Shannon Rae

Medal of Honor

Valor on the Battlefield

The Medal of Honor, created during the Civil War, is the United States’ highest military decoration for acts of valor in combat. Presented by the president in the name of Congress, it is the American armed forces’ oldest continuously issued combat decoration. To date, almost half of the more than 3,400 medals have been presented to U.S. service members who fought in the Civil War.

Explore the Medal of Honor

Civil War | Biography

Mary E. Walker

Though not honored for any specific deed or gallantry, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker remains to this day the only female recipient of the Medal of Honor...

Civil War | Article

Covered With Glory: The African American Heroes of New Market Heights

Fourteen African American soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during the Sept. 29, 1864 Battle of New Market Heights. These men...

Civil War | Article

After the Battle: The Later Lives of Medal of Honor Recipients

The post-war lives of Civil War Medal of Honor recipients and the sometimes circuitous routes they took to receiving our nation’s honor

Article

Medal of Honor Recipient Melvin Morris Visits Morris Island

Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient Melvin Morris visits Fort Wagner battlefield and reflects on his connection to the first African American soldier...

Civil War | Biography

Joseph H. De Castro

Joseph H. De Castro made history as the first Hispanic to earn the Medal of Honor— the United States’ highest military decoration for valor in combat...