“The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest award for military valor in action. And while over 150 years have passed since its inception, the meaning behind the Medal has never tarnished. Etched within are the very values that each recipient displayed in the moments that mattered—bravery, courage, sacrifice, integrity. A deep love of country and a desire to always do what is right.
A distinguished award presented only to the deserving, the Medal tells a story of its own.” – Congressional Medal of Honor Society
WATM will be honoring our MOH recipients by sharing one of their stories every day in March. Follow along here.
10 facts about the Medal of Honor:
- The first MOH action was February 13, 1861, performed by Bernard J.D. Irwin. However, the MOH had yet to be proposed, so Irwin wouldn’t receive his medal until 1894 – over 30 years later.
- 3,547 Medals have been awarded since 1861.
- Medals by branch: Army 2,467; Navy 749; Marine Corps 300; Air Force 19; Coast Guard 1
- There have been 19 service members to receive two Medals of Honor. Five of them received the Medal of Honor for the same action – they were Marines serving with Army units and received both the Army and Navy designs of the Medal. The other 14 received two Medals for separate actions of valor.
- Dr. Mary Edwards Walker is the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor, for her service during the Civil War.
- Children of recipients are automatically eligible for the United States service academies.
- Recipients receive a monthly pension, a 10% increase in retired pay, and Space A travel on military aircraft.
- Recipients are guaranteed burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
- Willie J. Johnston is the youngest recipient to date, having earned the honor at age 13 as a drummer during the Civil War.
- There are no classified Medals of Honor. Presentations of the Medal of Honor follow President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1905 Executive Order stating that “the presentation of a Medal of Honor … will always be made with formal and impressive ceremonial.” They are always presented publicly.
How to support the Medal of Honor mission
- Learn more about the Congressional Medal of Honor Society at cmohs.org or find them on Instagram |Facebook
- Participate in Medal of Honor Day on March 25 by sharing a recipient’s story
- Support veteran hiring and transition programs in your workplace
- Teach younger generations about the values of courage, sacrifice, and service
Medal of Honor Month isn’t just about recognizing history. It’s about keeping the mission alive for the future.