Medal of Honor — Military Decorations

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Medal of Honor

Medal of Honor

Medal of Honor Medal and Ribbon Design Images

Design of the Medal of Honor

There are three distinct versions of the Medal of Honor.

1. The Army’s Medal of Honor design is comprised of a gold, five-pointed star surrounded by a green laurel.The star’s points, tipped with trefoils, are each 3.8 cm wide. The star is hanging from a gold bar engraved with the word valour. In the center of the star the Greek goddess of wisdom, Minerva, is surrounded by the words, United States of America. On the back of the bar the words, “THE CONGRESS TO ______” are engraved to personalise it for the recipient. The medal is made from metal and red brass and finished with gold plating.



2. The Navy’s Medal of Honor design is used for the US Navy, US Marine Corps and US Coast Guard. It is a five-pointed bronze star. Each star point is tipped with trefoils containing a crown of laurel and oak. Minerva stands in the center with her left hand resting on fasces and her right hand holding a shield engraved with the coat of arms of the United States. She is forcing away snakes, described as the control over discord. The star is suspended from the flukes of an anchor. It is made from solid red brass.



3. The US Air Force’s Medal of Honor design comprises of a five pointed star surrounded by a green laurel. The center of the medal is framed by an annulet of 34 gold stars and the face of the statue of liberty is engraved in the front. A gold metal bar attaches the ribbon to the medal. It is engraved with the word valour. A thunderbolt from the US Air Force coat of arms connects the star to the bar. The medal is made of gold and bronze and are plated with gold.
Since 1944, the Medal of Honor has been attached to a light-blue colored silk Neck ribbon 30 mm in width and 550 mm in length. The ribbon is designed with thirteen white stars arranged in chevron formation. The ribbon only has five white stars, arranged in the form of an M.

What is the Medal of Honor Decoration?

Since 1944, the Medal of Honor has been attached to a light-blue colored silk Neck ribbon 30 mm in width and 550 mm in length. The ribbon is designed with thirteen white stars arranged in chevron formation. The ribbon only has five white stars, arranged in the form of an M.

The United States military sorts decorations into categories called Classes and Types. The Medal of Honor medal is classified as a Personal Decoration of the type Medal of Honor.

How Do You Earn the Medal of Honor?

To be awarded the Medal of Honor one has to be nominated in one of two distinct ways. Most often, approval and nomination go through the service member’s chain of command. Alternatively a member of the U.S. Congress may nominate a service member. If the nomination is to be expedited, a special Act of Congress is required. The Medal of Honor is presented by the President on behalf of, and in the name of, the Congress. Since 1980, almost all Medal of Honor have been personally awarded by the Commander-in-Chief. As of 1963, the requirements for the Medal of Honor have been standardized among all the services. A rrecipient has "distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”

1. While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States.


2. While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.


3. While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

Displaying the Medal of Honor

The Order of Precedence of the Medal of Honor is 1, and this precedence is used when placing the associated service ribbon on your uniform ribbon rack. You can see a full list of decorations in the order of precedence on the Decorations homepage.

The Medal of Honor is the decoration with the highest honor in the United States. When worn as a ribbon, it is displayed first, on the top of the ribbon rack closest to the wearer’s heart. When worn as a medal, the wearer On May 2, 1896, Congress authorized a "ribbon to be worn with the medal and [a] rosette or knot to be worn in lieu of the medal.” No devices or appurtenances are authorised to be worn on the ribbon as of 2014. The 13 mm lapel button is a six-sided light blue bowknot rosette with thirteen white stars. It is authorised to be be worn on appropriate civilian clothing on the left lapel. Medal of Honor recipients and primary next of kin may request a duplicate of the medal awarded for a replacement or display without charge.

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