Often, we hear tales about the Medal of Honor and its recipients. But do you know just how rare this honor is? Since 1862, when it was first established, only a small percentage out of millions who served in World War II received it. Out of over 12 million Americans who served during that time, only 3,527 medals have been awarded.
Since then, the Medal has undergone numerous legislative, design and presentation changes while still retaining what makes it truly special—its status as the United States' highest award for military valor in action. Since the 1860s there have been over 90 African Americans awarded the Medal of Honor.
10. Non-Americans can also receive the Medal of Honor. You don’t need to be a United States citizen to receive this award. In fact, over 800 Medals of Honor have been given to non-citizens (for example, 65 to Canadians). However, you do need to be serving in the United States military to be eligible. 9.
It was long after his death. He posthumously was awarded the Medal of Honor on January 16, 2001. Theodore Roosevelt: Only US President awarded with Medal of Honor (Photo: Wikipedia Commons) He served in New York Army National Guard, and he rose to the rank of the Colonel. He served in two terms; from 1882 to 1886 and once again in 1898.
There are three similar, yet distinct, versions of the Medal of Honor, one for each military department. The medals are similar in that each consists of a variation of a five-pointed star worn around the neck on a light blue ribbon. Only slightly more than 3,500 Medals of Honor have been awarded to members of all services.
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how many medals of honor have been awarded
