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Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the...
Timeline of Events
1861
12.21.1861
Medal of Honor: Public Resolution 82, containing a provision for a Navy Medal of Valor, is signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln.
1862
7.12.1862
The Medal of Honor is authorized by the United States Congress.
1900
5.23.1900
American Civil War: Sergeant William Harvey Carney becomes the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor, for his heroism in the Assault on the Battery Wagner in 1863.
1928
3.21.1928
Charles Lindbergh is presented the Medal of Honor for the first solo trans-Atlantic flight.
1944
10.8.1944
World War II: The Battle of Crucifix Hill occurs on Crucifix Hill just outside Aachen. Capt. Bobbie Brown receives a Medal of Honor for his heroics in this battle.
1945
10.9.1945
Parade in NYC for Fleet Admiral Nimitz and 13 USN/USMC Medal of Honor recipients
10.12.1945
World War II: Desmond Doss is the first conscientious objector to receive the U.S. Medal of Honor.
1964
12.5.1964
Vietnam War: For his heroism in battle earlier in the year, Captain Roger Donlon is awarded the first Medal of Honor of the war.
1968
8.21.1968
James Anderson, Jr. posthumously receives the first Medal of Honor to be awarded to an African American U.S. Marine.
11.26.1968
Vietnam War: United States Air Force helicopter pilot James P. Fleming rescues an Army Special Forces unit pinned down by Viet Cong fire and is later awarded the Medal of Honor.
2001
1.16.2001
US President Bill Clinton awards former President Theodore Roosevelt a posthumous Medal of Honor for his service in the Spanish-American War.