The Congressional Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor was established by Congress on 12 July 1862 Is awarded in the name of Congress to a person who, while a member of the Armed Services, distinguishes himself by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against any enemy of The United States
The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved risk of life. Incontestable proof of the performance of service is exacted and each recommendation for award of this decoration is considered on the standard of extraordinary merit. Full-text Listings of Medal of Honor Citations the President, in the name of Congress, has awarded more than 3,400 Medals of Honor to our nation's bravest Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen since the decoration's creation in 1861.