Medal of Honor remains the highest military decoration awarded by the United States, and as of February 2026, it continues to recognize service members who display extraordinary valor in combat. The President of the United States presents the Medal of Honor in the name of Congress to individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty while facing enemy forces. The award stands as the nation’s most distinguished symbol of courage under fire.
Here is a complete and current overview of the Medal of Honor, including its history, eligibility standards, living recipients, and its ongoing role in American military life.
Table of Contents
What Is the Medal of Honor?
The Medal of Honor is the top military award for valor in the United States Armed Forces.
Congress established the decoration during the Civil War. The Navy version came first in 1861. The Army followed in 1862. The Air Force introduced its distinct version in 1965.
The award recognizes acts of:
- Conspicuous gallantry
- Intrepidity at the risk of life
- Action above and beyond the call of duty
Service members must perform these acts while engaged against an enemy of the United States or during military conflict involving opposing foreign forces.
The standard for approval remains the strictest of any U.S. military award.
How Many Medals of Honor Have Been Awarded?
Since its creation, the United States has awarded more than 3,500 Medals of Honor.
The majority were presented during the Civil War, when standards differed from modern criteria. Over time, Congress refined eligibility requirements and strengthened review procedures.
As of 2026, fewer than 70 recipients remain living. Most living recipients served in:
- The Vietnam War
- The Iraq War
- The War in Afghanistan
The number of living recipients continues to change as veterans age and new awards receive approval.
The Three Versions of the Medal of Honor
Each branch of the U.S. military has a unique design, but all versions carry equal status.
Army Medal of Honor
- Gold five-pointed star
- Suspended from a light blue ribbon
- Inscribed with the word “Valor”
Navy Medal of Honor
- Awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard
- Features a distinct star design
- Shares the same light blue ribbon with white stars
Air Force Medal of Honor
- Created in 1965
- Displays the head of the Statue of Liberty
- Reserved for Air Force personnel
The ribbon’s light blue color with white stars symbolizes patriotism and national honor.
How the Medal of Honor Is Awarded
The process for awarding the Medal of Honor involves multiple layers of review.
The steps typically include:
- Recommendation through the chain of command
- Review by branch-level military officials
- Evaluation by the Department of Defense
- Congressional oversight
- Final approval by the President
Investigators examine eyewitness accounts, operational reports, and battlefield documentation. Officials reject nominations that fail to meet the “above and beyond” threshold.
The process often takes years.
Recent Presentations in the 21st Century
The Medal of Honor continues to be awarded for actions in modern conflicts.
In the past decade, recipients have included soldiers and Marines recognized for heroism in Afghanistan and Iraq. Many of these awards were presented years after the original acts of bravery occurred.
White House ceremonies often include:
- Fellow service members
- Family members of recipients
- Senior military leaders
- Members of Congress
These ceremonies highlight both individual valor and national gratitude.
As of early 2026, the Department of Defense continues to review potential nominations from recent conflicts.
Medal of Honor Day
The United States observes National Medal of Honor Day each year on March 25.
Congress designated the observance in 1990 to honor recipients and promote awareness of their service.
Military bases, veterans organizations, and civic groups host ceremonies and educational programs nationwide.
The date reflects the anniversary of the first Medal of Honor presentations during the Civil War.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Congress chartered the Congressional Medal of Honor Society in 1958.
Only living recipients may belong to the organization.
The society’s mission includes:
- Preserving the integrity of the Medal of Honor
- Promoting patriotism
- Educating youth about service and sacrifice
Members frequently speak at schools and military installations across the country.
The society also organizes an annual convention that brings recipients together.
Benefits and Privileges for Recipients
Medal of Honor recipients receive benefits established by federal law.
These benefits include:
- A special monthly pension separate from other retirement pay
- Access to military commissaries and exchanges
- Space-available travel on military aircraft
- Burial privileges at Arlington National Cemetery, if eligible
- Invitations to presidential inaugurations
Recipients also receive a unique military identification card and ceremonial flag.
These benefits reflect the nation’s recognition of extraordinary sacrifice.
Representation Across Conflicts
The Medal of Honor spans more than 160 years of American military history.
Major wars with significant numbers of recipients include:
- Civil War
- World War I
- World War II
- Korean War
- Vietnam War
- Iraq War
- War in Afghanistan
World War II accounts for the largest number of recipients.
Modern awards are less frequent because the standards remain extremely high and troop deployments are smaller than in earlier wars.
Women and the Medal of Honor
Dr. Mary Edwards Walker remains the only woman awarded the Medal of Honor.
She served as a contract surgeon during the Civil War and received the medal in 1865.
A 1917 review board rescinded her award under revised eligibility standards. The federal government restored her Medal of Honor in 1977.
No additional women have received the decoration to date.
Efforts to Address Historical Disparities
The U.S. government has reviewed past decisions to correct racial and ethnic disparities.
In 1997, seven African American World War II soldiers received the Medal of Honor after a review determined racial bias affected earlier recognition.
In 2000 and 2014, additional reviews led to awards for Asian American and Jewish American service members whose heroism had previously gone unrecognized.
These actions reflect ongoing efforts to ensure fairness and historical accuracy in military honors.
The Medal of Honor Flag
Congress authorized the Medal of Honor Flag in 2002.
Recipients receive the flag along with the medal.
The design features a light blue field with thirteen white stars arranged in chevrons. The flag symbolizes national gratitude and enduring respect.
Cultural and National Significance
The Medal of Honor holds deep cultural meaning in the United States.
Its legacy appears in:
- Military museums
- Educational exhibits
- Documentaries
- Historical publications
Recipients’ stories often become part of military training and leadership education.
The award represents courage, sacrifice, and commitment to fellow service members.
Current Status of the Medal of Honor in 2026
As of February 2026:
- The Medal of Honor remains the highest U.S. military decoration.
- Fewer than 70 recipients are living.
- The award continues to be presented by the President at the White House.
- The Department of Defense maintains strict eligibility standards.
No legislative changes have altered the award’s criteria this year.
The Medal of Honor continues to symbolize the highest level of valor recognized by the United States government.
Quick Reference Table
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established | 1861 (Navy), 1862 (Army) |
| Highest U.S. Military Award | Yes |
| Presented By | President of the United States |
| Living Recipients | Fewer than 70 (2026) |
| National Observance | March 25 |
The Medal of Honor stands as a lasting symbol of extraordinary bravery in defense of the United States. For more than a century and a half, it has recognized individuals who risked everything for their fellow service members and their country.
How do you honor the legacy of Medal of Honor recipients in your community? Share your thoughts and stay informed on future recognitions.
