The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest and most prestigious military honor, awarded to service members who have distinguished themselves by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society, established in 1958, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of this esteemed award and honoring the brave men and women who have received it. In this article, we will delve into the history and significance of the Medal of Honor, as well as the mission and activities of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
A Brief History of the Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor was first established during the American Civil War, when President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill into law on July 12, 1862, creating the Navy Medal of Valor. The Army Medal of Honor was established later that year, and the first medals were awarded in 1863. Since then, the Medal of Honor has been awarded to over 3,500 service members, including members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
The Criteria for Awarding the Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is awarded to service members who have demonstrated extraordinary heroism and bravery in action against an enemy of the United States. The criteria for awarding the medal are strict, and only a small percentage of nominees are ultimately selected to receive the honor. The medal is typically awarded for actions that involve:
Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty
Heroism and bravery in action against an enemy of the United States
Selfless sacrifice and devotion to duty
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Medal of Honor and honoring the men and women who have received it. The society was established in 1958 and is composed of Medal of Honor recipients, as well as family members and supporters. The society's mission is to:
Preserve the history and legacy of the Medal of Honor
Support and recognize Medal of Honor recipients and their families
Promote patriotism and civic engagement
Educate the public about the significance of the Medal of Honor and the bravery of its recipients
The Medal of Honor is a powerful symbol of valor and sacrifice, representing the highest ideals of military service and patriotism. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society plays a vital role in preserving the legacy of this esteemed award and honoring the brave men and women who have received it. By learning more about the Medal of Honor and the society, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by our nation's heroes and the importance of recognizing and honoring their bravery.
For more information about the Medal of Honor and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, please visit
www.cmohs.org.
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