Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Medal of Honor, Congressional Gold Medal & Presidential Medal of Freedom
Honors in the United States
The Medal of Honor is the nation’s most prestigious military decoration. Other medals with similar names are awarded by the United States, but the Medal of Honor is the highest award presented to individuals who have gone above and beyond on the battlefield.
The Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the nation’s most prestigious military decoration that may be awarded to recognize American armed forces personnel – U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Coast Guard – who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor in combat.
- The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest award for military valor in combat.
- Over 150 years have passed since its inception and the meaning behind the Medal has never tarnished.
- Etched within are the very values that each Recipient displayed in the moments that mattered—bravery, courage, sacrifice, integrity, a deep love of country and a desire to do what is right.
Non-Military Medals
The Congressional Gold Medal
The Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by the United States Congress. It is Congress’s highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals, institutions, or groups. It can be awarded to anyone Congress deems worthy. Sometimes this includes groups of veterans, such as the Tuskegee Airmen or the Dustoff Crews during the Vietnam War. In fact, 40 Medal of Honor Recipients have also received the Congressional Gold Medal.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom
Since 1963, the Presidential Medal of Freedom has been an award bestowed by the president of the United States to recognize people who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” The Presidential Medal of Freedom grew out of the Medal of Freedom, which had been established in 1945. Two Medal of Honor Recipients have also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Medal of Honor Nomination & Process
The Department of Defense has rigorous standards for all Armed Forces medals, including the Medal of Honor. Please contact the Department of Defense for more information on nominations and process.
- By law, only U.S. service members who distinguish themselves “through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty” can receive the medal.
- The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is not involved in nominating, selecting, or awarding the Medal of Honor.
- The Medal of Honor is bestowed upon the Armed Forces Recipient by the President of the United States in Congress’ name.
Congressional Medal of Honor Society
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society was chartered by Congress in 1958 and its membership is comprised exclusively of those who wear the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest military award for valor. As individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, the Medal of Honor Recipients are committed to serving our country in peace as they did in war by championing the values embodied in the Medal: courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice, citizenship, and patriotism.
The Society is not involved in the nominations or awards process for the Medal of Honor. It is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Medal of Honor, inspiring America to live the values the Medal represents, and supporting Recipients of the Medal as they connect with communities across America.