It is awarded by the President in the name of Congress . For this reason, it is often referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor. Since it was first presented in 1863, the medal has been awarded 3,512 times to 3,493 recipients. Nineteen individuals have been double recipients of the award.
What qualifies someone for the Medal of Honor?
Public Law 88–77, July 25, 1963: The requirements for the Medal of Honor were standardized among all the services, requiring that a recipient had “distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty .”
How are Medal of Honor recipients chosen?
There are two protocols for awarding the Medal of Honor. The most common is a service member submits a nomination through the chain of command . The other process is through nomination by a member of Congress, usually at the request of a constituent and approved by a special act of Congress.
How much money does a Medal of Honor recipient receive?
Every Medal of Honor recipient is entitled to a monthly stipend on top of all other pay or retirement benefits. This stipend was originally $10 a month in 1916 but has climbed to $1,299 per month . The recipient's base retirement pay is also raised by 10 percent.
How are Medal of Freedom recipients chosen?
Honorees are selected by the president or recommended to them by the Distinguished Civilian Service Awards Board.
Do Medal of Honor recipients get paid for life?
As of Dec. 1, 2020, Medal of Honor recipients receive a $1,406.73 monthly pension with annual cost-of-living increases in line with the Social Security Administration's increases. This comes on top of any disability or retirement pay.
Has a woman ever received the Medal of Honor?
An American feminist, suffragist, suspected spy, prisoner of war and surgeon, Dr.Mary Edwards Walker
Do Medal of Honor recipients fly for free?
The same free travel opportunity afforded on military flights for active-duty military members, retirees and their families is also provided to Medal of Honor recipients.
Do Purple Heart recipients get paid?
This special pay is considered an entitlement (tax-free) paid in addition to “any retired pay” the veteran is already entitled to. In order to qualify as a Purple Heart recipient, veterans must apply via their branch of the military meet the following conditions: Be entitled to and/or receiving military retired pay.
Who is the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient?
Subscribe Now. CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – West Virginia's World War II hero, Hershel “Woody” Williams, is the nation's last living Medal of Honor recipient. Charles Coolidge was the country's oldest recipient, until his death April 6th at a hospital in Chattanooga, TN. He was 99 years old.
What is the highest Medal a civilian can get?
The Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom are the highest civilian awards in the United States.
Who gets the Presidential Medal of Freedom?
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the President of the United States and is—along with the comparable Congressional Gold Medal—the highest civilian award in the U.S. It recognizes those individuals who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the ...
What is the highest award in the world?
The Nobel Prize is considered the most prestigious award in the world in its field.
Can I wear my fathers medals?
CAN I WEAR MY FAMILY MEDALS? ... The rule is that war medals should only be worn on the left breast by the person upon whom they were conferred . Technically this honour remains with the individual and does not pass to a widow, parent or relative upon death.
Do officers have to salute Medal of Honor winners?
Although not required by law or military regulation, members of the uniformed services are encouraged to render salutes to recipients of the Medal of Honor as a matter of respect and courtesy regardless of rank or status, whether or not they are in uniform.
Is it illegal to buy a Medal of Honor?
It is illegal to buy, sell or fraudulently possess a Medal of Honor within the United States and the FBI keeps a sharp eye out. “The only person who can possess a Medal of Honor is the recipient or a designee,” Sanborn said.
