What is National Medal Of Honor Day?
All Medal of Honor recipients are recognized on National Medal of Honor Day on March 25th. The Medal of Honor is the highest military award for valor in the United States, and was first established in 1861.
Six members of "Andrews Raiders" received the first Medals of Honor (Army) on March 25, 1863, during an American Civil War raid in April of 1862.
The Medal of Honor is only given to US military service by the President of the United States in the name of Congress for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.
The Medal of Honor includes three versions; one for the Army, one for the Navy, and one for the Air Force; Personnel of the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard receive the Navy version.
Since its inception, 3,468 Medals of Honor have been given to the country's soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and coastguardsmen.
