History of the Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the United States Congress on members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States." Read more
Medal of Honor Fact Sheet
Types of Medals
The Medal of Honor has evolved in appearance since its creation in 1862. The present Army medal consists of a gold star surrounded by a wreath, topped by an eagle on a bar inscribed with the word "Valor." The medal is attached by a hook to a light blue moiré silk neckband. There is a version of the medal for each sub-cabinet component of the Department of Defense: the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, and Department of the Air Force. Read more
The Pritzker Military Library's Executive Producer, Ed Tracy, hosts live, monthly interviews with recipients of the Medal of Honor. Each program can be seen online at The Pritzker Military Library.
Tribute to our Editor
James S. Vlasto, the editor of Medal of Honor News, was dedicated to preserving the history of our war heroes and to spreading awareness about the Medal of Honor and those brave veterans who served in our armed forces.
Some people, believe me, don't know what the Medal of Honor is, I run across it all the time," he said.
Gary B. Beikirch, Medal of Honor Recipient, Passes Away
Gary B. Beikirch, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, in Rochester, New York, at the age of 74. Sgt. Beikirch was the medical aidman for Detachment B-24, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, U.S. Army, at a remote Special Forces camp on the border of Laos in Read more
Four Vietnam Vets Awarded Medals of Honor in White House Ceremony
During a ceremony at the White House Tuesday, President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor to Vietnam War veterans Spc. 5 Dennis Fujii, Spc. 5 Dwight Birdwell, Maj. John Duffy and Staff Sgt. Edward Kaneshiro, who died in battle and received it posthumously. "It's been a long journey to this day for those heroes Read more
Medal of Honor Recipient Robert Simanek Dies at 92
Robert E. Simanek, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, in Novi, Michigan, at the age of 92. On Aug. 17, 1952, at Outpost Irene, Korea, Simanek was a private first class with 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), when he threw himself on Read more
Last Two Korean War Medal of Honor Recipients Died at 97
Hiroshi Miyamura, one of the last two living Medal of Honor recipients from the Korean War, died on Nov. 29, 2022, at age 97. With his death, there are only 64 living recipients of the United States' highest award for valor in combat. Miyamura first joined the Army to fight in a unit made up Read more
Hiroshi Miyamura, one of the last two living Medal of Honor recipients from the Korean War, died on Nov. 29, 2022, a... Read more
Robert E. Simanek, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, in Novi, Michigan, at the age of 92. ... Read more
Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel "Woody" Williams Dies
Hershel "Woody" Williams, the last living World War II Medal of Honor Recipient, passed away on June 29,... Read more
During a ceremony at the White House Tuesday, President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor to Vietnam War veterans... Read more
Passing of Medal of Honor Recipient John Lee Canley
John Lee Canley, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2022, in Bend, Oregon. From Jan. 31 to Feb... Read more
Retired Army Colonel Ralph Puckett receives the Medal of Honor
President Joe Biden presented the nation's highest military honor to retired Col. Ralph Puckett Jr., today, fo... Read more
Passing of Medal of Honor Recipient Kenneth E. Stumpf
Kenneth E. Stumpf, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2022, in Tomah, Wisconsin, at age 77. ... Read more
Gary B. Beikirch, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, in Rochester, New York, at the age of... Read more
Medal of Honor Recipients Mourn Passing of Duane E. Dewey
Duane E. Dewey, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away on Oct. 11, 2021, in Saint Augustine, Florida, at the age of 8... Read more
Medal of Honor Recipient Charles C. Hagemeister Passes Away at 74
Charles C. Hagemeister, Medal of Honor Recipient, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at the age of 74 in Leavenwor... Read more
Medal of Honor Recipient Ernest E. West Passes Away at 89
Ernest E. West, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away Saturday, May 1, 2021, at the age of 89. In October 1952, duri... Read more
Medal of Honor Recipient Charles H. Coolidge Passes Away at 99
Charles Henry Coolidge, 99, of Signal Mountain, passed away peacefully 6 April 2021, at Memorial Hospital in Chattan... Read more
Congressional Medal of Honor Society Launches Online Character Development Training
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the nation's only non-profit organization chartered by Congress to p... Read more
Emil J. KapaunKapaun
Korean War Medal of Honor recipient, Army Chaplain (Capt.) Emil Joseph Kapaun, Who Died as...
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that Korean War Medal of Honor recipient, Army Chaplain (Capt.) Emil... Read more
Congressional Medal of Honor for Sergeant Major Thomas Payne, U.S. Army
On September 11, 2020, President Donald J. Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Major Thomas P. Payne, Unite... Read more
WWII Hero Staff Sgt. Henry E. "Red" Erwin Incredible Medal of Honor Story to B...
News from Military.com about Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sgt. Henry E. "Red" Erwin, the radio operato... Read more
Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel "Woody" William...
Four Vietnam Vets Awarded Medals of Honor in White House Cer...
Connecticut Senator Blumenthal's Legislation Helps Cle...
Story told of Medal of Honor recipient who lived modest life...
Now there are nine: Medal of Honor recipients since U.S for...
Navy will christen USS Michael Murphy on May 7th, 2011 in Ba...
Retired Army Colonel Ralph Puckett receives the Medal of Hon...