The Medal of Honor is the most prestigious military award in the United States.
It represents extraordinary bravery, self-sacrifice, and heroism above and beyond the call of duty. Because of its importance, eligibility rules are extremely strict and often misunderstood. This guide explains exactly who qualifies for the Medal of Honor, how the approval process works, and why it remains one of the rarest awards in military history.
What Is the Medal of Honor?
The Medal of Honor is the highest U.S. military decoration, awarded for acts of valor that go far beyond normal expectations of duty. It is presented in the name of Congress and awarded by the President of the United States.
Unlike many other military medals, the Medal of Honor is not branch-specific in meaning. Whether awarded to a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, or Coast Guardsman, the standards are the same—extraordinary heroism at the risk of life.
Who Qualifies for the Medal of Honor?
To qualify for the Medal of Honor, a service member must meet all of the following core requirements:
- Perform an act of conspicuous gallantry
- Display intrepidity at the risk of life
- Go above and beyond the call of duty
- Engage in action against an enemy of the United States
- Have the action clearly documented and verified
These standards are intentionally high, which is why the medal is awarded so rarely.
What Does “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty” Mean?
This phrase is central to Medal of Honor eligibility. It means the action:
- Was not required by the service member’s role
- Involved extreme personal risk
- Was performed voluntarily
- Directly influenced the outcome of combat
- Saved lives or turned the tide of an engagement
Simply doing one’s job well—even under fire—is not enough to qualify.
Combat Requirement Explained
The Medal of Honor can only be awarded for actions that occur during:
- Combat against enemy forces
- Military operations involving conflict with an opposing force
- Engagements where hostile action is clearly present
Acts performed outside of combat, no matter how heroic, do not qualify.
Examples of Qualifying Actions
While each award is unique, qualifying actions often include:
- Charging enemy positions under heavy fire
- Shielding fellow service members from explosions
- Continuing to fight after being seriously wounded
- Rescuing wounded personnel under direct enemy fire
- Single-handedly repelling enemy attacks
These acts typically involve near-certain risk of death.
Can the Medal of Honor Be Awarded Posthumously?
Yes. A significant number of Medal of Honor recipients receive the award posthumously. If a service member is killed while performing a qualifying act of valor, the medal may be presented to their next of kin.
Posthumous awards follow the same strict review and approval process as all other Medal of Honor nominations.
How Rare Is the Medal of Honor?
The Medal of Honor is extremely rare. Since its creation:
- Fewer than 3,600 medals have been awarded
- Millions of Americans have served in uniform
- Only a tiny fraction meet the eligibility standard
This rarity reinforces the medal’s significance and prestige.
The Medal of Honor Approval Process
The approval process is one of the most rigorous in the military.
It includes:
- Detailed eyewitness statements
- Official combat reports
- Medical documentation
- Multiple layers of military review
- Review by the Secretary of Defense
- Final approval by Congress
- Presentation by the President
This process can take years, even decades, to complete.
Can the Medal of Honor Be Awarded Retroactively?
Yes. In rare cases, the Medal of Honor has been awarded retroactively due to:
- Historical review
- Previously overlooked heroism
- Corrected records
- Changes in recognition standards
Many retroactive awards involve actions from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
Are There Different Versions of the Medal of Honor?
Yes. While the eligibility criteria are identical, there are three designs:
- Army Medal of Honor
- Navy and Marine Corps Medal of Honor
- Air Force Medal of Honor
Each version reflects branch tradition, but all carry equal honor.
Legal Protections and Respect
The Medal of Honor is protected by federal law. Misrepresentation, unauthorized sale, or false claims of receipt fall under Stolen Valor laws. Recipients are entitled to special honors, including military salutes regardless of rank.
Why the Medal of Honor Matters
The Medal of Honor represents the highest ideals of military service:
- Courage
- Selflessness
- Sacrifice
- Duty to others
It is not awarded for rank, time in service, or position—but for extraordinary action under the most extreme circumstances.
Final Thoughts
The Medal of Honor stands apart from all other military awards. Its eligibility rules are intentionally strict to preserve its meaning and legacy. Understanding who qualifies helps veterans, families, and historians appreciate the extraordinary courage required to earn it. Each recipient’s story reflects selfless service at the highest level, reminding us that the Medal of Honor is not just a decoration—it is a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice in defense of others and the nation.