What are the 3 types of Medal of Honor?

There are three different types of Medal of Honor today: the original star shape established in 1861, which the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard have retained; a wreath version designed in 1904 for the Army; and an altered wreath version for the Air Force, adopted in 1965.

How many different Medal of Honors are there?

Currently, there are three versions of the medal and while there are many similarities in each medal there are also distinct differences. Below we showcase the variations and symbolism of the Medal of Honor. The US Army has awarded 2,451 medals, the most of any branch of the military.

Why is there 3 designs of the Medal of Honor?

As previously mentioned, the Navy and Army created their Medals of Honor during the Civil War. Today, however, there are three types of Medals of Honor because the Air Force was created in 1947 as a separate branch of service. The Army Medal of Honor is one of the types of Medals of Honor.

What are the top 3 Army medals?

The five highest-ranking military medals for bravery in combat include the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), the Navy Cross, the Air Force Cross and the Silver Star Medal.

What is the third highest Medal in the military?

The Silver Star is the third-highest military combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces.

THE MEDAL OF HONOR EXPLAINED

What's higher Purple Heart or Medal of Honor?

The Medal of Honor is the highest military honor presented for valor. It is also the only military award that is congressionally approved for presentation by the President.

What is the rarest military medal?

The Victoria Cross is the 'holy grail' for medal collectors because there are only 1,357 in existence. Bearing the inscription 'For valour' and known as a VC, this medal was first awarded for 'conspicuous bravery' in 1856 and later backdated to the Crimean war of 1854.

Has anyone ever won 2 medals of honor?

To date, the maximum number of Medals of Honor earned by any service member has been two. The last living individual to be awarded two Medals of Honor was John J. Kelly October 3, 1918; the last individual to receive two Medals of Honor for two different actions was Smedley Butler, in 1914 and 1915.

What are the levels of medals?

Below that level in decending order are: Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Valorous Unit Award, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Soldiers Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Airman's Medal, Coast Guard Medal, Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Has a woman ever received the Medal of Honor?

Out of the nearly 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients, only one was a woman -- just one -- and her medal was actually rescinded just before she died. In honor of Women's History Month, we're looking back on the life of that exceptional woman: Dr. Mary Walker, who helped change the face of medicine during the Civil War.

What is the difference between the Medal of Honor and the Congressional Medal of Honor?

The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest military award for bravery. 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.

Has a woman received the Medal of Honor?

Mary Edwards Walker remains the only women ever to receive the Medal of Honor, which she was awarded for her service during the Civil War. She grew up in Oswego, New York, raised by her progressive parents along with her six brothers and sisters.

Is a bronze star a big deal?

The Bronze Star Medal, or BSM, dates back to World War II. Today, it is the fourth-highest ranking award a service member can receive for a heroic and meritorious deed performed in an armed conflict. For those who receive the BSM, it is a signal of their sacrifice, bravery and honor while serving their country.

How much money does a Medal of Honor recipient receive?

A Monthly Pension and Special Retirement Pay

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.

What order do medals go in?

The medal at the left of the bar should be placed first and the remainder of the ribbons placed so that they overlap equally the medal on the right, or senior medal, being in full view. When mounting medals in this manner, it is not possible to bring the ribbon back through the slot in the bar.

What's the highest Medal of Honor?

The nation's highest military award for valor is the Medal of Honor, presented by the president in Congress' name. 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.

Has anyone refused the Medal of Honor?

Harry S.

Truman blocked an effort by the House of Representatives to award him the Presidential Medal of Honor in 1971. President Truman famously said he would rather get the Medal of Honor, a military honor, than be president. But in 1971, he blocked an attempt by the House of Representatives to give him the medal.

Who is the youngest Medal of Honor winner?

Jack Lucas was 17 when he became the youngest Medal of Honor recipient since the Civil War after jumping onto two grenades to save his fellow Marines.

Do generals salute Medal of Honor winners?

Military tradition dictates all uniformed service members salute to Medal-of-Honor awardees regardless of rank. Even the most-senior military officer will participate in this tradition out of respect for the sacrifices the awardees made.

What is the hardest award to win?

The Triple Crown of Acting is a term used in the American entertainment industry to describe actors who have won a competitive Academy Award, Emmy Award, and Tony Award in the acting categories, the highest accolades recognized in American film, television, and theater, respectively.

Who is the most decorated soldier?

Audie Murphy (1924–1971) was the most decorated soldier in US history, winning 24 medals from the Congressional Medal of Honor down. His exploits were the subject of To Hell and Back (USA, 1956), in which he starred as himself.

What is Purple Heart in military?

Currently, the Purple Heart, per regulation is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917 has been wounded, killed, or has died after ...