awarded the medal for reenlisting to guard the capital during the Civil War, 29 members of Abraham Lincoln's funeral detail, and six civilians, including [Buffalo Bill Cody](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Bill_Cody "Buffalo Bill Cody") (restored along with four other scouts in 1989)[\[113\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-115) and a doctor, [Mary Edwards Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Edwards_Walker "Mary Edwards Walker"), who had cared for the sick (this last was restored posthumously in 1977).[\[114\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-116)
As a result of lawsuits, the Department of the Navy requested the Congress expressly authorize non-combat medals in the text of the authorizing statute, since the department had been awarding non-combat medals with questionable legal backing that had caused it much embarrassment.[\[71\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201894-73) The last non-combat Navy Medal of Honor was awarded in 1945, although the Department of the Navy attempted to award a non-combat Medal of Honor as late as the Korean War.[\[115\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201897%E2%80%9398-117) Official accounts vary, but generally, the Medal of Honor for combat was known as the "Tiffany Cross", after [the company that designed the medal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiffany_%26_Co. "Tiffany & Co.").[\[116\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201883-118) The Tiffany Cross was first awarded in 1919, but was unpopular partly because of its design as well as a lower gratuity than the Navy's original medal.[\[67\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201884-69) The [Tiffany Cross Medal of Honor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiffany_Cross_Medal_of_Honor "Tiffany Cross Medal of Honor") was awarded at least three times in non-combat circumstances. By a special [Act of Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_of_Congress "Act of Congress"), the medal was presented to Byrd and Bennett (see above).[\[117\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-119)[\[118\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-120) In 1942, the Department of the Navy reverted to a single Medal of Honor, although the statute still contained a loophole allowing the award for both "action involving actual conflict with the enemy" or "in the line of his profession."[\[119\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-121) Arising from these criteria, approximately 60 percent of the medals earned during and after World War II have been awarded posthumously.[\[120\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-122)
With the passage of Public Law 88â77 on July 25, 1963, the requirements for the Medal of Honor were standardized among all the services, requiring that a recipient had "distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."[\[121\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-123) Thus, the act removed the loophole allowing non-combat awards to Navy personnel. The act also clarified that the act of valor must occur during one of three circumstances:[\[122\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-124)
1. While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States
2. While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.
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.[\[123\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-United_States_Code_1963-125)[\[124\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-126)
Congress drew these three circumstances of combat from President Kennedy's executive order of April 25, 1962, which previously added the same criteria to the [Purple Heart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple_Heart "Purple Heart"). On August 24, Kennedy added similar criteria for the [Bronze Star Medal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze_Star_Medal "Bronze Star Medal").[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-HR2998_1963-127)[\[126\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-128) The amendment was necessary because Cold War armed conflicts did not qualify for consideration under previous statutes such as the 1918 Army Medal of Honor statute that required valor "in action involving actual conflict with an enemy,"[\[127\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-129) since the United States has not formally declared war since World War II as a result of the provisions of the United Nations Charter.[\[128\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018117-130) According to congressional testimony by the Army's Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, the services were seeking authority to award the Medal of Honor and other valor awards retroactive to July 1, 1958, in areas such as Berlin, Lebanon, Quemoy and Matsu Islands, Taiwan Straits, Congo, Laos, Vietnam, and Cuba.[\[125\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-HR2998_1963-127)
#### Modern Adjudication
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=22 "Edit section: Modern Adjudication")\]
Recommendations for valor awards are processed under three basic pathways. First, a recommendation can originate with a servicemember's chain of command. Normally, servicemembers may not self-recommend for awards.[\[129\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto5-131) In cases of chain of command recommendation, each intermediate commander will recommend approval or disapproval, citing "specific reasons when disapproval is recommended."[\[129\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto5-131) The approval authority for the Medal of Honor is the President of the United States, although in the past this has been delegated to subordinate commanders.[\[129\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto5-131)[\[130\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-regulation600-132)
If outside of statutory time limitations, another pathway is for a member of Congress to submit a recommendation package for service review under 10 USC 1130, or for Congress to otherwise waive time limitations by statute.[\[131\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto4-133) A third pathway is for award packages that are submitted timely but lost during processing and then later rediscovered, which permits a service secretary to waive time limitations without seeking a congressional waiver.[\[132\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-134)
Most services first screen submissions at their awards branches. For the Army, this entails a review at the Human Resources Command level to determine if the award package is complete according to law and regulation.[\[130\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-regulation600-132) Next, the package is reviewed by the Army Decorations Board.[\[133\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto3-135) Then the Senior Army Decorations Board (SADB) reviews the packageâthis body "draws its membership from lieutenant generals who serve in the office of the Secretary of the Army and on the Army Staff," and is "responsible for reviewing high level valor awards and making recommendations to the Secretary of the Army."[\[133\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto3-135) The equivalent of the SADB in the Navy is the Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals (NDBDM), and in the Air Force the Secretary of the Air Force Decorations Board (SAFDB).[\[134\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-g188-136)[\[135\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-h564-137)
Above the decorations boards a Medal of Honor recommendation goes to the assistant secretary for manpower and reserve affairs, the chief of staff of the service, the service secretary, the secretary of defense, and ultimately the president.[\[131\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto4-133)
Early Navy regulations published in the Civil War era permitted the Navy Department to unilaterally rescind Medals of Honor for dishonorable behavior, including being "convicted of treason, cowardice, felony, or any infamous crime."[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201817-138) As a result, at least 15 medals were revoked in the nineteenth century, including a medal for Third-Class Boy [George Hollat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Hollat "George Hollat"), whose medal was revoked for desertion.[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201817-138) Hollat's name erroneously remains on the Navy's list of medal recipients in modern times.[\[136\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201817-138) The Army did not revoke any medals until the twentieth century.
In the early twentieth century the Medal of Honor Legion requested that some Army Medals of Honor be revoked, in particular the 864 medals awarded to members of the 27th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment for reenlisting to guard the capital during the Civil War.[\[137\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201843-139) The Judge Advocate General of the Army determined that it would be unlawful for the Army to revoke the medals unilaterally absent "fraud, mistake in matters of fact arising from errors in calculation, or newly discovered material evidence," since this would require reopening acts or decisions of predecessors, and thus unsettling administrative res judicata (an administrative finality doctrine).[\[138\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Dwight_Mears_2021-140) This interpretation led Congress to authorize a review to revoke these medals in 1916, leading to the revocation of 911 medals.[\[138\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Dwight_Mears_2021-140) The Army later authorized revocation of service medals due to misconduct in 1961, and eventually expanded this authority to include valor decorations (including the Medal of Honor) in 1974.[\[139\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-141) The Army regulation stated "\[o\]nce an award has been presented, it may be revoked if facts subsequently determined would have prevented original approval of the award, had they been known at the time of award."[\[140\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-142) Eventually, all services' regulations permitted revocation on similar grounds: the Air Force adopted unilateral revocation of valor decorations in 1969,[\[141\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-143) and Navy adopted regulations permitting revocation of valor decorations in 1976.[\[142\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-144)
Unilateral revocation of decorations (including the Medal of Honor) were eventually standardized by the Office of the Secretary of Defense after controversy surrounding the revocation of the Distinguished Service Cross approved for Army Major [Mathew L. Golsteyn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathew_L._Golsteyn "Mathew L. Golsteyn"), who was charged with murdering a detainee but then pardoned (a grant of forgiveness, which differs from a court's finding of innocence) by President Trump before trial.[\[143\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-145) This incident led DoD to clarify the prerequisites for revoking military awards due to misconduct in the DoD Awards Manual in 2019: "\[t\]he revocation of \[personal military decorations\] under the 'honorable' service requirement should be used sparingly and should be limited to those cases where the Service member's actions are not compatible with continued military service, result in criminal convictions, result in determinations that the Service member did not serve satisfactorily in a specific grade or position, or result in a discharge from military service that is characterized as 'Other Than Honorable,' 'Bad Conduct,' or 'Dishonorable.'"[\[144\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-146) DoD also requested that Congress expand the statutory requirement for honorable service after award qualification to include all military decorations, which passed in December 2019.[\[145\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-147) In 2019, a bill titled "Remove the Stain Act" sought to revoke Medals of Honor awarded for conduct during the [Wounded Knee Massacre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wounded_Knee_Massacre "Wounded Knee Massacre") of 1890.[\[146\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto-148) The bill directed revocation of 20 Medals of Honor, and also directed removal of the recipients from the Medal of Honor Roll.[\[146\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto-148) The number of medals awarded for conduct at Wounded Knee â which was actually 19 â was based on a mistake in the War Department's circular listings in the 1890s, which transcribed Private Marvin Hillock as a Wounded Knee recipient despite actually earning the medal at White Clay Creek a day later.[\[147\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-149) Directing revocation from the MoH Roll was also a mistake, as the Roll of that time was merely a pension listing for recipients who lived past the age of 65 and separated honorably from the military without retiring.[\[148\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-150)[\[149\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto2-151) Since many of the Wounded Knee recipients did not live to the age of 65, were discharged dishonorably, or were retired from the military, this meant they never would have been on the Roll.[\[149\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto2-151) The Remove the Stain Act did not pass despite being added to the House version of the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act.[\[150\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto1-152) In that particular case, the Senate Committee on Armed Services reflected that "these Medals of Honor were awarded at the prerogative of the President of the United States, not the Congress," suggesting that it was not the role of the legislature to direct awarding or revocation of medals, rather to control the authorizing criteria for the award.[\[150\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto1-152) In July 2024, the Secretary of Defense announced a joint DoD/DoI review to consider revoking the Wounded Knee Medals of Honor.[\[151\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto6-153) Notably, the DoD review cited the joint explanatory statement for the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act (which removed the Remove the Stain Act from the bill) as the impetus for the medal review.[\[151\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-auto6-153) The DoD review concluded in October 2024, reportedly recommending that no medals be revoked.[\[152\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-154) Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe chairman Ryman LeBeau wrote an op-ed on the outcome, saying "the Pentagon board has recommended that America keep the Medals of Honor for the Wounded Knee Massacre" with all three DoD panelists voting against revocation and both [Department of Interior](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Department_of_Interior "U.S. Department of Interior") (the department charged with Indian affairs) panelists voting in favor.[\[153\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-155)
## Authority and privileges
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=27 "Edit section: Authority and privileges")\]
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:C-Chatanooga_Cemetery2.jpg)
Medal of Honor monument and Medal of Honor headstones of the Civil War recipients of "Andrews Raid" at the [Chattanooga National Cemetery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chattanooga_National_Cemetery "Chattanooga National Cemetery") in Chattanooga, Tennessee
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jimmie_W._Monteith_Jr._Gravemarker_03.jpg)
Medal of Honor gravemarker of [Jimmie W. Monteith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmie_W._Monteith "Jimmie W. Monteith") at the [Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normandy_American_Cemetery_and_Memorial "Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial")
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:James_H._Robinson_gravestone,_Medal_of_Honor,_Company_B,_3rd_Michigan_Cavalry,_26_July_1864_\(cropped\).jpg)
Medal of Honor headstone of [James H. Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_H._Robinson_\(soldier\) "James H. Robinson (soldier)") at the [Memphis National Cemetery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_National_Cemetery "Memphis National Cemetery")
The four specific statutory sections authorizing the medal, as last amended on January 1, 2021, are as follows:[\[123\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-United_States_Code_1963-125)
- Army: [10 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_10_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 10 of the United States Code") [§ 7271](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/7271)
> The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who while a member of the Army, distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty....[\[154\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-156)
- Navy and Marine Corps: [10 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_10_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 10 of the United States Code") [§ 8291](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/8291)
> The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who, while a member of the naval service, distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. . . .[\[155\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-157)
- Air Force and Space Force: [10 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_10_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 10 of the United States Code") [§ 9271](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/9271)
> The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who, while a member of the Air Force or the Space Force, distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. . . .[\[156\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-158)
- Coast Guard: [14 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_14_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 14 of the United States Code") [§ 2732](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/14/2732) A version is authorized but it has never been awarded.[\[c\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-159)[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navyfaq-51)
> The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who while a member of the \[Army\] \[naval service\] \[Air Force\] \[Coast Guard\], distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.[\[157\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-1998code-160)
### Privileges and courtesies
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=28 "Edit section: Privileges and courtesies")\]
The Medal of Honor confers special privileges on its recipients:[\[158\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-benefits-161)[\[159\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-benefits3-162)
- Each Medal of Honor recipient may have his or her name entered on the Medal of Honor Roll ([10 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_10_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 10 of the United States Code") [§ 1134a](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/1134a) and [38 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_38_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 38 of the United States Code") [§ 1562](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/38/1562)) so long as they qualified for the medal under modern statutory authority.
