Medal of Honor

The medal's creation was authorized by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861. The first Medal of Honor was presented on March 25, 1863, to Private Jacob Parrott of Company K, 33rd Ohio Infantry, for the Civil War action known as “The Great Locomotive Chase.” Since then, over 34 million soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have served in our Armed Forces. Currently, there are three versions of the Medal of Honor. The Army and Air Force Medals are awarded to recipients from their respective branches. The Navy Medal of Honor is awarded to recipients from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Each of the Armed Services maintains its own regulations governing the award.