Did you know that the Medal of Honor was first given during the American Civil War?

The Medal is many times mistakenly called the Congressional Medal of Honor, but the proper name is the Medal of Honor.

Abraham Lincoln established the medal on July 12, 1862 the Honor was first bestowed during the American Civil War; the last time the medal was presented was on September 17, 2009.

Those who have been awarded the medal must have according the edict set forth"...service must have been performed in action as such conspicuous character to clearly distinguish the man for gallantry and intrepidity above his comrades--service that involved extreme jeopardy of life or the performance of extraordinary hazardous duty."

The total number of individuals who have received the award has been 3,447 with 618 given posthumously. During the Civil War 1,522 Medals of Honor were awarded.

The first Medal of Honor recipient was Private Jacob Parrott, a member of Andrew’s Raiders for his part in what has become known as the “Great Locomotive Chase” that happened on April 12, 1862.

Andrews, a volunteer escaped from the Swims Jail in Chattanooga. After being recaptured he would be hung on June 6, 1862, 6 other men, tried and convicted of being spies, were hung in Atlanta, 6 men would escape prison, and 8 would be exchanged for prisoners.

All the men except Andrews, who never enlisted, were awarded the Medal of Honor.

Mary Edwards Walker, a surgeon during the Civil War was the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor. Although her medal was rescinded in 1917 along with many other non-combat awards, President Jimmy Carter restored the honor to her in 1977.

More facts in the next post!

“Self trust is the essence of heroism.”
Emerson