- Each person whose name is placed on the Medal of Honor Roll is certified to the [United States Department of Veterans Affairs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_Veterans_Affairs "United States Department of Veterans Affairs") as being entitled to receive a monthly pension above and beyond any military pensions or other benefits for which they may be eligible. The pension is subject to [cost-of-living increases](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cost_of_living#Other_uses "Cost of living"); as of December 1, 2023, it is \$1,671.16 a month.[\[160\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-163)
- Enlisted recipients of the Medal of Honor are entitled to a supplemental uniform allowance.[\[161\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-32USC578.9-164)
- Recipients receive special entitlements to air transportation under the provisions of DOD Regulation 4515.13-R. This benefit allows the recipient to travel as deemed fit, as well as allows the recipient's dependents to travel either overseasâoverseas, overseasâcontinental U.S., or continental U.S.âoverseas when accompanied by the recipient.[\[162\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-165)
- Special identification cards and [commissary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Commissary_Agency "Defense Commissary Agency") and [exchange](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post_exchange "Post exchange") privileges are provided for Medal of Honor recipients and their eligible dependents.[\[163\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-166)
- Recipients are granted eligibility for interment at [Arlington National Cemetery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlington_National_Cemetery "Arlington National Cemetery"), if not otherwise eligible.[\[164\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-167)
- Fully qualified children of recipients are automatically nominated to any of the [United States service academies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_service_academies "United States service academies").[\[165\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-168)
- Recipients receive a ten percent increase in retired pay.[\[166\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-169)
- Those awarded the medal after October 23, 2002, receive a [Medal of Honor Flag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Medal_of_Honor_Flag). The law specified that all 103 living prior recipients as of that date would receive a flag.[\[167\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-170)
- Recipients receive an invitation to all future [presidential inaugurations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_inauguration "United States presidential inauguration") and [inaugural balls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_inaugural_balls "United States presidential inaugural balls").[\[168\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-cnnGiunta-171)
- As with all medals, retired personnel may wear the Medal of Honor on "appropriate" civilian clothing. Regulations specify that recipients of the Medal of Honor are allowed to wear the uniform "at their pleasure" with standard restrictions on political, commercial, or extremist purposes (other former members of the armed forces may do so only at certain ceremonial occasions).[\[169\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-AR670-172)
- Forty states offer a special license plate for certain types of vehicles to recipients at little or no cost to the recipient.[\[170\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-173)[\[171\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-174) The states that do not offer Medal of Honor specific license plate offer special license plates for veterans for which recipients may be eligible.[\[172\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-175)
- In 1969, the Nebraska State Legislature amended the [Nebraska Hall of Fame](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebraska_Hall_of_Fame "Nebraska Hall of Fame") statutes "to provide that Nebraskans awarded the Medal of Honor shall be named to the Hall of Fame" and required that the Hall of Fame Commission procure a plaque with the names of the Medal of Honor recipients.[\[173\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-176)
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Defense.gov_photo_essay_110713-F-RG147-129.jpg)
[Admiral](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Admiral_\(United_States\) "Admiral (United States)") [Eric T. Olson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_T._Olson "Eric T. Olson") salutes [Sergeant First Class](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_First_Class#United_States_Army "Sergeant First Class") [Leroy Petry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leroy_Petry "Leroy Petry") at a ceremony at [The Pentagon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pentagon "The Pentagon") (July 2011)
Although not required by law or military regulation of all military services,[\[174\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-177)[\[175\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-178)[\[176\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-179) members of the [uniformed services](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniformed_services_of_the_United_States "Uniformed services of the United States") are encouraged to render salutes to recipients of the Medal of Honor as a matter of respect and courtesy regardless of rank or status, whether or not they are in uniform.[\[177\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-180) This is one of the few instances where a living member of the military will receive salutes from members of a higher rank. According to paragraph 1.8.1.1 of Air Force Instruction 1-1, the United States Air Force requires that salutes be rendered to Medal of Honor recipients.[\[178\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-181)
The Army redesigned its Medal of Honor, largely a reaction to the copying of the Medal of Honor by various veterans organizations, such as the Grand Army of the Republic.[\[137\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201843-139)[\[179\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-CMOHS-182) To prevent the making of copies of the medal, Brigadier General [George Gillespie, Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Lewis_Gillespie,_Jr. "George Lewis Gillespie, Jr."), a Medal of Honor recipient from the Civil War, applied for and obtained a [patent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent "Patent") for the new design.[\[179\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-CMOHS-182)[\[180\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Design-183) General Gillespie received the patent on November 22, 1904, and he transferred it the following month to the Secretary of War at the time, [William Howard Taft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Howard_Taft "William Howard Taft").[\[179\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-CMOHS-182)
Congress passed a statute (the year before the 20-year term of the patent would expire)âwhich would later be codified at 18 U.S.C. §704âprohibiting the unauthorized wearing, manufacturing, or sale of military medals or decorations.[\[181\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-184) In 1994, Congress amended the statute to permit an enhanced penalty if the offense involved the Medal of Honor.[\[182\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-185)
The [Stolen Valor Act of 2005](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stolen_Valor_Act_of_2005 "Stolen Valor Act of 2005") was enacted.[\[183\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-186) The law amended 18 U.S.C. § 704 to make it a federal criminal offense for a person to deliberately state falsely that he or she had been awarded a military decoration, service medal, or badge.[\[184\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-187)[\[185\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-s1998track-188)[\[186\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-usc18-704-189) The law also permitted an enhanced penalty for someone who falsely claimed to have been awarded the Medal of Honor.[\[186\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-usc18-704-189)
In the case of *[United States v. Alvarez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Alvarez "United States v. Alvarez")*, the [Supreme Court of the United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States "Supreme Court of the United States") held that the Stolen Valor Act of 2005's criminalization of the making of false claims of having been awarded a military medal, decoration, or badge was an unconstitutional violation of the [First Amendment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution "First Amendment to the United States Constitution")'s guarantee of [free speech](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_speech "Free speech").[\[187\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-190) The case involved an elected official in [California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California "California"), Xavier Alvarez, who had falsely stated at a public meeting that he had been awarded the Medal of Honor, even though he had never served in any branch of the armed forces.[\[188\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-191) The Supreme Court's decision did not specifically address the constitutionality of the older portion of the statute which prohibits the unauthorized wearing, manufacturing, or sale of military medals or decorations, since the Alvarez prosecution only involved First Amendment protected speech.[\[189\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-192) Under the law, the unauthorized wearing, manufacturing, or sale of the Medal of Honor is punishable by a fine of up to \$100,000 and imprisonment of up to one year.[\[190\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-193)
Given the Supreme Court's ruling, President [Barack Obama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama "Barack Obama") signed into law the [Stolen Valor Act of 2013](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stolen_Valor_Act_of_2013 "Stolen Valor Act of 2013"), making it a federal offense for someone to falsely represent themselves as awardees of medals for valor in order to receive "money, property, or other tangible benefit" (including grants, educational benefits, housing, etc.).[\[191\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-194)[\[192\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-195) False representations about the Medal of Honor or other valor decorations still result in a fine or imprisonment up to one year, or both, but are now narrowly tailored to financial gain rather than protected speech.[\[193\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-196) As of 2017, there were only two reported arrests and prosecutions under the law, leading at least 22 states to enact their own legislation to criminalize stolen valor amid claims that the federal law was virtually unenforced.[\[194\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-197) Despite claims that violations of the act are rarely prosecuted, there is evidence that convictions are still taking place, although not all are for Medal of Honor claims, nor are all in federal court. In some cases charges are not explicitly under the Stolen Valor Act, since the same conduct criminalized under the statute is often equally capable of prosecution under regular criminal statutes not involving Stolen Valor.
- In 2016, a federal court in IA sentenced a defendant for multiple violations of the Stolen Valor Act.[\[195\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-198)
- In 2016, federal prosecutors in OH charged a defendant with violations related to the Stolen Valor Act.[\[196\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-199)
- In 2017, a federal court in MO sentenced a defendant for violating the Stolen Valor Act.[\[197\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-200)
- In 2017, a federal court in TX sentenced a defendant for violating the Stolen Valor Act.[\[198\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-201)
- In 2017, a federal court in IL sentenced a defendant for violations related to stolen valor claims.[\[199\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-202)
- In 2018, a PA court sentenced a defendant for violations of the PA state statute on stolen valor.[\[200\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-203)[\[201\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-204)
- In 2020, a federal court in GA sentenced a defendant for multiple violations of the Stolen Valor Act.[\[202\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-205)
- In 2021, a federal court in PA sentenced a defendant for violating the Stolen Valor Act.[\[203\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-206)
- In 2023, a federal court in TX sentenced a defendant for multiple violations of the Stolen Valor Act.[\[204\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-207)
- In 2023, a federal court in RI sentenced a defendant for multiple violations of the Stolen Valor Act.[\[205\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-208)
- In 2023, a WI man was convicted of several crimes at the state level in connection with stolen valor claims.[\[206\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-209)
- In 2024, a federal court in NY sentenced a Canadian man for multiple violations of the Stolen Valor Act.[\[207\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-210)
- In 2024, federal prosecutors in NY charged a woman with violating the Stolen Valor Act.[\[208\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-211)
- In 2024, federal prosecutors in MN charged a man with violating the Stolen Valor Act.[\[209\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-212)
Medal of Honor recipients may apply in writing to the headquarters of the service branch of the medal awarded for a replacement or display Medal of Honor, ribbon, and appurtenance (Medal of Honor flag) without charge. Primary next of kin may also do the same and have any questions answered in regard to the Medal of Honor that was awarded.[\[210\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-213)
On This Day In History: The Medal of Honor was created in 1862.
- The first Medals of Honor were awarded and presented to six U.S. Army soldiers ("[Andrews Raiders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Locomotive_Chase "Great Locomotive Chase")") on March 25, 1863, by [Secretary of War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretary_of_War "Secretary of War") [Edwin Stanton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Stanton "Edwin Stanton"), in his office of the War Department. Private [Jacob Parrott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Parrott "Jacob Parrott"), a U.S. Army volunteer from Ohio, became the first Medal of Honor recipient, awarded for his volunteering for and participation in a raid on a [Confederate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_States_of_America "Confederate States of America") train in [Big Shanty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Shanty "Big Shanty"), [Georgia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_\(U.S._state\) "Georgia (U.S. state)"), on April 12, 1862, during the [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War").[\[103\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201824-105) After the medal presentations, the six decorated soldiers met with President Lincoln in the [White House](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House "White House").[\[32\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MWxviii-34)[\[211\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-214)
- [Bernard John Dowling Irwin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_John_Dowling_Irwin "Bernard John Dowling Irwin") was the first (chronologically by action) Medal of Honor recipient during the [Apache Wars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apache_Wars "Apache Wars"). His actions on February 13, 1861, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded.[\[212\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-215)
- The first U.S. Navy sailors were awarded the Medal of Honor on April 3, 1863. 41 sailors received the award, with 17 awards for action during the [Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Forts_Jackson_and_St._Philip "Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip").[\[213\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-216)
- The first marines awarded the Medal of Honor were [John F. Mackie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_F._Mackie "John F. Mackie") and [Pinkerton R. Vaughn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinkerton_R._Vaughn "Pinkerton R. Vaughn") on July 10, 1863;[\[214\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-217) Mackie for [USS *Galena*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Galena_\(1862\) "USS Galena (1862)") on May 15, 1862, and Vaughn for [USS *Mississippi*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Mississippi_\(1841\) "USS Mississippi (1841)") on March 14, 1863.[\[215\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-218)[\[216\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-219)
- The first, and so far only, Coast Guardsman to be awarded the Medal of Honor was Signalman First Class [Douglas Munro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Albert_Munro "Douglas Albert Munro"). He was posthumously awarded it on May 27, 1943, for evacuating 500 marines under fire on September 27, 1942, during the [Battle of Guadalcanal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Battle_of_Guadalcanal "Naval Battle of Guadalcanal").[\[217\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-CD19-220)
- The only woman awarded the Medal of Honor is [Mary Edwards Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Edwards_Walker "Mary Edwards Walker"), who was a civilian Army acting assistant surgeon during the American Civil War.[\[218\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018167-221) She received the award in 1865 after the Judge Advocate General of the Army determined that she could be given a retroactive commission or brevet, but Secretary of War Stanton ruled against her in spite of this legal advice.[\[219\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-222) Instead of a commission, President Andrew Johnson directed that "the usual medal of honor for meritorious services be given her."[\[220\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-walker-223) Evidently, Johnson did not know that the award was restricted by law to soldiers, which made the award to a contract surgeon (a civilian) unlawful. This defect later led to the award's revocation in 1917, and then questionable reinstatement by the Army's Board for Correction of Military Records in 1977.[\[221\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-224) The reinstatement is often attributed to President Jimmy Carter, in error.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018171-48)
- The first black recipients of the Medal of Honor were sixteen Army soldiers and sixteen Navy sailors that fought during the Civil War. The first black recipient was [Robert Blake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Blake_\(Medal_of_Honor\) "Robert Blake (Medal of Honor)"), who received the medal on April 16, 1864 for serving as a powder boy on the [USS *Marblehead*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Marblehead_\(1861\) "USS Marblehead (1861)").[\[222\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-225) The first Army award was announced on April 6, 1865, to twelve black soldiers from the five regiments of [U.S. Colored Troops](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Colored_Troops "United States Colored Troops") who fought at [New Market Heights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Chaffin%27s_Farm "Battle of Chaffin's Farm") outside of Richmond on September 29, 1864.[\[63\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Schubert-65) The first action by a black man to eventually earn the Medal of Honor was by [William Harvey Carney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Harvey_Carney "William Harvey Carney").[\[223\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-226) He earned the Medal during the [Battle of Fort Wagner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Fort_Wagner "Battle of Fort Wagner"), but was not presented with it until 1900.[\[224\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-227)
- [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hiroshi_Miyamura_and_Eisenhowser.jpg)
President [Dwight D. Eisenhower](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_D._Eisenhower "Dwight D. Eisenhower") congratulates SSG Miyamura after having awarded him the Medal of Honor on October 27, 1953.
The only Medal of Honor to be classified as "[top secret](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classified_information "Classified information")" was awarded to [Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshi_Miyamura "Hiroshi Miyamura") for his actions on April 24, 1951, during the Korean War when he was presumed dead. The Medal of Honor, which had not been publicly announced, was classified as top secret for his protection until his release in August 1953.[\[225\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-228)
The 1917 Medal of Honor Board revoked 911 awards, but only 910 names from the Army's Medal of Honor list,[\[226\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201853,_55-229) including awards to Mary Edwards Walker, William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody and the first of two awards issued February 10, 1887, to George W. Mindil, who retained his award issued October 25, 1893. None of the 911 impacted recipients were ordered to return their medals, although on the question of whether the recipients could continue to wear their medals, the Judge Advocate General advised the Medal of Honor Board that the Army was not obligated to police the matter.[\[227\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-230) Walker continued to wear her medal until her death, although some authors mistakenly claim that the Army sought its return.[\[228\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-231) Although some sources claim that President [Jimmy Carter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Carter "Jimmy Carter") formally restored her medal posthumously in 1977,[\[229\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-clinic-232) this action was actually taken unilaterally by the Army's Board for Correction of Military Records.[\[46\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018171-48) The Army Board for Correction of Military Records also restored the Medals of Honor of Buffalo Bill and four other civilian scouts in 1989.[\[47\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018175-49)
- Sixty-one [Canadians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada "Canada") who served in the United States Armed Forces earned the Medal of Honor, most during the American Civil War. Since 1900, four Canadians have received the medal.[\[230\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-cbc-233) The only Canadian-born, naturalized U.S. citizen to receive the medal for heroism during the Vietnam War was [Peter C. Lemon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_C._Lemon "Peter C. Lemon").[\[231\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-vwam-234)
While the governing statute for the Army's Medal of Honor ([10 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_10_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 10 of the United States Code") [§ 6241](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/6241)), beginning in 1918, explicitly stated that a recipient must be "an officer or enlisted man of the Army", "distinguish himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty", and perform an act of valor "in action involving actual conflict with an enemy",[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Act_of_July_9,_1918,_40_Stat._870-114) exceptions have been made:
- [Charles Lindbergh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Lindbergh "Charles Lindbergh"), 1927, civilian pilot, and [U.S. Army Air Corps](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Army_Air_Corps "U.S. Army Air Corps") reserve officer.[\[232\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-235) Lindbergh's medal was authorized by a special act of Congress, which effectively waived his ineligibility on the grounds of not being on military duty, not performing an act of gallantry, and not being in action (combat) against an enemy.[\[112\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Act_of_July_9,_1918,_40_Stat._870-114)[\[233\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201891-236) Lindbergh's award also violated President Coolidge's executive order prohibiting multiple awards for the same action, as he also received a Distinguished Flying Cross for the same transatlantic flight.[\[233\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201891-236)
- Major General (Retired) [Adolphus Greely](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolphus_Greely "Adolphus Greely") was awarded the medal in 1935, on his 91st birthday, "for his life of splendid public service." The result of a special act of Congress similar to Lindbergh's, Greely's medal citation did not reference any acts of valor.[\[234\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-237)
