It is only on rare occasions, however, that Congress awards special Medals of Honor. The medal is awarded 'in the name of the Congress of the United States' and for this reason, it is often called the Congressional Medal of Honor. The medal for the Army and Voluntary Forces was authorized on 12 July 1862. It was authorized by Congress, and approved by President Abraham Lincoln on 21 December 1861. The first military decoration formally authorized by the American Government as a badge of valor was the Medal of Honor for enlisted men of the Navy and Marine Corps. From that time until the Civil War, Certificates of Merit and a 'brevet' system of promotions were used as military awards. George Washington originated the Purple Heart in 1782 to honor brave soldiers, sailors and Marines. The idea for the Medal of Honor was born during the Civil War as men fought gallantly and oftentimes displayed great heroism. The deed must be proved by incontestable evidence of at least two eyewitnesses it must be so outstanding that it clearly distinguishes the recipient's gallantry beyond the call of duty from lesser forms of bravery it must involve the risk of his life and it must be the type of deed which, if he had not done it, would not subject him to any justified criticism. In judging men for receipt of the medal, each service has established its own regulations. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for bravery that can be given to any individual in the United States. MARINE CORPS MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS TO SEARCH FORВ RECIPIENTS OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR, SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.

Army pow medal of honor recipients