Medal of Honor
Supreme military decoration
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government, given for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.
Recipients are said to have been awarded the Medal of Honor, not to have won it—the distinction matters to veterans.
Despite common usage, Congressional Medal of Honor is technically incorrect; Congress authorizes but does not bestow it.
- Croix de GuerreFrench combat decoration
- valorCourage in danger
- Victoria CrossBritain's top combat decoration
- posthumousOccurring after death
- braveryBoldness before danger
Navy Cross · gallantry · heroism · acts of valor · military decorations · above and beyond · Iron Cross · courage · distinguished service · combat action · sacrifice · ultimate sacrifice · service · military service · duty · call of duty · citation · distinguished
- medalsservice award, Bronze Star, Navy Cross, Iron Cross, Purple Heart
- Bravery Awards
- Military DecorationsPurple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, Navy Cross, combat ribbon
- military honorsPurple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Navy Cross, Victoria Cross
- military medalsPurple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Iron Cross, Victoria Cross
- Naval HonorsNavy Cross, Bronze Star, Silver Star, Purple Heart, battle stars
Medal of Honordishonorable discharge
Punitive military separation
court-martial · general court-martial · demotion · cashiering · desertion
honor, medal, honored, honorable, medals, honoring, dishonorable, medallion, medalist