United States Medal of Honor (Army)

REL25146.001
Download Low Res Image
Order a copy
Place North & Central America: United States of America
Accession Number REL25146.001
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Award
Physical description Bronze; Enamel
Maker Unknown
Place made United States of America
Date made 1939-1945
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Medal of Honor (Army) complete with neck ribbon. The Army version is a gold five pointed star, each point tipped with trefoils, 1 1/2 inches [3.8 cm] wide, surrounded by a green laurel wreath and suspended from a gold bar inscribed VALOR, surmounted by an eagle. In the centre of the star is Minerva’s head surrounded by the words 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. On each ray of the star is a green oak leaf. On the reverse is a bar engraved 'THE CONGRESS TO' with a space for engraving the name of the recipient. The pendant and suspension bar are made of gilding metal, with the eye, jump rings, and suspension ring made of red brass. The neck ribbon is plain pale blue with a central piece that has 13 white stars.

History / Summary

The Medal of Honor was created in 1861, early in the American Civil War, to give recognition to men who distinguished themselves "conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity" in combat with an enemy of the United States. There have been 3,469 Medals of Honor awarded to the nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and coast guardsmen since the decoration's creation, with more than half of them presented for actions during the four years of the Civil War.

Related information

Conflicts

Units

Places

Subjects