Awards are usually a wonderful honor (unless, of course, you receive a Darwin Award, which usually goes to folks who voluntarily put themselves in jeopardy by doing something incredibly stupid). In striking contrast to the aforementioned award is the Medal of Honor , the highest U.S.
military decoration. Created through a joint resolution of Congress in 1862, the award is for “gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing foreign force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.” The specific deed must have irrefutable proof that it occurred, including precise actions taken by the individual, details of when and where the actions took place and must also have at least two eyewitness statements.
Once compiled, the documents go through the chain of command and, eventually, to the president, who makes the final decision. Since the inception of the Medal of Honor, there have been 3,517 recipients . About 60 of those folks are alive today.
The medal has been awarded posthumously 618 times. The highest civilian honor in the United States is the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Started in its current form in 1963 by President Kennedy, the award is for “meritorious contribution to (1) th.