- Foreign unknown recipients include five WWI Unknowns: the [Belgian Unknown Soldier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_the_Unknown_Soldier_\(Belgium\) "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Belgium)"), the [British Unknown Warrior](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unknown_Warrior "The Unknown Warrior"), the [French Unknown Soldier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_the_Unknown_Soldier_\(France\) "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (France)"), the [Italian Unknown Soldier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_the_Unknown_Soldier_\(Italy\) "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Italy)"), and the [Romanian Unknown Soldier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_the_Unknown_Soldier_\(Romania\) "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Romania)").[\[235\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-238)
- U.S. unknown recipients include one each from four wars: World War I,[\[236\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-239) World War II,[\[237\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-240) Korea,[\[238\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-241) and Vietnam.[\[239\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-242) The Vietnam Unknown was later identified as Air Force First Lieutenant [Michael Blassie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Blassie "Michael Blassie") through the use of DNA identification.[\[240\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-dvidshub.net-243) Blassie's family asked for his Medal of Honor, but the Department of Defense denied the request in 1998.[\[240\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-dvidshub.net-243) According to Undersecretary of Defense Rudy de Leon, the medal was awarded symbolically to all Vietnam unknowns, not to Blassie specifically.[\[241\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-244) The action also resulted in clarification of unknown medal awards in the FY2005 defense bill, which expressly stated such medals are "awarded to the member as a representative of the members of the armed forces who died in such war or other armed conflict and whose remains have not been identified, and not to the individual personally."[\[111\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018116-113)
| Conflict | Date | Medal count (3,530) | List article |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War") | 1861â1865 | 1,523 | [American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_American_Civil_War_Medal_of_Honor_recipients "List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [Indian Wars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Wars "Indian Wars") | 1865â1891 | 426 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the Indian Wars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_for_the_Indian_Wars "List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Indian Wars") |
| [Korean Expedition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinmiyangyo "Sinmiyangyo") | 1871 | 15 | [Medal of Honor recipients in the Korean Expedition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Korean_Expedition "List of Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [SpanishâAmerican War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish%E2%80%93American_War "SpanishâAmerican War") | 1898 | 110 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the SpanishâAmerican War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_for_the_Spanish%E2%80%93American_War "List of Medal of Honor recipients for the SpanishâAmerican War") |
| [Second Samoan Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Samoan_Civil_War "Second Samoan Civil War") | 1899 | 4 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the Samoan Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Samoan_Civil_War "List of Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [PhilippineâAmerican War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine%E2%80%93American_War "PhilippineâAmerican War") | 1899â1902 | 86 | [PhilippineâAmerican War Medal of Honor recipients](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Philippine%E2%80%93American_War_Medal_of_Honor_recipients "List of PhilippineâAmerican War Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [Boxer Rebellion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxer_Rebellion "Boxer Rebellion") | 1899â1901 | 59 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the Boxer Rebellion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_for_the_Boxer_Rebellion "List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Boxer Rebellion") |
| [Occupation of Veracruz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_occupation_of_Veracruz "United States occupation of Veracruz") | 1914 | 56 | [Medal of Honor recipients for Veracruz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_\(Veracruz\) "List of Medal of Honor recipients (Veracruz)") |
| [United States occupation of Haiti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_occupation_of_Haiti "United States occupation of Haiti") | 1915â1934 | 8 | [Medal of Honor recipients for Haiti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Invasion_and_occupation_of_Haiti "List of Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [Dominican Republic Occupation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1916_United_States_occupation_of_the_Dominican_Republic "1916 United States occupation of the Dominican Republic") | 1916â1924 | 3 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the Occupation of the Dominican Republic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Occupation_of_the_Dominican_Republic "List of Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [World War I](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I "World War I") | 1914â1918 | 126 | [Medal of Honor recipients for World War I](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_for_World_War_I "List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War I") |
| [Occupation of Nicaragua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupation_of_Nicaragua "Occupation of Nicaragua") | 1912â1933 | 2 | [Medal of Honor recipients for Occupation of Nicaragua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Occupation_of_Nicaragua "List of Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [World War II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II "World War II") | 1939â1945 | 472 | [Medal of Honor recipients for World War II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_for_World_War_II "List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II") |
| [Korean War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War "Korean War") | 1950â1953 | 146 | [Korean War Medal of Honor recipients](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Korean_War_Medal_of_Honor_recipients "List of Korean War Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [Vietnam War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_War "Vietnam War") | 1955â1975 | 268 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_for_the_Vietnam_War "List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War") |
| [USS *Liberty* incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Liberty_incident "USS Liberty incident") | 1967 | 1 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the USS *Liberty* incident](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#USS_Liberty_incident "List of Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [Battle of Mogadishu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mogadishu_\(1993\) "Battle of Mogadishu (1993)") | 1993 | 2 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the Battle of Mogadishu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Post_Vietnam_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Somalia "List of Post Vietnam Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [Iraq War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_War "Iraq War") | 2003â2011 | 7 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the Iraq War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Post_Vietnam_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Iraq_War "List of Post Vietnam Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [War in Afghanistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_\(2001%E2%80%932021\) "War in Afghanistan (2001â2021)") | 2001â2021 | 20 | [Medal of Honor recipients for the War in Afghanistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Post_Vietnam_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#War_in_Afghanistan "List of Post Vietnam Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [Operation Inherent Resolve](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Inherent_Resolve "Operation Inherent Resolve") | 2014âpresent | 1 | [Medal of Honor recipients for Operation Inherent Resolve](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Post_Vietnam_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Operation_Inherent_Resolve "List of Post Vietnam Medal of Honor recipients") |
| [Venezuelan Intervention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_intervention_in_Venezuela "2026 United States intervention in Venezuela") | 2026 | 1 | [Medal of Honor recipients for Venezuelan Intervention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Post_Vietnam_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Venezuelan_Intervention "List of Post Vietnam Medal of Honor recipients") |
| Noncombat | 1865â1939 | 193 | [Medal of Honor recipients in non-combat incidents](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients_in_non-combat_incidents "List of Medal of Honor recipients in non-combat incidents") |
| [Unknown soldiers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_the_Unknown_Soldier "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier") | 1914â1973 | 9 | [Unknown Medal of Honor recipients](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients#Foreign "List of Medal of Honor recipients") (4 American and 5 Allies) |
| Army | Navy | Marine Corps | Air Force | Coast Guard | Total[\[243\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-246) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,461 | 749[\[244\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-247) | 300 | 19 | 1 | 3,530 |
Note that the number of Air Force recipients does not count recipients from its pre-September 19, 1947, Army-related [predecessor organizations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force#Antecedents "United States Air Force"). Nevertheless, the Air Force's transfer agreement gave it retroactive jurisdiction over military awards to the date the Air Corps was authorized by statute: Jul. 2, 1926. Thus, were a decoration submitted retroactively for an aviator's actions on or after that date (including a Medal of Honor), it would be processed by the Air Force despite the fact that the Air Force did not yet exist as a separate service.[\[245\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-248)
Nineteen service members have been awarded the Medal of Honor twice.[\[246\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-249) The first double Medal of Honor recipient was [Thomas Custer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Custer "Thomas Custer") (brother of [George Armstrong Custer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Armstrong_Custer "George Armstrong Custer")) for two separate actions that took place several days apart during the American Civil War.[\[247\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-250)
Five "double recipients" were awarded both the Army's and Navy's Medal of Honor for the same action, with all five of these occurrences taking place during World War I.[\[248\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-251) This was a consequence of the marine recipients serving under Army command, which had been reviewed by the Army's judge advocate general. According to the judge advocate general, the marines were "a party 'of the Army'" since they were detached for service under the Army by presidential directive, and thus were subject to the Army's decoration statutes for that time period.[\[249\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201876-252) No modern recipients have more than one medal because of laws passed for the Army in 1918, and for the Navy in 1919, which stipulated that "no more than one medal of honor . . . shall be issued to any one person," although subsequent awards were still authorized by issuance of bars or other devices in lieu of the medal itself.[\[250\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018219,_221-253) The prohibition on wearing multiple medals did not technically apply to the double recipients of WWI because they received Medals of Honor from different services, which meant the same medals were not duplicated and had independent statutory authority.[\[251\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201880,_91-254) Later, in 1927, President Coolidge issued an executive order that forbade issuing more than one federal decoration for the same action, a policy that continues through the present time.[\[233\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201891-236) The statutory bar on issuing multiple Medals of Honor was finally repealed in the FY2014 defense bill,[\[252\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-255) at the request of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, meaning that recipients can now be issued more than one medal rather than simply receiving a device for subsequent awards.[\[253\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018130-256) However, it is still true that no more than one medal may be issued for the same action.[\[253\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018130-256)
The most Medals of Honor earned by any service member is two.[\[49\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-navyfaq-51) The last living individual to be awarded two Medals of Honor was [John J. Kelly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_J._Kelly "John J. Kelly"), on October 3, 1918;[\[254\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-257) the last individual to receive two Medals of Honor for two different actions was [Smedley Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smedley_Butler "Smedley Butler"), in 1914 and 1915.[\[255\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-258) None of the double awardees earned two distinct medals under modern Medal of Honor criteria, although the WWI awardees qualified under substantially modern statutes.
| Name | Service | Rank[\[d\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-259) | War(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Frank Baldwin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Baldwin "Frank Baldwin") | [Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Army "US Army") | First Lieutenant, Captain | [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War"), [Indian Wars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Wars "Indian Wars") | |
| [Smedley Butler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smedley_Butler "Smedley Butler") | [Marine Corps](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Marine_Corps "US Marine Corps") | Major | [Veracruz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_occupation_of_Veracruz "United States occupation of Veracruz"), [Haiti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_occupation_of_Haiti "United States occupation of Haiti") | |
| [John Cooper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Laver_Mather_Cooper "John Laver Mather Cooper") | [Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Navy "US Navy") | [Coxswain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coxswain "Coxswain") | American Civil War | |
| [Louis Cukela](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Cukela "Louis Cukela") | Marine Corps | Sergeant | [World War I](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I "World War I") | Awarded both Navy and Army versions for same action. |
| [Thomas Custer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Custer "Thomas Custer") | Army | Second Lieutenant | American Civil War | [Battle of Namozine Church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Namozine_Church "Battle of Namozine Church") on April 3 and [Battle of Sayler's Creek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Sayler%27s_Creek "Battle of Sayler's Creek") on April 6, 1865. |
| [Daniel Daly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Daly "Daniel Daly") | Marine Corps | Private, Gunnery Sergeant | [Boxer Rebellion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxer_Rebellion "Boxer Rebellion"), Haiti | [\[256\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-260) |
| [Henry Hogan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Hogan "Henry Hogan") | Army | First Sergeant | Indian Wars | |
| [Ernest A. Janson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_A._Janson "Ernest A. Janson") | Marine Corps | Gunnery Sergeant | World War I | Both awarded for same action. Received the Army MOH under the name Charles F. Hoffman. |
| [John J. Kelly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_J._Kelly "John J. Kelly") | Marine Corps | Private | World War I | Both awarded for same action. |
| [John King](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_King_\(sailor\) "John King (sailor)") | Navy | Water tender | Peacetime | 1901 and 1909 |
| [Matej Kocak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matej_Kocak "Matej Kocak") | Marine Corps | Sergeant | World War I | Both awarded for same action. |
| [John Lafferty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lafferty "John Lafferty") | Navy | Fireman, First Class Fireman | American Civil War, peacetime | |
| [John C. McCloy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C._McCloy "John C. McCloy") | Navy | Coxswain, Chief Boatswain | Boxer Rebellion, Veracruz | |
| [Patrick Mullen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Mullen_\(Medal_of_Honor\) "Patrick Mullen (Medal of Honor)") | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | American Civil War | |
| [John H. Pruitt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_H._Pruitt "John H. Pruitt") | Marine Corps | Corporal | World War I | Both awarded for same action. |
| [Robert Sweeney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Augustus_Sweeney "Robert Augustus Sweeney") | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | Peacetime | 1881 and 1883 |
| [Albert Weisbogel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Weisbogel "Albert Weisbogel") | Navy | Captain of the Mizzen Top | Peacetime | 1874 and 1876 |
| [Louis Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_Andreas_Olsen "Ludwig Andreas Olsen") | Navy | Captain of the Hold | Peacetime | 1883 and 1884. Also known as [Ludwig Andreas Olsen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_Andreas_Olsen "Ludwig Andreas Olsen"). |
| [William Wilson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Wilson_\(soldier,_born_1847\) "William Wilson (soldier, born 1847)") | Army | Sergeant | Indian Wars | |
[Arthur MacArthur, Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_MacArthur,_Jr. "Arthur MacArthur, Jr.") and [Douglas MacArthur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_MacArthur "Douglas MacArthur") were the first father and son to be awarded the Medal of Honor.[\[257\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-father-261) The only other such pairing is [Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Roosevelt "Theodore Roosevelt") (awarded in 2001) and [Theodore Roosevelt III](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Roosevelt_Jr. "Theodore Roosevelt Jr.").[\[257\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-father-261) Notably, one member in each pair was strongly influenced by political considerations; Douglas MacArthur's medal was approved for service (rather than gallantry) in violation of both law and policy that prohibited such action,[\[258\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018143-145-262) and Theodore Roosevelt's medal was approved after members of Congress successfully lobbied the Secretary of the Army to reverse a prior determination that "Theodore Roosevelt's bravery in battle did not rise to the level that would justify the Medal of Honor and, indeed, it did not rise to the level of men who fought in that engagement."[\[259\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018154-263)
Seven pairs of brothers have received the Medal of Honor:
- [James Pond](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Pond_\(Medal_of_Honor\) "James Pond (Medal of Honor)") and [George F. Pond](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_F._Pond "George F. Pond"), in the [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War") for separate actions. James for actions on 6 October 1863 and George on 15 May 1864.[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-brothers-264)
- [George N. Galloway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_N._Galloway "George N. Galloway") and [John Galloway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Galloway_\(Medal_of_Honor\) "John Galloway (Medal of Honor)"), in the [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War") for separate actions. George for actions on May 8, 1864 and John for actions on April 7, 1865.[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-brothers-264)
- [John](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C._Black "John C. Black") and [William Black](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_P._Black "William P. Black"), in the [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War"). The Blacks are the first brothers to be so honored.[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-brothers-264)
- [Charles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_E._Capehart "Charles E. Capehart") and [Henry Capehart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Capehart "Henry Capehart"), in the American Civil War, the latter for saving a drowning man while under fire.[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-brothers-264)
- [Antoine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoine_August_Michel_Gaujot "Antoine August Michel Gaujot") and [Julien Gaujot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julien_Edmund_Victor_Gaujot "Julien Edmund Victor Gaujot"). The Gaujots also have the unique distinction of receiving their medals for actions in separate conflicts, Antoine in the [PhilippineâAmerican War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine%E2%80%93American_War "PhilippineâAmerican War") and Julien when he crossed the Mexican border to rescue Mexicans and Americans in a [Mexican Revolution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_Revolution "Mexican Revolution") skirmish.[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-brothers-264)
- [Harry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Herbert_Miller "Harry Herbert Miller") and [Willard Miller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willard_Miller "Willard Miller"), during the same naval action in the [SpanishâAmerican War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish%E2%80%93American_War "SpanishâAmerican War").[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-brothers-264)
- [Allen and James Thompson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_and_James_Thompson "Allen and James Thompson"), in the same American Civil War action.[\[260\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-brothers-264)
Two other notable pairs of related recipients include two uncle and nephew recipients. Admiral [Frank Friday Fletcher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Friday_Fletcher "Frank Friday Fletcher") (rear admiral at the time of award) and his nephew, Admiral [Frank Jack Fletcher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Jack_Fletcher "Frank Jack Fletcher") (lieutenant at the time of award), both awarded for actions during the [United States occupation of Veracruz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_occupation_of_Veracruz "United States occupation of Veracruz").[\[261\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-b814-265) [Guy W. S. Castle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_W._S._Castle "Guy W. S. Castle") for actions during the U.S. occupation of Veracruz,[\[262\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-266) and his nephew [Frederick Walker Castle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Walker_Castle "Frederick Walker Castle") for actions during [World War II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II "World War II").[\[263\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-267)
Since 1979, 86 late Medal of Honor awards have been presented for actions from the Civil War to the Vietnam War. In addition, five recipients whose names were included on the Army's medal revocations in 1917 had their awards restored.[\[264\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-268) A 1993 study commissioned by the U.S. Army investigated "racial disparity" in the awarding of medals.[\[265\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-African-269) At the time, no Medals of Honor had been awarded to U.S. soldiers of [African descent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_descent "African descent") who served in World War II. After an exhaustive review, the study recommended that ten [Distinguished Service Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distinguished_Service_Cross_\(United_States\) "Distinguished Service Cross (United States)") recipients be awarded the Medal of Honor. On January 13, 1997, President [Bill Clinton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Clinton "Bill Clinton") presented the Medal of Honor to seven of these World War II veterans, six of them posthumously and one to former Second Lieutenant [Vernon Baker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernon_Baker "Vernon Baker").[\[266\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-CD25-270)
