The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed on a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself "conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States"

Statistics

Established July 12, 1862

First awarded American Civil War

Last awarded June 2, 2008

Total awarded 3,465

Posthumous awards 618