What Is the Medal of Honor?
What Is the Medal of Honor? & Other Military/Religious Medal Questions
Related Medal Questions
- What Is the Medal of Honor?
- What Does the Purple Heart Medal Signify?
- What Is a St. Benedict Medal Used For?
- Do Medal of Honor Recipients Get a Special Pension?
- In What Order Should Military Medals Be Worn?
- What Does a St. Christopher Medal Represent?
- What Is the History of the Iron Cross Medal?
- How Is the Medal of Honor Awarded?
- Where Did the Miraculous Medal Come From?
- Who Is Eligible for Military Medals Like the Bronze Star?
What Is the Medal of Honor?
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government, established in 1861 during the Civil War. It recognizes "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty" in combat against an enemy force. The medal has three versions, each designed for a specific branch of the military: the Army Medal of Honor, Navy Medal of Honor (for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard), and Air Force Medal of Honor. It is typically presented by the President of the United States in a formal ceremony, and recipients are entitled to special benefits, including priority access to government services and lifelong recognition as national heroes.
What Does the Purple Heart Medal Signify?
The Purple Heart is a U.S. military medal that honors service members who are wounded or killed in combat against an enemy force. Established by George Washington in 1782 as the "Badge of Military Merit" (America’s first military medal), it was revived and renamed the Purple Heart in 1932. The medal’s purple color symbolizes courage and sacrifice, while its heart shape represents devotion to duty. Eligibility includes injuries from enemy gunfire, explosions, or attacks—even psychological trauma caused by combat in some cases. Recipients of the Purple Heart qualify for benefits like priority VA healthcare, disability compensation, and membership in Purple Heart-specific veterans’ organizations.
What Is a St. Benedict Medal Used For?
A St. Benedict Medal is a religious medal associated with the Catholic Church, used primarily for spiritual protection and devotion to St. Benedict of Nursia (the founder of Western monasticism). The medal features Latin inscriptions (including "Vade retro Satana," meaning "Begone, Satan") and symbols like a cross, raven, and cup—all tied to St. Benedict’s life and teachings. Catholics wear the medal as a pendant, keep it in homes, or place it in vehicles to seek protection against evil, temptation, and harm. It is often blessed by a priest before use, and many believers pray the St. Benedict Medal prayer while holding or wearing the medal to deepen their faith.
Do Medal of Honor Recipients Get a Special Pension?
Yes, Medal of Honor recipients receive a dedicated monthly pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), separate from regular military retirement benefits. As of 2024, this pension is $1,874 per month, adjusted annually for cost-of-living increases to keep up with inflation. The pension is available for life, even if the recipient did not serve the minimum years required for standard military retirement. In addition to the pension, Medal of Honor recipients get other perks, such as free military air travel, priority medical care at VA facilities, and access to military bases. These benefits are designed to honor the extraordinary sacrifice required to earn the nation’s highest military medal.
In What Order Should Military Medals Be Worn?
Military medals must be worn in a specific order of precedence, determined by their importance and established by each branch of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.). The general rule is to wear medals from left to right, with the highest-precedence medals closest to the heart. For U.S. military personnel, the order starts with the Medal of Honor (highest), followed by other valor medals like the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and Purple Heart. Next come service medals (e.g., National Defense Service Medal), then campaign and service ribbons. Each branch publishes a detailed "order of precedence" guide, and personnel are expected to follow it for formal events like parades, ceremonies, and official meetings.
What Does a St. Christopher Medal Represent?
A St. Christopher Medal is a religious medal in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions that represents protection for travelers. It features an image of St. Christopher—recognized as the patron saint of travelers—carrying a child across a river (a reference to the legend that St. Christopher helped a young traveler, later revealed to be Jesus, safely cross a dangerous stream). Many medals also include the prayer "St. Christopher, protect us" or mark his feast day (July 25). The medal is commonly worn as a pendant, kept in cars, or carried in bags to symbolize spiritual guidance and safety during travel—whether by car, plane, train, or foot. It is often given as a gift to new drivers, travelers, or anyone embarking on a new journey.
What Is the History of the Iron Cross Medal?
The Iron Cross Medal is a historic military decoration originally established by Prussia in 1813 by King Frederick William III, designed to honor bravery and distinguished service in combat. The medal features a simple black iron cross shape with a silver border—a design that has remained largely unchanged. It was awarded in two classes: the Iron Cross 2nd Class (for basic acts of valor) and Iron Cross 1st Class (for more exceptional bravery). The medal was used by Prussia, the German Empire, and Nazi Germany (with a swastika added during WWII), though it was discontinued after 1945. Today, the Iron Cross is recognized as a historical symbol of military service, not an active decoration, and is often featured in museums and historical collections.
How Is the Medal of Honor Awarded?
The process to award the Medal of Honor is rigorous and multi-step, ensuring only the most deserving service members receive it. First, a service member’s actions must be documented with witness statements, official reports, and evidence of "gallantry above and beyond the call of duty." The nomination is then reviewed by the service member’s unit commander, followed by higher-ranking officials in their military branch (e.g., Army, Navy). If approved, the nomination is sent to the Secretary of the military branch, who forwards it to the President of the United States for final approval. The medal is typically presented by the President in a public ceremony at the White House, attended by the recipient’s family, military colleagues, and government officials. Since its establishment, fewer than 3,600 Medal of Honor awards have been made—highlighting its rarity and prestige.
Where Did the Miraculous Medal Come From?
The Miraculous Medal (also called the Medal of the Immaculate Conception) originated from visions reported by St. Catherine Labouré, a young French nun, in 1830. According to her accounts, the Virgin Mary appeared to her three times, instructing her to create a medal with specific designs: the front showing Mary with outstretched hands, surrounded by the words "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee," and the reverse featuring a cross, two hearts (Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary), and 12 stars. The first Miraculous Medals were made in 1832, and their use spread quickly in the Catholic Church due to reports of spiritual blessings and miracles associated with them. Today, the medal is one of the most widely recognized religious medals worldwide, worn by millions of Catholics as a symbol of devotion to Mary.
Who Is Eligible for Military Medals Like the Bronze Star?
The Bronze Star Medal—a U.S. military decoration established in 1944—is awarded to service members who demonstrate "heroic or meritorious achievement or service" in combat or non-combat situations. Eligibility includes: 1. Active-duty, reserve, or National Guard personnel in any U.S. military branch. 2. For combat-related awards: Actions involving heroism or meritorious service in a combat zone (e.g., leading troops, executing missions under fire). 3. For non-combat awards: Exceptional performance in support roles (e.g., logistics, intelligence, or training) that contribute to military operations. Recipients must be recommended by their commanding officer, with the nomination reviewed and approved by higher-ranking officials. Unlike the Purple Heart (for wounds), the Bronze Star recognizes achievement—though a "V" device can be added to the medal to denote valor in combat.
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