The highest military award, the Medal of Honor, was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on July 12, 1862. This medal is awarded for acts of valor in combat above and beyond the call of duty.
The Medal of Honor, sometimes referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor, can be received by members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Since its introduction in 1862, one woman and upwards of 3400 men have been awarded the Medal of Honor.
To learn more, check out Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty, where you can read stories about recipients of the award and letters from Presidents.