The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest award for valor in action against an enemy force. It is bestowed upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. The Medal of Honor has a rich history, dating back to the American Civil War, and has been awarded to over 3,500 recipients. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Medal of Honor, its criteria, and some of the most notable recipients.
History of the Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor was first introduced during the American Civil War, when President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill into law on July 12, 1862, establishing the Medal of Honor. The medal was designed by Christian Schussel, a diesinker from Philadelphia, and was initially awarded to 1,522 Union soldiers. The first Medal of Honor recipient was Private Jacob Parrott, a soldier in the 33rd Ohio Infantry, who received the award for his actions during the Great Locomotive Chase in April 1862.
Evolution of the Medal of Honor
Over the years, the Medal of Honor has undergone several changes. In 1890, the Army introduced a new design for the medal, which featured a gold medal with a blue ribbon. During World War I, the Medal of Honor was awarded to 124 recipients, including Sergeant Alvin York, who single-handedly captured 132 German soldiers. In 1965, the Medal of Honor was redesigned again, with the introduction of a new ribbon and a bronze medal.
| War | Number of Recipients |
|---|---|
| Civil War | 1,522 |
| Indian Wars | 426 |
| Spanish-American War | 110 |
| World War I | 124 |
| World War II | 464 |
| Korean War | 133 |
| Vietnam War | 258 |
| War in Afghanistan | 17 |
| War in Iraq | 6 |
Key Points
- The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest award for valor in action against an enemy force.
- The medal has been awarded to over 3,500 recipients since its introduction during the American Civil War.
- The criteria for the Medal of Honor include conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.
- The Medal of Honor has undergone several changes in design and criteria over the years.
- Some of the most notable Medal of Honor recipients include Sergeant Alvin York, Lieutenant Michael Murphy, and Master Sergeant Gary Gordon.
Notable Medal of Honor Recipients
There have been many notable Medal of Honor recipients throughout history. One of the most famous recipients is Sergeant Alvin York, who single-handedly captured 132 German soldiers during World War I. Another notable recipient is Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions during the War in Afghanistan. Master Sergeant Gary Gordon, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993, is another notable recipient.
Medal of Honor Recipients by War
The Medal of Honor has been awarded to recipients from every major conflict in which the United States has been involved. The majority of recipients have been awarded the medal for their actions during World War II, with 464 recipients. The Civil War has the second-highest number of recipients, with 1,522 awards.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, there are several other awards that are considered to be equivalent in terms of prestige and honor. These include the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Air Force Cross. These awards are given to members of the different branches of the military for their actions in combat, and are considered to be among the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a member of the military.
What is the criteria for the Medal of Honor?
+The criteria for the Medal of Honor include conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. The actions must be performed in action against an enemy force, and must be of such a nature that they clearly distinguish the individual from his comrades.
How many Medal of Honor recipients have there been?
+There have been over 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients since the medal was introduced during the American Civil War.
What is the process for awarding the Medal of Honor?
+The process for awarding the Medal of Honor typically begins with a nomination from a member of the military. The nomination is then reviewed by the relevant military branch, and if approved, is forwarded to the President of the United States for final approval.
In conclusion, the Medal of Honor is a prestigious award that is given to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. With a rich history dating back to the American Civil War, the Medal of Honor has been awarded to over 3,500 recipients, including some of the most notable heroes in American history. By understanding the criteria and process for awarding the Medal of Honor, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and bravery of these individuals, and the importance of recognizing their contributions to our nation's history and security.
Meta Description: Learn about the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest award for valor in action against an enemy force, and discover the stories of some of the most notable recipients.
