The Congressional Medal of Honor

Established by an act of Congress in 1862, The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest decoration awarded in the United States Armed Forces.

President Abraham Lincoln authorized the first Medal of Honor to recognize one's personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual for gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. The medal honors heroism that involved the risking of one's own life.

Of the over 50 million Americans who have served in the United States Military since the Civil War, only 3,441 men and one woman have been awarded The Congressional Medal of Honor.