The Medal of Honor is the United States of America's highest military honor, awarded for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. The medal is awarded by the President of the United States in the name of Congress. Although the medal is sometimes referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor, the original and official title is the "Medal of Honor". There are three versions of the medal, one for the Army, one for the Navy, and one for the Air Force. Members of the Marine Corps and Coast Guard receive the Navy version.
The Medal of Honor is usually presented by the President at the White House in a formal ceremony intended to represent the gratitude of the American people. Posthumous presentations of the medal to the primary next of kin are held in Washington, D.C. In 1990, Congress designated March 25th annually as "National Medal of Honor Day". Due to its prestige and status, the Medal of Honor is afforded special protection under U.S. law.
Read more about Medal Of Honor: History, Appearance, Presenting, Authority and Privileges, Legal Protection, Duplicate Medals, Recipients, 27th Maine and Other Revoked Awardings, Past Racial Discrimination, Similar Decorations Within The United States
Famous quotes containing the word honor:
“In schools all over the world, little boys learn that their country is the greatest in the world, and the highest honor that could befall them would be to defend it heroically someday. The fact that empathy has traditionally been conditioned out of boys facilitates their obedience to leaders who order them to kill strangers.”
—Myriam Miedzian, U.S. author. Boys Will Be Boys, ch. 3 (1991)