Creation of the United States Army Medal of Honor
Today in history: July 12, 1862
On July 12, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed a law that, in the name of Congress, gave a U.S. Army Medal of Honor “to such noncommissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier-like qualities during the present insurrection.”
Lincoln created the United States Navy Medal of Valor, the base of the Army Medal of Honor, in July 1862, and by 1863, the Medal of Honor became a permanent military award for commissioned officers and members of the United States military.
The first United States soldier recipients were six members of the Union party who invaded Confederate territory to destroy railroad tracks and bridges between Atlanta, Georgia, and Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The Medal of Honor is presented to those individuals who distinguished themselves in real combat beyond the call of duty, risking their lives.