Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the United States' highest military decoration, awarded for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. It can be awarded to military personnel from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, among others, for heroic actions while engaged against an enemy. The Medal of Honor features a blue ribbon with white stars, a gold star, and the words "For Valor" engraved on it. **Authorization and History** The Medal of Honor is codified in Title 10 of the United States Code, Section 8291, and has been awarded since the Civil War era. The effective date for the MOH is on or after April 12, 1861. The medal has undergone several design changes and now features the angel of liberty in its design. **Criteria and Eligibility Requirements** To be eligible for the MOH, a service member must demonstrate: 1. Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their own life, above and beyond the call of duty. 2. Actions must occur while engaged in one of the following: - Combat against an enemy of the Nation. - Military operations involving conflict with a foreign force. - Serving with friendly foreign forces during a conflict, in which the U.S. is not a belligerent party. The evidence supporting a nomination must establish proof of the awardee's actions beyond a reasonable doubt, and there can be no margin of doubt or error【7:1†source】. **Nomination and Approval Process** - Nominations for the Medal of Honor must be handled through rigorous procedures and must contain a summary of action, nominated eyewitness statements, and a proposed citation, among other required documents. - The final authority for the MOH rests with the President of the United States, though the Secretary of the Navy may disapprove or downgrade nominations before they reach the Secretary of Defense【7:1†source】【7:15†source】. **Special Provisions** Recipients of the MOH, or their representatives if the recipient is deceased, are entitled to a special flag. Living recipients may wear a Medal of Honor rosette and receive a duplicate for display【7:1†source】. Moreover, if an individual receives the MOH more than once for different acts of heroism, they will receive a separate medal with unique reverse engravings【7:1†source】. **Notable Recipients** Throughout its history, numerous service members have received the Medal of Honor for their exceptional bravery. Some notable recipients include: - **Alvin York** (World War I) - Famous for his actions during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, he captured 132 German soldiers. - **Smedley Butler** - A two-time recipient known for his significant contributions in the military. - **Roger Donlon** - The first recipient of the MOH during the Vietnam War for acts of heroism in 1964. Each of these individuals exemplified extraordinary heroism, which reflected the values and spirit of the MOH【7:4†source】【7:19†source】. Overall, the Medal of Honor represents the highest level of distinction and honor for members of the United States armed forces, celebrating unmatched bravery in the face of adversity.