Congressional Medal of Honor
The Congressional Medal of Honor In 1861, in the prime of the American Civil War, the Congressional Medal of Honor was created. This award was designed to give recognition to those fighting in the war. Since then, around 3,000 men and women have been presented this award. This prestigious award is presented to the recipient by the current president of the United States at the time and is formal event that takes place in the White House. The Medal of Honor is presented to those in the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and National Coast Guard. And in 1990, congress designated March 25th to be National Medal of Honor Day. In the fall of 1861, a memo was sent to the army, requesting for a sort of medal of valor. The General in Chief of the army at the time dismissed the idea and was strictly against any sort of medal. However, the Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles liked the idea and created such an award. It was in honor of distinguished men in the Naval service. December 9th, the award went into usage for the Navy. When the Navy was issued their medals, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs, Henry Wilson issued a proposal for a Medal of Honor for the Army to get their own accreditation to those who have served valiantly on February 15th. These medals were to be awarded to distinguished non-commissioned officers and privates. It was approved by congress and signed into law on July 12, 1862, almost a year after the idea was turned down by then General Chief of the Army. By November, the War Department reached out to William Wilson and Son who designed and cast the Navy’s medals and gave and order to print 2000 army medals. They were made of copper and bronze which contributes to its reddish looking color. Later on in 1863, the Medal of Honor became a permanent award/decoration. Officers in the Army became eligible for the honor. As the medals’ honor became more prestigious, the first six Union Army soldiers were presented this award by