Is there a Medal of Honor for civilians?

Any United States civilian who, through a singular act of extraordinary heroism or through a prolonged series of selfless acts, clearly demonstrated a willingness to place his or her own life at risk for others or has dedicated themselves to the service of others can be nominated.

Can a civilian get a Medal of Honor?

There are eight civilians who have received the Medal of Honor. The civilian recipients were all from the Civil War era, including the only woman to receive the medal, Mary Edwards Walker, a surgeon for the Union Army during the Civil War.

What is the highest Medal of Honor for civilian?

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award of the United States, along with the Congressional Gold Medal.

Can you get the Medal of Honor without being in the military?

The nation's highest military award for valor is the Medal of Honor, presented by the president in Congress' name. By law, only U.S. service members who distinguish themselves “through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty” can receive the medal.

What is the citizen equivalent to the Medal of Honor?

The Presidential Citizens Medal is an award bestowed by the President of the United States.

Medal of Honor recipients honor civilian doctor

Is it illegal to own a Medal of Honor?

Due to the prestige of the Medal of Honor, it is a federal crime to manufacture, sell, or trade these awards without authorization of the federal government. It is also illegal to use unauthorized Medals of Honors to receive benefits, such as money or property.

How much does a real Medal of Honor cost?

Each version of that medal, awarded to such dignitaries as former South African president Nelson Mandela and the late movie star John Wayne, costs $30,000, according to Baca's staff. But not every one of the Congressional Medal of Honor winners thinks the upgrade is a good idea.

How much would a Medal of Honor sell for?

Army Private's Medal of Honor Sold for More than $15,000 by German Auction House. A Medal of Honor awarded to an Army infantryman for heroism during the Spanish-American War has been sold for $14,000 euros, or nearly $15,500, a Munich-based auction house confirmed Thursday.

Has anyone earned 2 Medals of Honor?

Thomas Custer was the first soldier in U.S. history to be given two Medals of Honor for two distinct and separate acts of valor. During the Civil War, Custer was just 16 and lied about his age to enlist in the Union infantry before commissioning as a cavalry officer.

What's higher than Medal of Honor?

Second in precedence to the Medal of Honor, the Armed Services awards the Distinguished Service Cross (Army), the Navy Cross (Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard), and the Air Force Cross to individuals who distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism rising to a level below that required for the Medal of Honor.

Do officers salute Medal of Honor?

Although not required by law or military regulation, members of the uniformed services are encouraged to render salutes to recipients of the Medal of Honor as a matter of respect and courtesy regardless of rank or status, whether or not they are in uniform.

What is the hardest Medal to get in the military?

Do Medal of Honor winners pay taxes?

Medal of Honor Recipient Benefits

A special tax-free Medal of Honor pension of $1,619.34 per month above and beyond any military pensions or other benefits for which they may be eligible.

What is the highest non military honor?

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.

Do Medal of Honor recipients get paid for life?

On April 27, 1916, Congress created the Army and Navy Medal of Honor Roll and entitled Medal of Honor recipients to a special pension of $10 per month for life. Eligibility for this pension is based solely on receipt of the Medal of Honor and is paid to any eligible individuals who elect to receive it.

What is the quickest Medal of Honor?

The Fastest Medal of Honor Was Awarded to an Airman Who Carried a Burning Phosphorus Bomb in His Hands. Erwin only had been in the war since 1944 after dropping out of aviation school and instead becoming a radio operator, mechanic and gunner.

Who is the most badass Medal of Honor recipients?

What are the 3 types of Medal of Honor?

Navy, Marine Corps & Coast Guard Medal of Honor

Presently, there are three variations of the Medal of Honor. Steeped with symbolism, the Medal has become a historic symbol of our nation's bravest. Out of respect for those who have earned it, its appearance has remained largely unaltered in over 150 years.

Has any president won the Medal of Honor?

For his actions during the war, Roosevelt was recommended for the Medal of Honor. In 2001, Theodore Roosevelt became the first President to receive the Medal of Honor.

Who was the youngest person to receive the Medal of Honor?

In 1863, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton signed the recommendation to award Johnston the Medal of Honor, only recently created by President Lincoln, becoming only the second recipient. He is still the youngest to ever receive the award.

Has a woman ever won the Medal of Honor?

Mary Edwards Walker (November 26, 1832 – February 21, 1919), commonly referred to as Dr. Mary Walker, was an American abolitionist, prohibitionist, prisoner of war and surgeon. She is the only woman to ever receive the Medal of Honor.

Can you legally sell a Purple Heart?

Is it illegal to sell a purple heart medal? No. It is not currently illegal to sell a purple heart medal, however, there is legislation being looked at in order to prohibit their sale when wondering if you should sell a war medal. Some selling platforms will ban the sale of specific medals or items.

What perks do Medal of Honor winners get?

The Recipients receive a special monthly pension, travel on military aircraft on space-available basis, have access to base commissaries, and are guaranteed burial at Arlington National Cemetery and admittance for their children to the military service academies.

How rare is it to get the Medal of Honor?

Of the 40 million Americans who have served in the Armed Forces since the Civil War, only 3,515 have earned the Medal of Honor.

Do Medal of Honor fly free?

The same free travel opportunity afforded on military flights for active-duty military members, retirees and their families is also provided to Medal of Honor recipients.