We get a lot of questions about the Medal of Honor and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, so we wanted to answer some of the most common questions for you here.  

What is the Congressional Medal of Honor Society?  

The Society is the only organization chartered by Congress to preserve the Medal of Honor and is a 501(c)(3) devoted to sharing the values of the Medal of Honor Recipients through outreach, education and research. As the number of living Medal of Honor Recipients continues to decrease, this mission has become increasingly important, and the Recipients and the staff who support them are committed to continuing the work. 

What Do My Donations Support?  

Because we are a nonprofit organization, we are fully funded by donations from generous partners like you. All donations are tax-deductible and are used to support the work of the Medal of Honor Recipients. The Recipients participate in monthly, educational webinars, meet with Veterans organizations to address issues related to wellbeing and speak at events about character and leadership.  

Your gifts also allow the Medal of Honor Archives & Library to preserve historical records and artifacts related to the more than 3,500 Medal of Honor Recipients. Additionally, your support allows the Society to recognize citizens for selfless sacrifice and service to others through the Citizen Honors Awards. The full list of programs and initiatives that your donations support can be found on our blog.  

Your support is crucial to the continuation of this work in 2021, and you can learn more about our donor security tips here.  

What Is the Medal of Honor Given For?  

The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest award for military valor in action. First signed into law in 1861 during the Civil War, the Medal of Honor has fewer than 3,600 Recipients. The Medal is a distinguished award, presented to those who have shown gallantry and intrepidity, at the risk of their lives, above and beyond the call of duty.  

You can learn more about the Medal’s history and design here.  

How Do Recipients Continue to Serve After They Are Awarded the Medal of Honor?  

Recipients continue to serve others through the Society’s education and outreach initiatives, including the Character Development Program, the Veterans Outreach Program and the Recipients Outreach Program.  

They share their experiences with Veterans in an effort to provide support and encouragement. Additionally, through the Character Development Program, Recipients inspire students to act with courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, patriotism, and citizenship in their daily lives. For Recipients, their service to communities across the nation never stops.  

How Can You Support The Recipients’ Service?  

The best way that you can support Recipients’ work is to give to the Society. We cannot carry on with our work without your help. Next, you can partner with us as an ambassador to share the Recipients’ stories and the legacy of the Medal of Honor with your friends and family.  

We are grateful for your partnership, and we look forward to the ways our mission will grow in the new year.  

You can give your support today and sign up for our monthly newsletter to keep up with our events and news. Happy Holidays!