The History and Significance Behind the Medal of Honor
On July 12, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed a law into measure that called for the awarding of a U.S. Army Medal of Honor. It had previously been made for the Navy and was later adapted for the Air Force. There are three present day variations of the Medal to represent these three services.
3,515 individuals have been awarded the Medal of Honor since it was created almost 155 years ago. It is the United States Military's highest decoration.