Congressional Medal of Honor Society
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Medal of Honor | Inspiring A Nation of Citizen Heroes
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is a non-profit organization with the mission of perpetuating the legacy of the Medal of Honor and its Recipients. The Society’s efforts are assisted by charitable contributions that support its educational and outreach initiatives. One of the Society’s efforts is to inspire Americans to uphold the values embodied in the Medal of Honor: courage, commitment, citizenship, patriotism, sacrifice, and integrity.
Each year, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society recognizes civilians who face adversity and display acts of courage and self-sacrifice that symbolize the American spirit. The Society shines a light on citizen heroes who go above and beyond for their community. This recognition keeps the Medal of Honor legacy alive, and it inspires ordinary citizens to be extraordinary.
These brave Americans are selected by a committee made up of Medal of Honor Recipients. The Society annually presents awards to one organization and five individuals who have displayed courage or who have dedicated themselves to service on the home front.
Discover the meaning behind each individual award and how one can be nominated below.
Citizen Honors Awards
Recognizes Americans who have accomplished extraordinary feats of heroism by risking their lives for the benefit of others in a dire situation.
Recognizes young Americans age 8-17 for their courage in a dire situation.
Recognizes Americans who have consistently placed others before themselves through volunteer service.
Recognizes young Americans age 8-17 who have placed others before themselves through volunteer service.
Recognizes a community-based organization for its exceptional impact or mission in supporting our nation’s service members and families.
Who Can Nominate?
Any person who is aware of a fellow citizen, neighbor, co-worker, etc. who deserves recognition for their extraordinary acts of courage or service can nominate someone.
Self-nominations for individual awards will not be accepted.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Any United States civilian who, through a singular act of extraordinary heroism or a prolonged series of selfless acts, clearly demonstrated a willingness to place his or her own life at risk for others or has dedicated themselves to the service of others can be nominated.
Community organizations can be nominated for their impact or mission in supporting our nation’s service members and families. They must also be certified non-profits and must currently be in operation.
Individual nominees who are deceased are also eligible. The singular act of heroism must have occurred within the last three years, or a series of acts of long-term selfless service must have been performed within the last three years.
In all cases, the actions honored must epitomize the concept of “service above self” and must be performed “above and beyond” one’s professional or vocational area of responsibility or conduct.
Please note: Government and government-affiliated organizations are not eligible.
To nominate a hometown hero for a 2021 Citizen Honors Award, click here.
Join us in perpetuating the legacy of the Medal of Honor and honoring our nation’s heroes by making a direct impact on the work of the Society. The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the sole mission to support the work of the Society. You can also keep up with our upcoming events, special announcements, and partner/Recipient highlights by joining our monthly newsletter.