Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest military decoration for valor in combat. It is awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life beyond the call of duty.

Medal of Honor criteria: The statutory and service-specific standards governing eligibility for the Medal of Honor. These standards define the combat valor required for the award.
American Civil War: The 1861–1865 conflict between the United States and the Confederacy. Congress created the Medal of Honor during this war.
Desmond Doss: A U.S. Army medic who received the Medal of Honor for rescuing wounded soldiers at Okinawa in 1945. His rescue of dozens of men illustrates conspicuous valor without carrying a weapon.
Distinguished Service Cross: The U.S. Army’s second-highest decoration for combat valor. It recognizes valor below the level required for the Medal of Honor.
Medal of Honor nomination: The formal process for proposing a service member for the Medal of Honor. A nomination begins the review of an act of valor.
Iowa Senator James W. Grimes: The U.S. senator from Iowa who sponsored an 1861 resolution authorizing a Navy medal for valor. His resolution helped establish the first Medal of Honor.
Mary Edwards Walker: A Civil War surgeon and the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor. Her contested award and restoration reveal changing interpretations of eligibility.
Navy Cross: The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ second-highest decoration for combat valor. It is the closest naval counterpart below the Medal of Honor.
Medal of Honor review process: The military and executive review used to assess Medal of Honor nominations. Multiple levels of review test whether evidence meets the award’s demanding standard.
United States Navy Medal of Honor: The Navy’s Medal of Honor, established in 1861 as the first version of the award. The Navy medal preceded the Army version and began the award’s history.

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