The Navy Medal of Honor is our country's oldest continuously
awarded decoration, even though its appearance and award
criteria has changed since it was created for Navy, Marine
Corps, and Coast Guard enlisted men by Secretary of the Navy
Gideon Welles on December 16, 1861. Legislation in 1915 made
officers eligible for the award.
Although originally awarded for both combat and non-combat
heroism, the Medal of Honor today is presented for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life,
above and beyond the call of duty.
U.S. Navy video by Daniel Garas,
Naval History and Heritage Command - September 2018 Edit
with music by USA Patriotism!
Navy Medal of Honor