In 1998, a similar study of [Asian Americans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_American "Asian American") resulted in Clinton presenting 22 Medals of Honor in 2000.[\[267\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-AsianDoD-271) This was following a historical review conducted by a team of historians headed by Jim McNaughton at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, located in the Presidio of Monterey, California.[\[268\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-272) The review ultimately forwarded at least 47 cases of Distinguished Service Crosses for potential upgrade, as well as one Silver Star.[\[269\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-273) Twenty of the resulting medals went to U.S. soldiers of [Japanese](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_people "Japanese people") descent of the [442nd Regimental Combat Team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/442nd_Regimental_Combat_Team "442nd Regimental Combat Team") (442nd RCT) who served in the [European Theater of Operations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Theater_of_Operations "European Theater of Operations") during World War II.[\[267\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-AsianDoD-271)[\[270\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-274) One of these Medal of Honor recipients was Senator [Daniel Inouye](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Inouye "Daniel Inouye"), a former U.S. Army officer in the 442nd RCT.[\[266\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-CD25-270)
In 2005, President George W. Bush presented the Medal of Honor to [Tibor Rubin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibor_Rubin "Tibor Rubin"), a [Hungarian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungary "Hungary")\-born [American Jew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Jews "American Jews") who was a [Holocaust survivor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holocaust_survivor "Holocaust survivor") of World War II and enlisted U.S. infantryman and [prisoner of war](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prisoner_of_war "Prisoner of war") in the [Korean War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War "Korean War"), whom many believed to have been overlooked because of his [religion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion "Religion").[\[271\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-275)
On April 11, 2013, President Obama presented the Medal of Honor posthumously to [Army chaplain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaplain_Corps_\(United_States_Army\) "Chaplain Corps (United States Army)") Captain [Emil Kapaun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emil_Kapaun "Emil Kapaun") for his actions as a [prisoner of war](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War#Prisoners_of_War_\(POWs\) "Korean War") during the Korean War.[\[272\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-276) This follows other awards to Army Sergeant [Leslie H. Sabo, Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_H._Sabo,_Jr. "Leslie H. Sabo, Jr.") for conspicuous gallantry in action on May 10, 1970, near [Se San](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonl%C3%A9_San "TonlĂŠ San"), [Cambodia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodia "Cambodia"), during the Vietnam War[\[273\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-cbsnews5-16-12-277) and to Army Private First Class [Henry Svehla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Svehla "Henry Svehla") and Army Private First Class [Anthony T. KahoĘťohanohano](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_T._Kaho%CA%BBohanohano "Anthony T. KahoĘťohanohano") for their heroic actions during the Korean War.[\[274\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-278)
As a result of a congressionally mandated review to ensure brave acts were not overlooked due to prejudice or discrimination, on March 18, 2014, President Obama upgraded Distinguished Service Crosses to Medals of Honor for 24 Hispanic, Jewish and black individualsâthe "Valor 24"âfor their actions in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.[\[275\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-USarmyCAC201403-279) Three were still living at the time of the ceremony.[\[275\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-USarmyCAC201403-279)
In 2010 and again in 2014, Congress directed the Department of Defense to "survey military leaders . . . to the lowest level of command to determine if there is a trend of downgrading awards . . . for medals related to acts of valor and gallantry," and also to "review the Medal of Honor process to ensure that the nomination process, valor requirements, and timeliness of the process do not unfairly penalize service members."[\[276\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018129-134-280) This ultimately resulted in a review of all post 9/11 valor awards, several of which resulted in Medals of Honor.[\[276\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018129-134-280)
Another historical review for World War I medals that may have been tainted by discrimination was authorized in the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act.[\[277\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-281) Conducted under the George S. Rob Centre at Park University, the review is still ongoing but has already identified some 200 medals for potential upgrade.[\[278\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-282)
## 27th Maine and other revoked awards
\[[edit](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Medal_of_Honor&action=edit§ion=41 "Edit section: 27th Maine and other revoked awards")\]
[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medal_of_Honor_monument,_Austin,_TX_IMG_2206.JPG)
A Medal of Honor monument at the [Texas State Cemetery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_State_Cemetery "Texas State Cemetery") in [Austin, Texas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin,_Texas "Austin, Texas")
During the Civil War, [Secretary of War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_War "United States Secretary of War") [Edwin M. Stanton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_M._Stanton "Edwin M. Stanton") promised a Medal of Honor to every man in the [27th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/27th_Maine_Volunteer_Infantry_Regiment "27th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment") who extended his enlistment beyond his separation date.[\[279\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201825-283) The Battle of Gettysburg was imminent, and approximately 300 men of the regiment volunteered to serve until the battle was resolved.[\[279\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201825-283) The remaining men returned to Maine, and with the Union victory at Gettysburg the volunteers with extended enlistments soon followed.[\[279\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201825-283) They arrived back in Maine in time to be discharged with the men who had returned earlier. Since there seemed to be no official list of the extended volunteers, the War Department exacerbated the situation by forwarding 864 medals to the commanding officer of the regiment.[\[280\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201825-26-284) The commanding officer only issued the medals to the volunteers who stayed behind and retained the others on the grounds that, if he returned the remainder to the War Department, the War Department would try to reissue the medals.[\[281\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MWxix-285)
In 1916, a board of five Army generals on the retired list convened under act of law to review every Army Medal of Honor awarded.[\[282\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201852-286) The board was to report on any Medals of Honor awarded or issued "for any cause other than distinguished conduct by an officer or enlisted man in action involving actual conflict with an enemy."[\[45\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201853-47) The board, led by [Nelson A. Miles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_A._Miles "Nelson A. Miles"), identified 911 awards for causes other than distinguished conduct.[\[283\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears201855-287) This included the 864 medals awarded to members of the 27th Maine regiment; 29 servicemen who served as Abraham Lincoln's funeral guard; six civilians, including [Mary Edwards Walker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Edwards_Walker "Mary Edwards Walker") and [Buffalo Bill Cody](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Bill_Cody "Buffalo Bill Cody"); and 12 others.[\[284\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-MWxxv-288)[\[285\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-CD15-289) Walker's medal was restored by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in 1977, an action that is often erroneously attributed to President [Jimmy Carter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Carter "Jimmy Carter").[\[286\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-FOOTNOTEMears2018168,_171-290) Cody and four other civilian scouts who rendered distinguished service in action, and who were therefore considered by the board to have fully earned their medals, also had their medals restored by the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in 1989.[\[287\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-CD16-291) The report issued by the Medal of Honor review board in 1917 was reviewed by the [Judge Advocate General](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judge_Advocate_General_of_the_United_States_Army "Judge Advocate General of the United States Army"), who also advised that the War Department should not seek the return of the revoked medals from the recipients identified by the board.[\[288\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Session_1919-292) In the case of recipients who continued to wear the medal, the War Department was advised to take no action to enforce the statute.[\[288\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_note-Session_1919-292)
- [Medal of Honor Day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor_Day "Medal of Honor Day")
- [List of Medal of Honor recipients](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients "List of Medal of Honor recipients")
- Medal of Honor Memorials
- [Medal of Honor Memorial (Indianapolis)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor_Memorial_\(Indianapolis\) "Medal of Honor Memorial (Indianapolis)")
- [African-American Medal of Honor Recipients Memorial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_Medal_of_Honor_Recipients_Memorial "African-American Medal of Honor Recipients Memorial")
- [Kentucky Medal of Honor Memorial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kentucky_Medal_of_Honor_Memorial "Kentucky Medal of Honor Memorial")
- [Texas Medal of Honor Memorial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Medal_of_Honor_Memorial "Texas Medal of Honor Memorial")
- [Distinguished Intelligence Cross](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distinguished_Intelligence_Cross "Distinguished Intelligence Cross")
- [Home of the Heroes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pueblo,_Colorado#Home_of_Heroes "Pueblo, Colorado"), a recognition of Pueblo, Colorado, for being the hometown of four Medal of Honor recipients
- [Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_Marine_Distinguished_Service_Medal "Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal")
- [Military awards and decorations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_awards_and_decorations "Military awards and decorations")
- [National Medal of Honor Museum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Medal_of_Honor_Museum "National Medal of Honor Museum")
1. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-3)** As amended by Act of July 25, 1963
2. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-10)** For service in the [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War") to a U.S. Army Private [Jacob Parrott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Parrott "Jacob Parrott").
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-159)** U.S. Coast Guard Signalman First Class [Douglas Albert Munro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Albert_Munro "Douglas Albert Munro") was posthumously awarded the Navy version of the Medal of Honor for bravery at [Guadalcanal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guadalcanal_Campaign "Guadalcanal Campaign") on September 27, 1942.
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-259)** Rank refers to rank held at time of Medal of Honor action.
1. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-valor_1-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-valor_1-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-valor_1-2)
["Description of Awards â U.S. Military Awards for Valor"](https://valor.defense.gov/Description-of-Awards/). *[U.S. Department of Defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Department_of_Defense "U.S. Department of Defense")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210618070138/https://valor.defense.gov/Description-of-Awards/) from the original on 2021-06-18. Retrieved 2020-12-25.
2. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-regulations_2-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-regulations_2-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-regulations_2-2)
[Department of the Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_the_Army "United States Department of the Army") (July 1, 2002). ["Section 578.4 Medal of Honor"](http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2002/julqtr/32cfr578.4.htm). *[Code of Federal Regulations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Federal_Regulations "Code of Federal Regulations") Title 32, Volume 2*. [United States Government Publishing Office](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Government_Publishing_Office "United States Government Publishing Office"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130615164829/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2002-title32-vol3/html/CFR-2002-title32-vol3-sec578-4.htm) from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-4)**
["DoD Manual 1348.33, Vol 1, October 19, 2020. p. 4, 1.2.b./p. 8, 3.1.a."](https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/134833_Vol1.PDF?ver=103X2lC-z6ECdoT0q0rcgQ%3D%3D) (PDF). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201129014230/https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/134833_Vol1.PDF?ver=103X2lC-z6ECdoT0q0rcgQ%3D%3D) (PDF) from the original on November 29, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
4. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-5)** Act of December 21, 1861, 12 Stat. 330
5. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-6)** Act of July 12, 1862, 12 Stat. 623â624
6. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-7)** An Act to Revise, Codify, and Enact into Law, Title 10 of the United States Code, Entitled âArmed Forces,â and Title 32 of the United States Code, Entitled âNational Guard,â Pub. L. 84-1028 (1956), 70A Stat. 540.
7. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Pub._L._88%E2%80%9377_1963,_77_Stat._95_8-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Pub._L._88%E2%80%9377_1963,_77_Stat._95_8-1) Pub. L. 88â77 (1963), 77 Stat. 95.
8. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-9)** National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, Pub L. 116â283 (2021), 134 Stat. 3811.
9. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-11)**
["Statistics of the Medal of Honor for the United States Army"](https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/statistics.html). *U.S. Army*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210325231735/https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/statistics.html) from the original on 2021-03-25. Retrieved 2020-12-19.
10. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-AMOHWStat_12-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-AMOHWStat_12-1)
["Medal of Honor"](http://www.mohhsus.com/medal-of-honor). *Mohhsus.com*. Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160629095327/http://www.mohhsus.com/medal-of-honor) from the original on June 29, 2016. Retrieved September 12, 2025. "as of February 3, 2025, there have been 3,547 Medals of Honor awarded"
11. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-13)**
["Department of Defense Manual 1348.33, Volume 1"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170209095623/http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833v1_dodm_2016.pdf) (PDF). [Defense Technical Information Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Technical_Information_Center "Defense Technical Information Center"). p. 4. Archived from [the original](http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833v1_dodm_2016.pdf) (PDF) on February 9, 2017. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
12. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-14)** 10 U.S.C. § 7271
13. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-LoC_15-0)**
["The Medal of Honor"](https://www.loc.gov/collections/charles-reed/articles-and-essays/the-medal-of-honor/). [Library of Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Congress "Library of Congress"). December 14, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201028000259/https://www.loc.gov/collections/charles-reed/articles-and-essays/the-medal-of-honor/) from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
14. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-16)**
DoD Award Manual, November 23, 2010, 1348. 33, P. 31, 8. c. (1) (a)
Tucker, Spencer C.; Arnold, James; Wiener, Roberta (2011). [*The Encyclopedia of North American Indian Wars, 1607â1890: A Political, Social, and Military History*](https://books.google.com/books?id=JsM4A0GSO34C&pg=PA879). ABC-CLIO. p. 879. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-85109-697-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-85109-697-8 "Special:BookSources/978-1-85109-697-8")
. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230115062217/https://books.google.com/books?id=JsM4A0GSO34C&pg=PA879) from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
15. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-17)**
["Congressional Medal of Honor Society"](http://www.cmohs.org/medal-types.php). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110810181831/http://www.cmohs.org/medal-types.php) from the original on August 10, 2011. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
16. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-18)** Act of December 21, 1861, 12 Stat. 330.
17. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-19)** Act of July 12, 1862, 12 Stat. 623â624.
18. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-af.mil_20-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-af.mil_20-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-af.mil_20-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-af.mil_20-3)
["The Medal of Honor"](https://www.af.mil/Medal-of-Honor/The-Medal/). *www.af.mil*. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
19. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-21)**
["Medal of Honor"](https://www.battlefields.org/learn/topics/medal-honor). *American Battlefield Trust*. March 23, 2018. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190331025637/https://www.battlefields.org/learn/topics/medal-honor) from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
20. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-22)**
["Department of Defense Manual 1348.33, Volume 1"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170209095623/http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833v1_dodm_2016.pdf) (PDF). [Defense Technical Information Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Technical_Information_Center "Defense Technical Information Center"). p. 19. Archived from [the original](http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833v1_dodm_2016.pdf) (PDF) on February 9, 2017. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
21. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-posthumousQuantification_23-0)**
Pullen, John J. (1997). [*A Shower of Stars: The Medal of Honor and the 27th Maine*](https://books.google.com/books?id=xGtImta-9QEC&q=Pullen+A+Shower+of+stars). Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. pp. preface p2. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0811700757](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0811700757 "Special:BookSources/978-0811700757")
. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230115062218/https://books.google.com/books?id=xGtImta-9QEC&q=Pullen+A+Shower+of+stars) from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2010.
22. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-24)** SECNAVINST 1650.1H, P. 2â20, 224.2. August 22, 2006
23. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-25)** Dwight Mears, âMedals âRidiculously Givenâ?: The Authority to Award, Revoke, and Reinstate Military Decorations in Three Case Studies Involving Executive Clemency,â Military Law Review 229 (2021): 398, 419.
24. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-26)** Public Law 101-564, November 15, 1990
25. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201818_27-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201818_27-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201818_27-2) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 18.
26. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-28)**
["U.S. Senate: James Grimes: A Featured Biography"](https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/Featured_Bio_GrimesJames.htm). *www.senate.gov*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170719222459/https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/Featured_Bio_GrimesJames.htm) from the original on 2017-07-19. Retrieved 2018-02-16.
27. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-12_Stat._329%E2%80%93330_29-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-12_Stat._329%E2%80%93330_29-1) 12 Stat. 329â330.
28. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-AboveandBeyond_30-0)**
*Above and Beyond*. Boston Publishing Company. 1985. p. 5.
29. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201813_31-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 13.
30. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-32)**
Bonds, Russell S. (2006). *Stealing the General: Great Locomotive Chase and The First Medal of Honor*. Westholme. p. 308. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[1-59416-033-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-59416-033-3 "Special:BookSources/1-59416-033-3")
.
31. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-valorhonor_33-0)**
["Two Chief Engineers Were Medal of Honor Recipients?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060818051221/http://www.hq.usace.army.mil/history/Vignettes/Vignette_78.htm). *Did You Know?*. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Archived from [the original](http://www.hq.usace.army.mil/history/Vignettes/Vignette_78.htm) on August 18, 2006. Retrieved July 29, 2006.
32. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MWxviii_34-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MWxviii_34-1) [Mikaelian & Wallace 2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMikaelianWallace2003), p. xviii
33. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-typessecnav_35-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-typessecnav_35-1)
["Types of the Medal of Honor: 1862 To Present"](http://www.cmohs.org/medal-types.php). Congressional Medal of Honor Society. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110810181831/http://www.cmohs.org/medal-types.php) from the original on August 10, 2011. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
34. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-36)**
*Above and Beyond: A History of the Medal of Honor and the Civil War*. Boston Publishing Company in cooperation with the CMOH Society. 1985. p. 5. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-939526-19-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-939526-19-0 "Special:BookSources/0-939526-19-0")
. "These medals were made of copper and coated with bronze"
35. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-ReferenceA_37-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-ReferenceA_37-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-ReferenceA_37-2) 37th Congress, Second Session; Resolution No. 52, 12 Stat. 623â624
36. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-38)**
*Above and Beyond*. Boston Publishing Company. 1985. p. 5. 2nd paragraph.
37. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-39)**
Bonds, Russell S. (2006). *Stealing the General, The Great Locomotive Chase and the First Medal of Honor*. Westholme. p. 309. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-59416-033-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-59416-033-2 "Special:BookSources/978-1-59416-033-2")
. "The medal of honor is bronze, of neat device, and is highly prized by those of whom it has been bestowed," Townsend wrote in an 1864 report. Its original design, embodied first in the Navy Medal, was an inverted, five-pointed star ..."
38. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-40)**
*Above and Beyond: A History of the Medal of Honor from the Civil War to Vietnam*. Boston Publishing Company in cooperation with the CMOH Society. 1985. p. 5. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[0-939526-19-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-939526-19-0 "Special:BookSources/0-939526-19-0")
. "The medals were made of copper and coated with bronze, which gave them a reddish tint"
39. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201821_41-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 21.
40. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-42)**
*Above and Beyond*. 1985. p. 5.
41. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-43)**
Bonds, Russell S. (2006). *Great Locomotive Chase and the First Medal of Honor*.
42. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-RHargis2012_44-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-RHargis2012_44-1)
Hargis, Robert (August 20, 2012). [*World War II Medal of Honor Recipients (2): Army & Air Corps*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Q2LFnUmOuHEC&q=Medal%20of%20honor%20redesign%201896&pg=PA3). Osprey Publishing. p. 3. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-78200-207-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-78200-207-9 "Special:BookSources/978-1-78200-207-9")
. Retrieved September 3, 2012.
\[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot "Wikipedia:Link rot")*\]
43. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-45)**
Mollan, Mark C. (Summer 2001). ["The Army Medal of Honor: The First Fifty-five Years"](https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2001/summer/medal-of-honor-1.html). *Prologue Magazine*. **33** (2). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140718052027/http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2001/summer/medal-of-honor-1.html) from the original on July 18, 2014. Retrieved September 3, 2014. "Further depreciating the value of the medal, the Grand Army of the Republic and other veterans groups began giving out their own medals, some of which looked conspicuously similar to the Medal of Honor."
44. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-46)**
Comerford, Tim (February 5, 2016). ["A Matter of Honor â History of the Medal of Honor"](https://www.doncio.navy.mil/Chips/ArticleDetails.aspx?ID=7419). *www.doncio.navy.mil*. Department of the Navy. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161031001830/https://www.doncio.navy.mil/Chips/ArticleDetails.aspx?ID=7419) from the original on October 31, 2016. Retrieved January 26, 2025. "According to Frank, the Army redesigned its medal because other organizations had medals that looked similar. For example, the Grand Army of the Republic had a medal that, from far away, looked like a MoH."
45. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201853_47-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201853_47-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201853_47-2) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 53.
46. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018171_48-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018171_48-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018171_48-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018171_48-3) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 171.
47. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018175_49-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018175_49-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 175.
48. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018192_50-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018192_50-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 192.
49. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navyfaq_51-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navyfaq_51-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navyfaq_51-2)
["Medal of Honor, Frequently Asked Questions"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120605001140/http://www.navy.mil/moh/faq.html). Navy.mil. Archived from [the original](http://www.navy.mil/moh/faq.html) on June 5, 2012. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
50. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-52)** An Act to Revise, Codify, and Enact into Law, Title 10 of the United States Code, Entitled âArmed Forces,â and Title 32 of the United States Code, Entitled âNational Guard,â Pub. L. 84-1028 (1956), 70A Stat. 540
51. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MWxxvi_53-0)** [Mikaelian & Wallace 2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMikaelianWallace2003), p. xxvi
52. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-design_54-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-design_54-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-design_54-2)
["Medal of Honor Design Details - All Branches \| CMOHS"](https://www.cmohs.org/medal/design).
53. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-55)**
["History of the Medal of Honor â MOH Host City Program"](https://medalofhonorhostcity.com/history/).
54. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-ABC-GoldorBrass_56-0)**
Martin, John (February 5, 2004). ["Medal of Honor: Gold or Brass?"](https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=130511&page=1#.UFu-W41mTYg). *ABC News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140320193303/http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=130511&page=1#.UFu-W41mTYg) from the original on March 20, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2012.
55. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army_57-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army_57-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army_57-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army_57-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Army_57-4)
["Medal of Honor - Army"](https://web.archive.org/web/20250527022011/https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15237&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0). *tioh.army.mil*. Archived from [the original](https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15237&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0) on 2025-05-27. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
56. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-TIOH-MOH_58-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-TIOH-MOH_58-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-TIOH-MOH_58-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-TIOH-MOH_58-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-TIOH-MOH_58-4) [***f***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-TIOH-MOH_58-5) [***g***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-TIOH-MOH_58-6) [***h***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-TIOH-MOH_58-7)
["Medal of Honor-Army"](https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15237&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0). *US Government*. The Institute of Heraldry. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210416135710/https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15237&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0) from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
57. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MIL-DTL-3943/1F_59-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MIL-DTL-3943/1F_59-1)
Defense Standardization Program Office. ["Detail Specification Sheet MIL-DTL-3943/1G, Revision G, dated 29 May 2007 (PDF Document)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140428011651/http://www.assistdocs.com/search/document_details.cfm?ident_number=4589&StartRow=7101&PaginatorPageNumber=143&status_all=ON&search_method=BASIC). Assistdocs.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.assistdocs.com/search/document_details.cfm?ident_number=4589&StartRow=7101&PaginatorPageNumber=143&status_all=ON&search_method=BASIC) on 28 April 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
58. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-4) [***f***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-5) [***g***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-6) [***h***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-7) [***i***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-8) [***j***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navymedal_60-9)
["Medal of Honor - Navy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210416135035/https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15242&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0). *The Institute of Heraldry*. Archived from [the original](https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15242&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0) on 2021-04-16. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
59. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MIL-DTL-3943/2H_61-0)**
Defense Standardization Program Office. ["Detail Specification Sheet MIL-DTL-3943/2H, Revision H, dated 29 May 2007 (PDF Document)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150701164409/http://www.assistdocs.com/search/document_details.cfm?ident_number=4590&StartRow=7101&PaginatorPageNumber=143&status_all=ON&search_method=BASIC). Assistdocs.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.assistdocs.com/search/document_details.cfm?ident_number=4590&StartRow=7101&PaginatorPageNumber=143&status_all=ON&search_method=BASIC) on 1 July 2015. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
60. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force_62-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force_62-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force_62-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force_62-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_-_Air_Force_62-4)
["Medal of Honor - Air Force"](https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15243&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0).
61. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MIL-DTL-3943/3G_63-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MIL-DTL-3943/3G_63-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MIL-DTL-3943/3G_63-2)
Defense Standardization Program Office. ["Detail Specification Sheet MIL-DTL-3943/3G, Revision G, dated 29 May 2007 (PDF Document)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150701173433/http://www.assistdocs.com/search/document_details.cfm?ident_number=4591&StartRow=7101&PaginatorPageNumber=143&status_all=ON&search_method=BASIC). Assistdocs.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.assistdocs.com/search/document_details.cfm?ident_number=4591&StartRow=7101&PaginatorPageNumber=143&status_all=ON&search_method=BASIC) on 1 July 2015. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
62. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-64)**
["U.S. Army Service, Campaign Medals and Foreign Awards Information"](https://veteranmedals.army.mil/home/us-army-medals-award-badges-ribbon-and-attachments-information/us-army-service-campaign-medals-and-foreign-awards-information).
63. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Schubert_65-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Schubert_65-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Schubert_65-2)
[Schubert, Frank N.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_N._Schubert "Frank N. Schubert") (1997). [*Black Valor: Buffalo Soldiers and the Medal of Honor, 1870â1898*](https://archive.org/details/blackvalorbuffal00schu/page/2). Scholarly Resources Inc. pp. [2, 6](https://archive.org/details/blackvalorbuffal00schu/page/2). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
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64. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navalhistory_66-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navalhistory_66-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-navalhistory_66-2)
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66. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201882%E2%80%9383_68-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), pp. 82â83.
67. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201884_69-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201884_69-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201884_69-2) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 84.
68. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-70)**
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69. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018148_71-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018148_71-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 148.
70. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018149_72-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 149.
71. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201894_73-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201894_73-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 94.
72. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201895_74-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 95.
73. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-75)**
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74. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-76)**
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`{{cite news}}`: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service "Category:CS1 maint: deprecated archival service"))
75. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018114_77-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018114_77-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 114.
76. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-78)** Congressional Medal of Honor site, History of the Medal of Honor, May 2, 1896 (20 Stat. 473)
77. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-79)**
["H. Rept. 54-2504 - Medals of honor. January 13, 1897. -- Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed"](https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/SERIALSET-03555_00_00-058-2504-0000). *GovInfo.gov*. U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
78. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-versions_80-0)**
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79. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_81-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Medal_of_Honor_81-1)
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80. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-82)**
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81. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-83)**
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82. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-84)**
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Zabecki, David T. (April 26, 2010). ["Ask MHQ: Any Reason the U.S. Legion of Merit Looks Like the French Legion of Honor?"](http://www.historynet.com/ask-mhq-any-reason-the-u-s-legion-of-merit-looks-like-the-french-legion-of-honor.htm). *historynet.com*. Weider History. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150101180208/http://www.historynet.com/ask-mhq-any-reason-the-u-s-legion-of-merit-looks-like-the-french-legion-of-honor.htm) from the original on January 1, 2015. Retrieved September 3, 2014. "For the degree of Commander, the badge is worn from a neck ribbon. (The Medal of Honor is the only other American decoration worn from the neck.)"
83. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-neckorderLOM_85-0)**
["Legion of Merit"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120331032923/http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Awards/legion_of_merit.aspx). *Awards*. Institute of Heraldry. Archived from [the original](http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Awards/legion_of_merit.aspx) on March 31, 2012. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
84. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-86)**
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85. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-87)** DoDM 1348.33-V1, November 23, 2010, Change 1, 10/12/2011, p.34.
86. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-double_88-0)**
["Double Recipients"](http://www.cmohs.org/double-recipients.php). Congressional Medal of Honor Society. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120228040830/http://www.cmohs.org/double-recipients.php) from the original on February 28, 2012. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
87. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-89)**
["Department of Defense Manual 1348.33, Volume 1"](https://web.archive.org/web/20251202000000/https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/134833_vol1.PDF?ver=oTB4fmi1OELByGP17fELwg%3D%3D) (PDF). [Defense Technical Information Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Technical_Information_Center "Defense Technical Information Center"). p. 10. Archived from [the original](https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/134833_vol1.PDF?ver=oTB4fmi1OELByGP17fELwg%3D%3D) (PDF) on December 2, 2025. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
[Alt URL](https://archive.org/details/do-d-manual-1348-33-vol-1)
88. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-90)**
["Department of Defense Manual 1348.33, Volume 1"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170209095623/http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833v1_dodm_2016.pdf) (PDF). [Defense Technical Information Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Technical_Information_Center "Defense Technical Information Center"). p. 20. Archived from [the original](http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134833v1_dodm_2016.pdf) (PDF) on February 9, 2017. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
89. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-91)**
["Medal of Honor Flag"](https://web.archive.org/web/20161126140245/http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15743&CategoryId=9360&grp=2&menu=Uniformed%20Services&ps=24&p=0). Archived from [the original](http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15743&CategoryId=9360&grp=2&menu=Uniformed%20Services&ps=24&p=0) on November 26, 2016.
90. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Kendall_92-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Kendall_92-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Kendall_92-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Kendall_92-3)
["Special Forces veteran's idea leads to new Medal of Honor Flag"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060111151709/http://www4.army.mil/news/article.php?story=7244). Army News Service. Archived from [the original](http://www4.army.mil/news/article.php?story=7244) on January 11, 2006. Retrieved July 24, 2006.
91. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-flag_93-0)**
["Medal of Honor Flag"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060911012812/http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Flags_Guidons/MedalOfHonorFlag.htm). *The Institute of Heraldry*. US Army. Archived from [the original](http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Flags_Guidons/MedalOfHonorFlag.htm) on September 11, 2006. Retrieved July 21, 2006.
92. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-smithflag_94-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-smithflag_94-1)
Cramer, Eric W. (March 29, 2005). ["First Medal of Honor Flag to be presented"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060721040551/http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/read.php?story_id_key=7085). *Army News Service*. US Army. Archived from [the original](http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/read.php?story_id_key=7085) on July 21, 2006. Retrieved July 21, 2006.
93. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-flagpresent_95-0)**
[""Old Ironsides" Hosts Medal of Honor Recipients"](https://web.archive.org/web/20061008063242/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25834). *Navy Newsstand*. US Navy. 2006. Archived from [the original](http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25834) on October 8, 2006. Retrieved October 1, 2006.
94. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-96)** See, e.g., AR 600-8-22 (5 Mar 2019), para. 1-14(g), and 10 U.S.C. § 7274.
95. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-97)**
["Medal of Honor Citations"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090611082639/http://www.history.army.mil/moh.html). History.army.mil. June 4, 2008. Archived from [the original](http://www.history.army.mil/moh.html) on June 11, 2009. Retrieved January 3, 2012.
96. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-98)**
Ron Owens. Medal of Honor: historical facts and figures, Turner, 2004, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-68162-240-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-68162-240-8 "Special:BookSources/978-1-68162-240-8")
97. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-99)**
["Medal of Honor Recipients Tell Their Stories"](http://www.c-span.org/Events/Medal-of-Honor-Recipients-Tell-Their-Stories/10737435807/). *C-SPAN*. National Cable Satellite Corporation. November 21, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2013. "The Medal of Honor is the highest U.S. military honor and is usually presented by the President of the United States."
`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service "Category:CS1 maint: deprecated archival service"))
98. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-100)** [10 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_10_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 10 of the United States Code") [§ 3752](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/3752)
99. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-101)**
Jeff Schogol; Leoo Shane III (January 12, 2007). ["Marine posthumously awarded Medal of Honor"](http://www.stripes.com/news/marine-posthumously-awarded-medal-of-honor-1.59068). *Stars and Stripes*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130219071159/http://www.stripes.com/news/marine-posthumously-awarded-medal-of-honor-1.59068) from the original on February 19, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2013. "At the ceremony, Bush noted that more than half of the Medal of Honor recipients since World War II have died earning it."
100. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-102)** Regulations for the Government of the United States Navy (Washington: GPO, 1865), 141.
101. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-103)** Regulations for the Government of the United States Navy (Washington: GPO, 1865), 142.
102. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MWxvii_104-0)** [Mikaelian & Wallace 2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMikaelianWallace2003), p. xvii
103. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201824_105-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201824_105-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201824_105-2) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 24.
104. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201823_106-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 23.
105. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201823,_33_107-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 23, 33.
106. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-108)**
["John Henry Helms \| Interim 1899 - 1910 \| U.S. Marine Corps \| Medal of Honor Recipient"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/john-h-helms).
107. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-109)**
["U.S Navy Interim 1899 - 1910"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/page/1?branches%5B%5D=us-navy&conflicts%5B%5D=interim-1899-1910). *cmohs.org*. Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
108. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-HargisSinton2003_110-0)**
Argis, Robert H; Sinton, Starr (2003). [*World War II Medal of Honor recipients (1): Navy & USMC*](https://web.archive.org/web/20160322011736/https://books.google.com/books?id=JdGr1QFy9HwC&pg=PA6). Osprey Publishing. p. 6. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-84176-613-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-84176-613-3 "Special:BookSources/978-1-84176-613-3")
. Archived from [the original](https://books.google.com/books?id=JdGr1QFy9HwC&pg=PA6) on 2016-03-22. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
109. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-ryan_111-0)**
["Medal of Honor Recipients, Interim Awards 1920â1940"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100420102912/http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/interim1920-40.html). [United States Army Center of Military History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Center_of_Military_History "United States Army Center of Military History"). Archived from [the original](http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/interim1920-40.html) on April 20, 2010. Retrieved July 23, 2006.
110. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-112)**
["The Making of the Medal of Honor"](https://web.archive.org/web/20250525055119/https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/Heritage/Article-View/Article/2686199/the-making-of-the-medal-of-honor/). *The Sextant*. Archived from [the original](https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/Heritage/Article-View/Article/2686199/the-making-of-the-medal-of-honor/) on 2025-05-25. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
111. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018116_113-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018116_113-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 116.
112. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Act_of_July_9,_1918,_40_Stat._870_114-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Act_of_July_9,_1918,_40_Stat._870_114-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Act_of_July_9,_1918,_40_Stat._870_114-2) Act of July 9, 1918, 40 Stat. 870.
113. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-115)**
["Buffalo Bill's Medal Restored"](https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/09/us/buffalo-bill-s-medal-restored.html). *The New York Times*. July 9, 1989. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161219204955/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/09/us/buffalo-bill-s-medal-restored.html) from the original on December 19, 2016. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
114. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-116)**
["History of the Medal of Honor"](http://www.cmohs.org/medal-history.php). CMOHS.org. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110828043704/http://www.cmohs.org/medal-history.php) from the original on August 28, 2011. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
115. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201897%E2%80%9398_117-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), pp. 97â98.
116. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201883_118-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 83.
117. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-119)**
Tillman, Barrett (2003). *Above and Beyond: The Aviation Medals of Honor*. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press. p. 3.
118. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-120)**
["Encyclopedia Virginia"](http://encyclopediavirginia.org/media_player?mets_filename=evm00000779mets.xml). Encyclopedia Virginia. February 19, 1927. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130517030451/http://encyclopediavirginia.org/media_player?mets_filename=evm00000779mets.xml) from the original on May 17, 2013. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
119. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-121)** "An Act to Amend the Act Approved February 4, 1919 (40 Stat. 1056)", August 7, 1942, Public Law 702, 56 Stat. 743-45."
120. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-122)**
Ron Owens. Medal of Honor: Historical Facts and Figures (Paducah, KY: Turner, 2004), 11. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-68162-240-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-68162-240-8 "Special:BookSources/978-1-68162-240-8")
121. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-123)** "An Act to Amend Titles 10, 14, and 38, United States Code, with Respect to the Award of Certain Medals and the Medal of Honor Roll", July 25, 1956, HR 2998, Public Law 88-77, 77 Stat. 93.
122. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-124)** DoD Awards Manual 1348.33, V1, October 12, 2011 (November 23, 2010). pp. 31â32, 8. Medal of Honor (1) (a) 1., 2., 3. (k), *p. 10, Title 10 US Code* sections 3741, 6241, and 8741 (*Titles 14 & 38 not referenced by DoD*)
123. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-United_States_Code_1963_125-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-United_States_Code_1963_125-1) "An Act to Amend Titles 10, 14, and 38, United States Code, with Respect to the Award of Certain Medals and the Medal of Honor Roll", July 25, 1963, HR 2998, Public Law 88â77, 77 Stat. 93.
124. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-126)** DoD Manual 1348.33, V1, Oct. 12. 2011 (November 23, 2010), pp. 31 & 32, 8. Medal of Honor (1) (a) 3. (k), *p. 10, Title 10 US Code* sections 3741, 6241, and 8741 (*Title 14 & 38 not referenced By DoD*).
125. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-HR2998_1963_127-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-HR2998_1963_127-1) "Subcommittee No.2 Consideration of HR2998, A Bill to Amend Titles 10, 14, and 38, United States Code, with Respect to the Award of Certain Medals and the Medal of Honor Roll", House of Representatives, Committee of Armed Services, June 6, 1963.
126. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-128)** Executive order 11046 â DoD Awards Manual 1348.33, V3, October 12, 2011 (November 23, 2010), pp. 19â21, 4. Bronze Star Medal (Title 10 & 37 is referenced by DoD, Titles 14 & 38 is not referenced by DoD)
127. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-129)** "An Act Making Appropriations for the Support of the Army for the Fiscal Year Ending June Thirtieth, Nineteen Hundred and Nineteen", July 9, 1918, HR12281, Public Law 193, 40 Stat. 870.
128. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018117_130-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 117.
129. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto5_131-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto5_131-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto5_131-2)
["Awards and Decorations Branch"](https://www.hrc.army.mil/wcmt-api/sites/default/wcmtfiles/files/15928_0.pdf) (PDF). *www.hrc.army.mil*. United States Army Human Resources Command. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
130. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-regulation600_132-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-regulation600_132-1)
["Army Regulation 600â8â22"](https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN42665-AR_600-8-22-000-WEB-1.pdf) (PDF). *armypubs.army.mil*. Department of the Army. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
131. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto4_133-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto4_133-1)
["Medal of Honor - United States Army"](https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/). *www.army.mil*.
132. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-134)** 10 U.S. Code § 7274; 10 U.S. Code § 8298; 10 U.S. Code § 9274; 14 U.S. Code § 2741
133. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto3_135-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto3_135-1)
["Metal of Honor Review Process Review: U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer Nominee"](https://web.archive.org/web/20260204064759/https://media.defense.gov/2016/Jun/08/2001714247/-1/-1/1/DODIG-2016-095.pdf) (PDF). *United States Department of Defense*. May 4, 2016. Archived from [the original](https://media.defense.gov/2016/Jun/08/2001714247/-1/-1/1/DODIG-2016-095.pdf) (PDF) on February 4, 2026.
134. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-g188_136-0)**
["Navy Celebrates 100th Anniversary of the Board of Decorations and Medals"](https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/2239070/navy-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-the-board-of-decorations-and-medals/). *United States Navy*. 6 March 1919. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
135. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-h564_137-0)**
["Secretary of the Air Force Decorations Board (SAFDB)"](https://afrba-portal.cce.af.mil/#board-info/safdb). *afrba-portal.cce.af.mil*. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
136. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201817_138-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201817_138-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201817_138-2) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 17.
137. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201843_139-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201843_139-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 43.
138. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Dwight_Mears_2021_140-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Dwight_Mears_2021_140-1) Dwight Mears, âMedals âRidiculously Givenâ?: The Authority to Award, Revoke, and Reinstate Military Decorations in Three Case Studies Involving Executive Clemency,â Military Law Review 229 (2021): 398.
139. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-141)** Dwight Mears, âMedals âRidiculously Givenâ?: The Authority to Award, Revoke, and Reinstate Military Decorations in Three Case Studies Involving Executive Clemency,â Military Law Review 229 (2021): 400, 402.
140. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-142)** Army Regulation 672-5-1, Military Awards, Par. 1-28a, Jun. 3, 1974.
141. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-143)** Air Force Manual 900-3, para. 3-2(d)(2), Nov. 20, 1969.
142. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-144)** Dwight Mears, âMedals âRidiculously Givenâ?: The Authority to Award, Revoke, and Reinstate Military Decorations in Three Case Studies Involving Executive Clemency,â Military Law Review 229 (2021): 419.
143. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-145)**
South, Todd (March 17, 2021). ["Former Green Beret, whom Trump pardoned for alleged murder, won't get Silver Star or SF tab back, Army rules"](https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2021/03/17/former-green-beret-whom-trump-pardoned-for-alleged-murder-wont-get-silver-star-or-sf-tab-back-army-rules/). *Army Times*. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
144. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-146)** DoD Instruction 1348.33, Sec. 8, Dec. 21. 2016, Change 3, May 22, 2019
145. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-147)**
Mears, Dwight (2021). ["Medals 'Ridiculously Given'?: The Authority to Award, Revoke, and Reinstate Military Decorations in Three Case Studies Involving Executive Clemency"](https://web.archive.org/web/20240525060705/https://tjaglcs.army.mil/Portals/0/Publications/Military%20Law%20Review/2021%20\(Vol%20229\)/Vol.%20229%20-%20Issue%203/4%20Mears%20Final.pdf) (PDF). *Military Law Review* (229): 406. Archived from [the original](https://tjaglcs.army.mil/Portals/0/Publications/Military%20Law%20Review/2021%20\(Vol%20229\)/Vol.%20229%20-%20Issue%203/4%20Mears%20Final.pdf) (PDF) on 25 May 2024.
146. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto_148-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto_148-1)
["A Bill to rescind each Medal of Honor awarded for acts at Wounded Knee Creek on December 29, 1890, and for other purposes"](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-116hr3467ih/pdf/BILLS-116hr3467ih.pdf) (PDF). *www.govinfo.gov*. 25 June 2019. H. R. 3467.
147. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-149)** War Dept. General Orders No. 100, Dec. 17, 1891.
148. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-150)** An Act to Establish in the War Department and in the Navy Department, Respectively, a Roll, Designated as âthe Army and Navy Medal of Honor Roll,â and for Other Purposes, Pub. L. 64-50, 36 Stat. 53.
149. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto2_151-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto2_151-1) Dwight Mears, "Removing the Stain Without Undermining Military Awards: Revoking Medals Earned at Wounded Knee Creek in 1890," 48 Am. Indian L. Rev. 179 (2024), 196-97.
150. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto1_152-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto1_152-1)
["JOINT EXPLANATORY STATEMENT TO ACCOMPANY THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022"](https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20211206/17s1605-rcp117-21-jes.pdf) (PDF). *U.S. House of Representatives*. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
151. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto6_153-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-auto6_153-1)
["Austin Orders Review of Wounded Knee Medals"](https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3848583/austin-orders-review-of-wounded-knee-medals/).
152. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-154)**
["Wounded Knee anniversary renews push to revoke US Medals of Honor"](https://www.voanews.com/a/wounded-knee-anniversary-renews-push-to-revoke-us-medals-of-honor/7908513.html). *Voice of America*. 2024-12-29. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
153. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-155)**
LeBeau, Ryman (2024-11-18). ["Ryman LeBeau: Rescind the Wounded Knee Massacre medals"](https://indianz.com/News/2024/11/18/ryman-lebeau-rescind-the-wounded-knee-massacre-medals/). *Indianz.Com*. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
154. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-156)**
["10 U.S. Code § 7271 - Medal of honor: award"](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/7271). *LII / Legal Information Institute*.
155. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-157)**
["10 U.S. Code § 8291 - Medal of honor"](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/8291). *LII / Legal Information Institute*.
156. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-158)**
["10 U.S. Code § 9271 - Medal of honor: award"](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/9271). *LII / Legal Information Institute*.
157. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-1998code_160-0)**
["Sec. 3741. Medal of honor: award"](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/3741-). Cornell University. January 26, 1998. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230115062220/https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/3741) from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved January 26, 2012.
158. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-benefits_161-0)**
["Medal of Honor Recipients"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121019143719/http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Eligibility/WhoIsEligible?kw=Medal+of+Honor+Recipients+and+Their+Families). Tricare. Archived from [the original](https://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Eligibility/WhoIsEligible?kw=Medal+of+Honor+Recipients+and+Their+Families) on October 19, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
159. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-benefits3_162-0)**
["Special Benefits and Allowances Table"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060722172254/http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/special1.htm). Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Archived from [the original](http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/special1.htm) on July 22, 2006. Retrieved July 24, 2006.
160. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-163)**
["Current special benefit allowances rates"](https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special-benefit-allowance-rates/). *va.gov*. 3 May 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
161. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-32USC578.9_164-0)** [32 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_32_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 32 of the United States Code") [§ 578.9](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/32/578.9)
162. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-165)**
["Air Transportation Eligibility"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121213232029/http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/451513r.pdf) (PDF). Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology. April 9, 1998. p. 85. Archived from [the original](http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/451513r.pdf) (PDF) on December 13, 2012. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
163. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-166)**
["Process"](https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/process.html). *Medal of Honor*. United States Army. December 21, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110901222212/http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/process.html) from the original on September 1, 2011. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
164. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-167)** 32 CFR 553.15(d)(1)
165. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-168)**
["Admissions"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110720101849/http://webster-new.dmz.usna.edu/Admissions/stnommed.htm). USNA. Archived from [the original](http://webster-new.dmz.usna.edu/Admissions/stnommed.htm) on July 20, 2011.
166. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-169)** [10 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_10_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 10 of the United States Code") [§ 3991](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/3991)
167. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-170)** [14 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_14_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 14 of the United States Code") [§ 505](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/14/505)
168. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-cnnGiunta_171-0)**
Shaughnessy, Larry (February 8, 2011). ["America's newest Medal of Honor recipient is leaving the Army"](http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/02/08/army.medal/). CNN. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121109084509/http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/02/08/army.medal/) from the original on November 9, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2011. "Even though he's leaving the Army, Giunta is entitled to a number of special benefits reserved for Medal of Honor recipients, including a monthly Veterans Affairs pension of more than \$1,237 a month for life as well as an invitation to every presidential inauguration and inauguration party."
169. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-AR670_172-0)**
["Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150406195111/http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r670_1.pdf) (PDF). Department of the Army. p. 316. Archived from [the original](http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r670_1.pdf) (PDF) on April 6, 2015. Retrieved September 21, 2011.
170. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-173)**
["Application for Valor Specific License Plate"](http://www.dmv.de.gov/forms/veh_serv_forms/pdfs/ve_frm_valor.pdf) (PDF). *Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles*. State of Delaware. March 2001. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131105021835/http://www.dmv.de.gov/forms/veh_serv_forms/pdfs/ve_frm_valor.pdf) (PDF) from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
171. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-174)**
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["Military personnel"](http://www.nj.gov/mvc/Vehicle/MilitaryPersonnel.htm). *Motor Vehicle Commission*. State of New Jersey. January 31, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130128122240/http://www.nj.gov/mvc/Vehicle/MilitaryPersonnel.htm) from the original on January 28, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["§ 40-2-68 â Special license plates for Medal of Honor winners"](http://statutes.laws.com/georgia/title-40/chapter-2/article-3/40-2-68). *Georgia Statutes*. Laws.com. 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131105021433/http://statutes.laws.com/georgia/title-40/chapter-2/article-3/40-2-68) from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
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["Specialty License Plates â Military/Memorial"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130127131404/http://www.tn.gov/revenue/vehicle/licenseplates/militarymemorial/military.shtml). *Department of Revenue*. State of Tennessee. Archived from [the original](http://www.tn.gov/revenue/vehicle/licenseplates/militarymemorial/military.shtml) on January 27, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
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["Maine License Plates"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130114040454/http://www.maine.gov/sos/kids/maine-government/licenseplates.htm). *Secretary of State*. State of Maine. 2007. Archived from [the original](http://www.maine.gov/sos/kids/maine-government/licenseplates.htm) on January 14, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
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["Military License Plates"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120424212736/http://www.flhsmv.gov/specialtytags/miltags.html). *Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles*. State of Florida. 2011. Archived from [the original](http://www.flhsmv.gov/specialtytags/miltags.html) on April 24, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Sec. 504.001"](http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TN/htm/TN.504.htm). *Transportation Code*. State of Texas. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130402194356/http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TN/htm/TN.504.htm) from the original on April 2, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Personalized and specialty plates"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130123005419/http://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ovs/plates/plates.htm). *Iowa Department of Transportation*. State of Iowa. 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ovs/plates/plates.htm) on January 23, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Medal of Honor license plates"](http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/vehicles/personal/special/moh.htm). *Wisconsin Department of Transportation*. State of Wisconsin. March 20, 2009. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130121141953/http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/vehicles/personal/special/moh.htm) from the original on January 21, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Special Recognition License Plates"](https://web.archive.org/web/20211130220744/https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-plates/special-license-plates/). *California Department of Motor Vehicles*. State of California. 2021. Archived from [the original](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-plates/special-license-plates/) on November 30, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2022.
