From the NFRW Armed Services Committee

The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest military decoration for valor and is the only military decoration worn around the neck. It isn’t “earned” but awarded to service members who distinguished themselves at the risk of their life above and beyond the call of duty. 

Since its creation 3,530 members of the armed forces have been awarded the Medal of Honor. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton presented the first Medals of Honor on March 25, 1863, to six members of “Andrews Raiders” for their volunteering and participation during a Civil War raid in April 1862. Now, the Medal of Honor is usually presented by the President, in the name of Congress. Its recipients, our most gallant heroes, are the only individuals whom the President and military of all ranks salute as a matter of custom.

On March 25, we honor those service members recognized for their heroism with the Medal of Honor. Again, they didn’t “earn” this medal. These service members willingly put themselves in harm’s way for their fellow service members. A total of 618 Medals of Honor have been presented posthumously and received by their families. Forty percent of the Medals of Honor were presented for gallant acts during the Civil War.

Only one female has received the Medal of Honor. Dr. Mary Edwards Walker (pictured), an American feminist, suffragist, suspected spy, prisoner of war, and surgeon, received the Medal of Honor, for her service during the Civil War. Although she tried to join the Army as a surgeon, she wasn't allowed because she was a woman. She refused to only be a nurse, so she chose to volunteer as a War Department Surgeon for the Union Army. Because Dr. Walker had never been commissioned, the medal was rescinded in 1917 (along with 910 others). However, she refused to return the medal and wore it until she died two years later. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter restored the honor in her name.

Ways to honor Medal of Honor Recipients:

• Donate to the National Medal of Honor Museum being built in Arlington, Texas.
  • Groundbreaking (invitation only) will occur March 25, 2022.
  • The museum will commemorate stories of recipients and shed light on the wars in which they fought.
  • Texas was chosen hoping that more people would be able to visit this central location.
• Visit/donate to the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee (this museum focuses on the Civil War).