Medal of Honor Timeline of Events

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Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the...

Timeline of Events

1861

12.21.1861

Medal of Honor: Public Resolution 82, containing a provision for a Navy Medal of Valor, is signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln.

1862

7.12.1862

The Medal of Honor is authorized by the United States Congress.

1900

5.23.1900

American Civil War: Sergeant William Harvey Carney becomes the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor, for his heroism in the Assault on the Battery Wagner in 1863.

1928

3.21.1928

Charles Lindbergh is presented the Medal of Honor for the first solo trans-Atlantic flight.

1944

10.8.1944

World War II: The Battle of Crucifix Hill occurs on Crucifix Hill just outside Aachen. Capt. Bobbie Brown receives a Medal of Honor for his heroics in this battle.

1945

10.9.1945

Parade in NYC for Fleet Admiral Nimitz and 13 USN/USMC Medal of Honor recipients

10.12.1945

World War II: Desmond Doss is the first conscientious objector to receive the U.S. Medal of Honor.

1964

12.5.1964

Vietnam War: For his heroism in battle earlier in the year, Captain Roger Donlon is awarded the first Medal of Honor of the war.

1968

8.21.1968

James Anderson, Jr. posthumously receives the first Medal of Honor to be awarded to an African American U.S. Marine.

11.26.1968

Vietnam War: United States Air Force helicopter pilot James P. Fleming rescues an Army Special Forces unit pinned down by Viet Cong fire and is later awarded the Medal of Honor.

2001

1.16.2001

US President Bill Clinton awards former President Theodore Roosevelt a posthumous Medal of Honor for his service in the Spanish-American War.