When is National Medal Of Honor Day?
Saturday March 25thAll Medal of Honor recipients are recognized on National Medal of Honor Day, March 25th. The Medal of Honor is the highest military award for valor in the United States and was established in 1861.
On March 25, 1863, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton awarded the first Medals of Honor (Army) to six members of "Andrew Raiders" for their service and participation in an American Civil War raid in April of 1862.
The Medal of Honor is only given to US military personnel by the President of the United States in the name of Congress for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.
The Medal of Honor is available in three versions: one for the Army, one for the Navy, and one for the Air Force; the Navy and the Coast Guard's personnel are given the Navy version.
Over 3,468 Medals of Honor have been awarded to the country's soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and coastguardsmen since its inception.
