![]() Today, the Medal of Honor is known to be a rare award representing action of incredible valor or self-sacrifice. Later that year the bill was signed into effect, creating the US Army Medal of Honor. ![]() In February 1862, a similar bill was introduced to create a medal to be awarded to privates in the army who distinguished themselves. ![]() Thus, the Navy Medal of Honor was created. In December 1861, a bill was passed in the Senate to authorize the production and awarding of “medals of honor” in an effort to “promote the efficiency of the Navy.” This first Medal could be awarded to enlisted sailors and Marines only. In the early months of the American Civil War, the US military had no valor awards which could be given to soldiers or sailors distinguishing themselves in combat. The Medal has a long history, and took many years to become the award held in such high regard as it is today. The citations for the awards read as a “Who’s Who” of some of the bravest, most selfless, and at times, most sacrificial young men in America’s history. First authorized in 1861, in the 159 years since, 3,525 Medals of Honor have been bestowed upon American servicemen. The Medal of Honor (MOH) is our nation’s highest military award for valor. ![]()
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