12 July 1862: Medal of Honor Created
On July 12, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation creating the Medal of Honor, establishing what would become the United States military highest and most prestigious personal military decoration. Originally created for enlisted men of the Navy, the award was extended to Army soldiers and officers later that year, recognizing extraordinary valor in combat.
The Medal of Honor was born from the necessities of the Civil War. As the Union mobilized massive armies of volunteers who had never before served in the military, military leaders recognized the need for a formal system of recognition to inspire courage and reward exceptional bravery. Until then, the United States had no comprehensive system of military decorations, unlike many European nations.
Senator Henry Wilson of Massachusetts introduced the legislation for a Navy medal in December 1861, and it was approved on December 21. The Army version followed, signed by Lincoln on July 12, 1862. The original designs featured different imagery for each branch, with the Navy medal depicting Minerva repulsing Discord and the Army version showing the figure of Minerva with a shield bearing the United States coat of arms.
The criteria for receiving the Medal of Honor have evolved significantly since its creation. In the early years, awards were sometimes given for actions that would not meet todays stringent standards. The most famous example occurred in 1916 when a review board revoked 911 medals, including 864 given to members of the 27th Maine Infantry simply for reenlisting. Since 1918, the criteria have required that the recipient distinguish himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
Throughout its history, the Medal of Honor has been awarded to approximately 3,500 individuals, with more than half of those awards given during the Civil War. Recipients have ranged from ordinary soldiers who performed extraordinary acts to famous figures like Theodore Roosevelt, who received his medal posthumously in 2001 for his charge up San Juan Heights during the Spanish-American War.
The Medal of Honor carries special privileges, including a monthly pension, the right to a military salute regardless of the recipients rank, and burial with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. More importantly, it represents the nations highest expression of gratitude to those who have demonstrated the ultimate commitment to their fellow service members and their country.