["Minnesota Veteran, Military and related license plates"](http://www.mdva.state.mn.us/extras/VeteranMilitaryPlates.htm). *Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs*. State of Minnesota. 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130123032422/http://www.mdva.state.mn.us/extras/VeteranMilitaryPlates.htm) from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
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["Kansas Medal of Honor Plate"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121025164343/http://ksrevenue.org/dmv-medalofhonor.html). *Kansas Department of Revenue*. State of Kansas. 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.ksrevenue.org/dmv-medalofhonor.html) on October 25, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Special License Plates"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130201101205/http://www.transportation.wv.gov/dmv/Vehicles/Pages/PersonalizedPlates.aspx). *West Virginia Department of Transportation*. State of West Virginia. 2013. Archived from [the original](http://www.transportation.wv.gov/dmv/vehicles/pages/personalizedplates.aspx) on February 1, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
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["Military Plates"](https://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1201542141638). *Department of Revenue*. State of California. 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130204054458/http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1201542141638) from the original on February 4, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Congressional Medal of Honor License Plates"](http://www.state.sd.us/drr2/motorvehicle/licenseplates/medal_of_honor.htm). *South Dakota Department of Revenue*. State of South Dakota. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121116034103/http://www.state.sd.us/drr2/motorvehicle/licenseplates/medal_of_honor.htm) from the original on November 16, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["Medal of Honor plates"](http://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/spmoh.html). *Washington State Department of Licensing*. State of Washington. 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130311133949/http://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/spmoh.html) from the original on March 11, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
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["State Benefits"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120201222906/http://www.ok.gov/odva/Oklahoma_Veterans_Benefits/License_Plates/index.html). *Oklahoma Department of Veterans*. State of Oklahoma. November 7, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.ok.gov/odva/Oklahoma_Veterans_Benefits/License_Plates/index.html) on February 1, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["License Plates Details"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130517032131/http://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/Vehicles/Pages/License-Plates-Details.aspx). *New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department*. State of New Mexico. 2011. Archived from [the original](http://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/Vehicles/Pages/License-Plates-Details.aspx) on May 17, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
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172. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-175)**
["State / Territory Benefits â New Hampshire"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130202005948/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/_New_Hampshire.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. July 25, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/_New_Hampshire.html) on February 2, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Rhode Island"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130215161711/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Rhode_Island.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. March 7, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Rhode_Island.html) on February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Vermont"](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Vermont.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. July 21, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130215161754/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Vermont.html) from the original on February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Nebraska"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130215135706/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Nebraska.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. November 11, 2010. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Nebraska.html) on February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â North Dakota"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130215152330/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/North_Dakota.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. September 23, 2010. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/North_Dakota.html) on February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Montana"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130131063551/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Montana.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. October 5, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Montana.html) on January 31, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Wyoming"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130215172548/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Wyoming.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. December 30, 2011. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Wyoming.html) on February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Utah"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130127174928/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Utah.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. June 28, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Utah.html) on January 27, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Alaska"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130215053841/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Alaska_.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. October 29, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Alaska_.html) on February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
["State / Territory Benefits â Hawaii"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130202043144/http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Hawaii.html). *My Army Benefits*. United States Army. December 6, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/State__Territory_Benefits/Hawaii.html) on February 2, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
173. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-176)**
["Legislative Bill 1212"](http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/80/PDF/Journal/r1journal.pdf) (PDF). *Legislative Journal of the State of Nebraska*. **1** (Eightieth Session): 603. 1969. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
174. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-177)** United States Army. [*The Soldier's Guide*](http://www.smdc.army.mil/2008/CSM/docs/FM7_21_13.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120903224919/http://www.smdc.army.mil/2008/CSM/docs/FM7_21_13.pdf) September 3, 2012, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). 2003. Chapter 4.
175. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-178)** Army Regulation 600-25, Sep. 10, 2019, para. 2-1
176. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-179)** OPNAVINST 1710.7A, Jun. 15, 2001, para. 1209
177. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-180)**
["USCG CG-5421 Web Site â Customs & Courtesy"](http://www.uscg.mil/auxiliary/cginfo/uniforms/custom.asp). Uscg.mil. February 18, 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160314183722/http://www.uscg.mil/auxiliary/cginfo/uniforms/custom.asp) from the original on March 14, 2016. Retrieved January 3, 2012.
178. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-181)**
["Air Force Instruction 1-1"](https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_cc/publication/afi1-1/afi1-1.pdf) (PDF). November 12, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210322143440/https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_cc/publication/afi1-1/afi1-1.pdf) (PDF) from the original on March 22, 2021. Retrieved March 9, 2021.
179. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-CMOHS_182-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-CMOHS_182-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-CMOHS_182-2) [Types of Medals of Honor](http://www.cmohs.org/medal-types.php) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110810181831/http://www.cmohs.org/medal-types.php) 2011-08-10 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") From the website of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved on July 1, 2012.
180. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Design_183-0)** [U.S. patent D37236](https://patents.google.com/patent/USD37236)
181. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-184)** See [Notes to 18 U.S.C. § 704](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/704) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170703125532/https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/704) 2017-07-03 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), citing 42 Stat. 1286. Retrieved on June 30, 2012.
182. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-185)** [Pub.L. 103-322, The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, § 320109](https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-103hr3355enr/pdf/BILLS-103hr3355enr.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181207215545/https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-103hr3355enr/pdf/BILLS-103hr3355enr.pdf) 2018-12-07 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") (page 318 of the PDF version). Retrieved on June 30, 2012.
183. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-186)** [Pub.L. 109-437, The Stolen Valor Act of 2005](https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-109publ437/pdf/PLAW-109publ437.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120318201658/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-109publ437/pdf/PLAW-109publ437.pdf) 2012-03-18 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). Retrieved on June 30, 2012.
184. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-187)** *Id..*
185. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-s1998track_188-0)**
["S. 1998: Stolen Valor Act of 2005"](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s109-1998). *109th U.S. Congress (2005â2006)*. GovTrak.us. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070927194047/http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s109-1998) from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved March 8, 2007.
186. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-usc18-704_189-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-usc18-704_189-1) [18 U.S.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_18_of_the_United_States_Code "Title 18 of the United States Code") [§ 704](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/704)
187. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-190)** [United States v. Alvarez (slip opinion)](https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/11pdf/11-210d4e9.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170619224509/https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/11pdf/11-210d4e9.pdf) 2017-06-19 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), 567 U.S. \_\_\_ (2012). Retrieved on June 30, 2012.
188. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-191)**
["Facts and Case Summary - U.S. V. Alvarez"](https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/educational-activities/first-amendment-activities/us-v-alvarez/facts-and-case-summary-us-v-alvarez).
189. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-192)**
["United States v. Alvarez"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230425050928/https://aci.princeton.edu/sites/g/files/toruqf4201/files/aci/files/aci5.us_.alvarez.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](https://aci.princeton.edu/sites/g/files/toruqf4201/files/aci/files/aci5.us_.alvarez.pdf) (PDF) on 2023-04-25.
190. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-193)** [18 U.S.C. § 704](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/704) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230115062218/https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/704) 2023-01-15 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). *See also* [18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(5)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/3571) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170526235258/https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/3571) 2017-05-26 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") (specifying the permissible fine for a federal Class A misdemeanor not resulting in death), and [18 U.S.C. § 3559(a)(6)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/3559) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170329222936/https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/3559) 2017-03-29 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") (defining a federal Class A misdemeanor). Retrieved on June 30, 2012.
191. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-194)** 18 U.S. Code § 704(b).
192. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-195)**
Jordan, Bryant (June 3, 2013). ["Obama Signs New Stolen Valor Act"](http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/06/03/obama-signs-new-stolen-valor-act.html). Military.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150406032546/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/06/03/obama-signs-new-stolen-valor-act.html) from the original on April 6, 2015. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
193. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-196)** 18 U.S. Code § 704(b)
194. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-197)** Mary E. Johnston, Combating Thieves of Valor: The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 Is Constitutional Yet Unenforced, 25 Wm. & Mary Bill Rts. J. 1355 (2017), 1358â1359
195. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-198)**
["Southern District of Iowa \| Davenport Man Sentenced For Stolen Valor Act Conviction \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/pr/davenport-man-sentenced-stolen-valor-act-conviction). *www.justice.gov*. August 31, 2016.
196. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-199)**
["Northern District of Ohio \| Wisconsin man charged with fraud and obstruction after falsely claiming to be Navy SEAL wounded four times in Vietnam \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/pr/wisconsin-man-charged-fraud-and-obstruction-after-falsely-claiming-be-navy-seal-wounded). *www.justice.gov*. August 3, 2016.
197. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-200)**
["Eastern District of Missouri \| Local Man Pleads Guilty to Posing as a Purple Heart Awardee \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/local-man-pleads-guilty-posing-purple-heart-awardee). *www.justice.gov*. May 25, 2017.
198. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-201)**
KrauseApr, Kevin (April 21, 2017). ["Ex-Marine from Arlington gets prison for lying about an Iraq war injury to make money"](https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2017/04/21/ex-marine-from-arlington-gets-prison-for-lying-about-an-iraq-war-injury-to-make-money/). *Dallas News*.
199. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-202)**
["Central District of Illinois \| Geneseo Man Pleads Guilty to Stolen Valor Offenses \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdil/pr/geneseo-man-pleads-guilty-stolen-valor-offenses). *www.justice.gov*. August 22, 2017.
200. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-203)**
["Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting by attorney general Josh Shapiro V. Tapan U. Patel, individually and as Owner and Sole Member of HBK Technology LLC"](https://web.archive.org/web/20201018134104/https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-11-08-AVC-Tapan-Patel.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-11-08-AVC-Tapan-Patel.pdf) (PDF) on 2020-10-18.
201. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-204)**
["Pennsylvania man fined for violating Stolen Valor Act"](https://www.abc27.com/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-man-fined-for-violating-stolen-valor-act/). *ABC27*. November 8, 2018.
202. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-205)**
["Middle District of Georgia \| Max Prison Sentence + Restitution For Discharged Veteran Who Faked Military Honors And Combat-Related Mental Health Illness To Claim VA Benefits \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/max-prison-sentence-restitution-discharged-veteran-who-faked-military-honors-and-combat). *www.justice.gov*. August 19, 2020.
203. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-206)**
["Eastern District of Pennsylvania \| Bucks County Man Sentenced to Over Three Years for Faking Military Hero Status and Stealing from the Government \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/bucks-county-man-sentenced-over-three-years-faking-military-hero-status-and-stealing). *www.justice.gov*. September 8, 2021.
204. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-207)**
["Eastern District of Texas \| Smith County man sentenced for using stolen valor to defraud investors \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx/pr/smith-county-man-sentenced-using-stolen-valor-defraud-investors). *www.justice.gov*. December 8, 2023.
205. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-208)**
["District of Rhode Island \| Rhode Island Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Falsifying Military Service; False Use of Military Medals; Identity Theft; and Fraudulently Collecting More Than \$250,000 In Veteran Benefits and Charitable Contributions \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/pr/rhode-island-woman-sentenced-federal-prison-falsifying-military-service-false-use). *www.justice.gov*. March 14, 2023.
206. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-209)**
["Washington County stolen valor case, man sentenced to prison"](https://www.fox6now.com/news/washington-county-stolen-valor-prison). *FOX6 News Milwaukee*. August 1, 2023.
207. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-210)**
["Northern District of New York \| Canadian Man Sentenced for Stolen Valor and Unlawfully Forging Military Discharge Paperwork \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/canadian-man-sentenced-stolen-valor-and-unlawfully-forging-military-discharge). *www.justice.gov*. July 7, 2024.
208. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-211)**
["Southern District of New York \| Newburgh Woman Charged With Defrauding Military Charities And The Veteran's Administration And With Fraudulently Claiming To Be A Purple Heart Recipient \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/newburgh-woman-charged-defrauding-military-charities-and-veterans-administration-and). *www.justice.gov*. May 1, 2024.
209. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-212)**
["District of Minnesota \| Clay County Man Charged with 'Stolen Valor' and Benefits Fraud \| United States Department of Justice"](https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/clay-county-man-charged-stolen-valor-and-benefits-fraud). *www.justice.gov*. April 4, 2024.
210. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-213)** DoD Manual 1348.33, November 10, 2010, Vol. 1, P. 29, 6., a., (1), (2) & P. 35, i.
211. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-214)**
*Stealing the General: Great Locomotive Chase and The First Medal of Honor*, [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[1-59416-033-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-59416-033-3 "Special:BookSources/1-59416-033-3")
, 2006, by [Russell S. Bonds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_S._Bonds "Russell S. Bonds")
212. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-215)**
["History of the Medal \| Medal of Honor Convention"](https://www.mohconvention.com/the-medals/history-of-the-medal/). *www.mohconvention.com*.
213. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-216)**
Comerford, Tim. ["A Matter of Honor â History of the Medal of Honor"](https://www.doncio.navy.mil/CHIPS/ArticleDetails.aspx?ID=7419). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200803220344/https://www.doncio.navy.mil/CHIPS/ArticleDetails.aspx?ID=7419) from the original on 2020-08-03. Retrieved 2019-11-05.
214. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-217)**
["Cpl Mackie's Actions (*G.O. 17: July 10, 1863. 2 marines awarded the MOH*)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091828/https://www.mcrc.marines.mil/1stmcd/Unit-Home/Cpl-John-F-Mackie/). U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Corps Recruiting Command, 1st Marine Corps District. Archived from [the original](https://www.mcrc.marines.mil/1stmcd/Unit-Home/Cpl-John-F-Mackie/) on March 27, 2019. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
215. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-218)**
["John Freeman Mackie \| U.S. Civil War \| U.S. Marine Corps \| Medal of Honor Recipient"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/john-f-mackie). *Congressional Medal of Honor Society*. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
216. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-219)**
["Pinkerton Ross Vaughn \| U.S. Civil War \| U.S. Marine Corps \| Medal of Honor Recipient"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/pinkerton-r-vaughn). *Congressional Medal of Honor Society*. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
217. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-CD19_220-0)** [Collier & Del Calzo 2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFCollierDel_Calzo2006), p. 19
218. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018167_221-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 167.
219. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-222)** Dwight Mears, ââNeither an Officer nor an Enlisted Manâ: Contract Surgeonsâ Eligibility for the Medal of Honor,â Journal of Military History 85 (2021): 55.
220. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-walker_223-0)** [Mikaelian & Wallace 2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMikaelianWallace2003), p. 8
221. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-224)** Dwight Mears, ââNeither an Officer nor an Enlisted Manâ: Contract Surgeonsâ Eligibility for the Medal of Honor,â Journal of Military History 85 (2021): 57, 60.
222. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-225)** US Navy General Order No. 32, April 16, 1864.
223. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-226)**
["Massachusetts Historical Society: Object of the Month"](https://www.masshist.org/object-of-the-month/objects/july-2023).
224. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-227)**
["William Harvey Carney \| U.S. Civil War \| U.S. Army \| Medal of Honor Recipient"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/william-h-carney).
225. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-228)**
["Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura"](https://www.valortrail.org/stories/hiroshi-hershey-miyamura). *Medal of Honor Valor Trail*. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
226. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201853,_55_229-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), pp. 53, 55.
227. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-230)** Dwight Mears, ââNeither an Officer nor an Enlisted Manâ: Contract Surgeonsâ Eligibility for the Medal of Honor,â Journal of Military History 85 (2021): 60.
228. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-231)** Melissa Winn, "I Wear My Own Clothes," Military Images, 2024, Vol.42, p.70
229. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-clinic_232-0)**
["About Whitman-Walker Clinic"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150701192148/http://www.whitman-walker.org/our-mission-values/our-history/our-namesakes/). *Our History/Our Namesakes*. Whitman-Walker Clinic. Archived from [the original](http://www.whitman-walker.org/our-mission-values/our-history/our-namesakes/) on July 1, 2015. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
230. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-cbc_233-0)**
["Canada honours winners of top U.S. medal"](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-honours-winners-of-top-u-s-medal-1.535917). CBC News. July 1, 2005. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070529190113/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2005/07/01/canadians-usmedal050701.html) from the original on May 29, 2007. Retrieved July 20, 2006.
231. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-vwam_234-0)**
["Thousands of Canadians, including a Medal of Honor winner, served with the U.S. military in Vietnam"](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-honours-winners-of-top-u-s-medal-1.535917). Veterans With a Mission. July 1, 2005. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070529190113/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2005/07/01/canadians-usmedal050701.html) from the original on May 29, 2007. Retrieved July 20, 2006.
232. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-235)** "An Act Authorizing the President of the United States to present in the name of Congress a medal of honor to Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh", December 14, 1927, HR 3190, Public Law 1, 45 Stat. 1
233. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201891_236-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201891_236-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201891_236-2) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 91.
234. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-237)** William Putnam, *Arctic Superstars: The Scientific Exploration and Study of High Mountain Elevations and of the Regions Lying Within or about the Arctic and Antarctic Circles* (Boulder, CO: American Alpine Club, 2001), 171.
235. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-238)**
["Medal of Honor Recipients â Authorized by Special Acts of Congress"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110814042719/http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/asaoc.html). History.army.mil. Archived from [the original](http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/asaoc.html) on August 14, 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
236. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-239)** War Department General orders, No. 59, December 13, 1921, Sec. I
237. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-240)** Approved March 9, 1948, Public Law 438, Eightieth Congress
238. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-241)** Approved August 31, 1957, Public Law 85-251 Eighty-fifth Congress
239. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-242)** Approved May 25, 1984, Public Law 98-301, Ninety-eighth Congress
240. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-dvidshub.net_243-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-dvidshub.net_243-1)
["Vietnam Unknown's Medal of Honor Transfer Denied"](https://www.dvidshub.net/news/529340/vietnam-unknowns-medal-honor-transfer-denied).
241. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-244)**
"Medal of Honor Won't Join Once-unknown Pilot". *Chicago Tribune*. August 23, 1998.
242. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-245)** Department of Defense, Military Awards for Valor - Top 3, <https://valor.defense.gov/>, verified May 16, 2023
243. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-246)**
["Medal of Honor Society FAQ"](https://www.cmohs.org/medal/faqs). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210522214047/https://www.cmohs.org/medal/faqs) from the original on 2021-05-22. Retrieved 2021-05-22.
244. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-247)** This number is off by one â 3d Class Boy George Hollat had his Civil War medal revoked for desertion
245. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-248)** Joint Army and Air Force Adjustment Regulations No. 1-11-53, Dec. 20, 1948, para. 2(b)
246. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-249)** [Tucker 2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFTucker2012), p. 2,359
247. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-250)**
["Medal of Honor Recipients: Thomas W. Custer"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190629125947/https://history.army.mil/moh/civilwar_af.html#CUSTER). United States Army Center of Military History. Archived from [the original](http://www.history.army.mil/moh/civilwar_af.html#CUSTER) on June 29, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
248. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-251)**
["Medal of Honor Statistics"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110809030651/http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/mohstats.html). History.army.mil. Archived from [the original](http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/mohstats.html) on August 9, 2011. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
249. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201876_252-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 76.
250. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018219,_221_253-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), pp. 219, 221.
251. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201880,_91_254-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 80, 91.
252. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-255)** Pub. L. 113â66 (2013), 127 Stat. 766
253. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018130_256-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018130_256-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 130.
254. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-257)**
["John Joseph Kelly \| World War I \| U.S. Marine Corps \| Medal of Honor Recipient"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/john-j-kelly).
255. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-258)**
["Smedley Darlington Butler \| Haitian Campaign 1915 \| U.S. Marine Corps \| Medal of Honor Recipient"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/smedley-d-butler).
256. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-260)**
["Scott, Stephen W."](https://web.archive.org/web/20050204180918/http://stephenwscott.com/), (2009) Sergeant Major Dan Daly; The Most Outstanding Marine of all Time. Publishamerica Publishers. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[1-60836-465-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-60836-465-8 "Special:BookSources/1-60836-465-8")
.
257. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-father_261-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-father_261-1)
["MOAA - Meet the Only Father-Son Medal of Honor Recipients"](https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2019-news-articles/meet-the-only-father-son-medal-of-honor-recipients/). 10 October 2019.
258. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018143-145_262-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 143-145.
259. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018154_263-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 154.
260. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-brothers_264-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-brothers_264-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-brothers_264-2) [***d***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-brothers_264-3) [***e***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-brothers_264-4) [***f***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-brothers_264-5) [***g***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-brothers_264-6)
["7 Sets of Medal of Honor Siblings: Literal Brothers in Arms"](https://www.cmohs.org/news-events/history/literal-brothers-in-arms-medal-of-honor-recipients-who-were-siblings/). 31 August 2022.
261. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-b814_265-0)**
["Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz)"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/frank-j-fletcher). *Congressional Medal of Honor Society*. 21 April 1914. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
262. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-266)**
["Guy Wilkinson stuart Castle \| Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz) \| U.S. Navy \| Medal of Honor Recipient"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/guy-w-castle).
263. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-267)**
["Frederick Walker Castle \| World War II \| U.S. Army Air Corps \| Medal of Honor Recipient"](https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/frederick-w-castle).
264. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-268)** Congressional Research Service, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1979â2014, Anne Leland, Information Research Specialist, December 2, 2014, <https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/RL30011.pdf> [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150924134259/http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL30011.pdf) 2015-09-24 at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). The report lists the late awards until the end of 2014. seven additional late awards have been presented at the White House, three by President Obama in 2015 and 2016 and four by President Trump in 2017 and 2018. Not included as a late award is the award to the Vietnam Unknown in 1984 by President Reagan.
265. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-African_269-0)**
["WWII black MOH recipients"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101110225927/http://www.history.army.mil//html/moh/mohb.html). [United States Army Center of Military History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Center_of_Military_History "United States Army Center of Military History"). Archived from [the original](http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/mohb.html) on November 10, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2006.
266. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-CD25_270-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-CD25_270-1) [Collier & Del Calzo 2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFCollierDel_Calzo2006), p. 25
267. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-AsianDoD_271-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-AsianDoD_271-1)
Rudi Williams (June 28, 2000). ["22 Asian Americans Inducted into Hall of Heroes"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151224041125/http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=45241). *American Forces Press Service*. United States Department of Defense. Archived from [the original](http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=45241) on December 24, 2015. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
268. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-272)** McNaughton, Edwards, Price, "'Incontestable Proof Will Be Exacted': Historians, Asian Americans, and the Medal of Honor," Public Historian 24 (Fall 2002), 19.
269. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-273)** McNaughton, et. al, 'Incontestable Proof Will Be Exacted,' 29-30.
270. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-274)**
Gregg K. Kakesako (June 21, 2000). ["Today, an old wrong is righted as 22 Asian-American heroes are awarded the nation's highest honor for bravery in battle"](http://archives.starbulletin.com/2000/06/21/special/). *Honolulu Star-Bulletin*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141027160403/http://archives.starbulletin.com/2000/06/21/special/) from the original on October 27, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
271. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-275)**
Nguyen Huy Vu (October 18, 2005). ["Medal of Honor recipient just did duty"](http://www.ocregister.com/news/medal-207819-honor-rubin.html). *Orange County Register*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20141213014427/http://www.ocregister.com/news/medal-207819-honor-rubin.html) from the original on December 13, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
Tom Tugend (May 16, 2002). ["Pentagon Reviews Jewish Veteran Files"](http://www.jewishjournal.com/community_briefs/article/pentagon_reviews_jewish_veteran_files_20020517). *Jewish Journal*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150701200111/http://www.jewishjournal.com/community_briefs/article/pentagon_reviews_jewish_veteran_files_20020517) from the original on July 1, 2015. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
["Corporal Tibor Rubin, Korean War Veteran"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130121034930/http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/rubin/profile/index.html). *Medal of Honor Corporal Tibor Rubin*. United States Army. February 1, 2013. Archived from [the original](http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/rubin/profile/index.html) on January 21, 2013. Retrieved March 9, 2013.
272. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-276)**
Barack Obama (2013). [*Army Chaplain Gets Posthumous Medal of Honor*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV-Y2N_z3FE). Associated Press. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130420131311/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV-Y2N_z3FE) from the original on April 20, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
["Medal of Honor for US Army chaplain Father Kapaun"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22111385). *BBC News*. April 11, 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130414021206/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22111385) from the original on April 14, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
Krissah Thompson (April 11, 2013). ["Obama awards Kapaun Medal of Honor"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/04/11/obama-awards-kapaun-medal-of-honor/). *Washington Post*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130414122603/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/04/11/obama-awards-kapaun-medal-of-honor/) from the original on April 14, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
273. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-cbsnews5-16-12_277-0)**
["GI killed in Vietnam War receives Medal of Honor"](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gi-killed-in-vietnam-war-receives-medal-of-honor/). CBS News. May 16, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120517055418/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57435607/gi-killed-in-vietnam-war-receives-medal-of-honor/) from the original on May 17, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
274. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-278)**
Marsh, Wendell (May 2, 2011). ["Two Korean War vets receive Medal of Honor posthumously"](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-obama-medals-idUSTRE7416NA20110502). Reuters. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110506031625/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/02/us-obama-medals-idUSTRE7416NA20110502) from the original on May 6, 2011.
275. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-USarmyCAC201403_279-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-USarmyCAC201403_279-1)
â˘
["Valor 24 / Medal of Honor / World War II Korean War Vietnam War"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140714172746/http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/MilitaryReview/Archives/English/MilitaryReview_20140630_art019.pdf) (PDF). U.S. Army Combined Arms Center. March 18, 2014. Archived from [the original](http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/MilitaryReview/Archives/English/MilitaryReview_20140630_art019.pdf) (PDF) on July 14, 2014. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
⢠List with basic details is at U.S. Army's [List of Recipients](https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/valor24/recipients/) .
276. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018129-134_280-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018129-134_280-1) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 129-134.
277. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-281)** Sec 584, Pub. L. 116-92, 133 Stat. 1412.
278. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-282)** [Park University, Valor Medals Review Project.](https://gsr.park.edu/valor-medals-review-project/)
279. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201825_283-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201825_283-1) [***c***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201825_283-2) [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 25.
280. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201825-26_284-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 25-26.
281. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MWxix_285-0)** [Mikaelian & Wallace 2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMikaelianWallace2003), p. xix
282. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201852_286-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 52.
283. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears201855_287-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), p. 55.
284. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-MWxxv_288-0)** [Mikaelian & Wallace 2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMikaelianWallace2003), p. xxv
285. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-CD15_289-0)** [Collier & Del Calzo 2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFCollierDel_Calzo2006), p. 15
286. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMears2018168,_171_290-0)** [Mears 2018](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFMears2018), pp. 168, 171.
287. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-CD16_291-0)** [Collier & Del Calzo 2006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#CITEREFCollierDel_Calzo2006), p. 16
288. ^ [***a***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Session_1919_292-0) [***b***](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#cite_ref-Session_1919_292-1) 66th Congress 1st Session, Document 58, General Staff and Medals of Honor, ordered to be printed July 23, 1919.
-  This article incorporates [public domain material](https://history.army.mil/sec-priv.htm) from websites or documents of the [United States Army Center of Military History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Center_of_Military_History "United States Army Center of Military History").\[*[not specific enough to verify](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability "Wikipedia:Verifiability")*\]
- Collier, Peter; Del Calzo, Nick (2006). [*Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty*](https://archive.org/details/medalofhonorport00coll) (2nd ed.). New York: [Workman Publishing Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workman_Publishing_Company "Workman Publishing Company"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-57965-314-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-57965-314-9 "Special:BookSources/978-1-57965-314-9")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [852666368](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/852666368).
- Mears, Dwight S. (2018). *The Medal of Honor: The Evolution of America's Highest Military Decoration*. Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[9780700626656](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780700626656 "Special:BookSources/9780700626656")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [1032014828](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/1032014828).
- Mikaelian, Allen; Wallace, Mike (2003). *Medal of Honor: Profiles of America's Military Heroes from the Civil War to the Present*. New York: [Hyperion Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachette_Books "Hachette Books"). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-7868-8576-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7868-8576-3 "Special:BookSources/978-0-7868-8576-3")
.
- Tucker, Spencer (2012). *Almanac of American Military History*. Vol. 1. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-59884-530-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-59884-530-3 "Special:BookSources/978-1-59884-530-3")
.
- Broadwater, Robert P. (2007). *Civil War Medal of Honor recipients still in actice duty:Thomas Payne, Earl Plumlee, William Swenson, and Matthew Williams Medal of Honor Recipients: A Complete Illustrated Record*. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Co. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-7864-3223-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7864-3223-3 "Special:BookSources/978-0-7864-3223-3")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [144767966](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/144767966).
- Collier, Peter; Del Calzo, Nick (2011). *Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty* (3rd ed.). New York: Artisan. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-57965-462-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-57965-462-7 "Special:BookSources/978-1-57965-462-7")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [712124011](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/712124011).
- Curtis, Arthur S. (1969). *37 Greatest Navy Heroes: Navy Hall of Heroes*. Washington, D.C.: self-published. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [10660663](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/10660663).
- DeKever, Andrew J. (2008). *Here Rests in Honored Glory: Life Stories of Our Country's Medal of Honor Recipients*. Bennigton, Vermont: Merriam Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-4357-1749-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4357-1749-7 "Special:BookSources/978-1-4357-1749-7")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [233835859](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/233835859).
- Foster, Frank C. (2002). *A Complete Guide to All United States Military Medals, 1939 to Present*. Fountain Inn, S.C.: MOA Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-884452-18-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-884452-18-5 "Special:BookSources/978-1-884452-18-5")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [54755134](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/54755134).
- Hanna, Charles W. (2010). *Black Recipients of the Medal of Honor: A Biographical Dictionary, Civil War Through Vietnam War*. Jefferson, N.C.: Mcfarland. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-7864-4911-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7864-4911-8 "Special:BookSources/978-0-7864-4911-8")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [476156919](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/476156919).
- Johnson, John L. (2007). *Every Night & Every Morn: Portraits of Asian, Hispanic, Jewish, African-American, and Native-American Recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor*. Winston-Salem, NC: Tristan Press. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-0-9799572-0-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-9799572-0-8 "Special:BookSources/978-0-9799572-0-8")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [180773640](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/180773640).
- Willbanks, James H. (2011). [*America's Heroes: Medal of Honor Recipients from the Civil War to Afghanistan*](https://archive.org/details/childrenduringho0000hebe). Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)")
[978-1-59884-394-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-59884-394-1 "Special:BookSources/978-1-59884-394-1")
. [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [662405903](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/662405903).
- [Congressional Medal of Honor Society](http://www.cmohs.org/)
- [U.S. Army Medal of Honor](https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/)
- [Submarine Force Medal of Honor Recipients](https://web.archive.org/web/20100901090058/http://www.ussnautilus.org/medalofhonor/index.shtml). Submarine Force Museum website
- [List of Native Americans who have received the Medal of Honor](https://web.archive.org/web/20131203221121/http://www.indigenouspeoplesissues.com/index.php?option=com_content)
- [History, Legend and Myth: Hollywood and the Medal of Honor](https://web.archive.org/web/20061023064717/http://www.voicenet.com/~lpadilla/mohintro.html) (Medal of Honor recipients depicted on film)
- [National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History](http://www.mohm.org/) in Chattanooga, Tennessee
- [American Valor](https://www.pbs.org/weta/americanvalor/) PBS/WETA.
- [Loubat, J. F. and Jacquemart, Jules, Illustrator, *The Medallic History of the United States of America 1776â1876*.](http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/21880)
- [U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry: Medal of Honor-Army](https://web.archive.org/web/20210416135710/https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15237&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0)
- [U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry: Medal of Honor-Navy](https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15242&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0)
- [U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry: Medal of Honor-Air Force](https://tioh.army.mil/Catalog/Heraldry.aspx?HeraldryId=15243&CategoryId=3&grp=4&menu=Decorations%20and%20Medals&ps=24&p=0)
- [Pritzker Military Museum & Library](http://www.pritzkermilitary.org/explore/museum/permanent-current-upcoming-exhibits/medal-honor/) |
| Shard | 152 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 17790707453426894952 |
| Unparsed URL | org,wikipedia!en,/wiki/Medal_of_Honor s443 |