In 1999, March 25th was established by Congress as National Medal of Honor Day, But it was first observed on March 25th 1991. We celebrate on March 25th because it was on this day in 1863, the first Medals of Honor were presented to six members of Andrews Raiders. The first person to ever be presented this award was Jacob Parrott, who was a part of the six from Andrews Raiders.

The Medal of Honor is the United States highest award for military valor in action. This award is presented to U.S. service members who distinguish themselves “through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty”. The members awarded show values of commitment, sacrifice, integrity, courage, and patriotism.

There are three different Medals of Honor that are awarded. There is one for the Army, which is awarded to soldiers, one for the Naval services, which includes sailors, marines, and coast guards, and one for the Air and Space forces, given to airmen, and guardians.

Of the 40 million Americans who have served in the Armed Forces since the Civil War, only 3,517 have earned the Medal of Honor. With 2,404 being in the Army, 746 in the Navy, 297 in the Marine Corps, 17 in the Air Force, and 1 in the Coast Guard. Of these 3,517 there has only been one woman to be awarded a Medal of Honor, Mary Edwards Walker, who was awarded with the medal in 1865. There has also only been one president to have received this honor, President Theodore Roosevelt in 2001.

While most recipients of the Medal only receive it once there have been 19 who have received it twice. This includes Frank Baldwin (U.S. Army), Smedley Butler (U.S. Marine Corps), John Laver Marther Cooper (U.S. Navy), Louis Cukela (U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps), Thomas Custer (U.S. Army), Daniel Daly (U.S. Marine Corps), Henry Hogan (U.S. Army), Ernest A. Janson (U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps), John J. Kelly (U.S. Marine Corps), John King (U.S. Navy), Matej Kocak (U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps), John Lafferty (U.S. Navy), John McCloy (U.S. Navy), Patrick Mullen (U.S. Navy), Ludwig Andres Olsen (U.S. Navy), John H. Pruitt (U.S Marine Corps), Robert Augustus Sweeney (U.S. Navy), Albert Weisbogel (U.S. Navy), and William Wilson (U.S. Army).

We would like to thank all service members for their bravery to serve and protect our country.