National Medal of Honor Day

March 25 is dedicated to all Medal of Honor recipients. History says, on March 25, 1863, the first Medals of Honor were presented.  Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton presented Medals of Honor (Army) to six members of  “Andrews Raiders” for their volunteering and participation during an American Civil War raid in April of 1862. In 1990, the United States Congress designated March 25th of each year as National Medal of Honor Day.

"conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States."

The Medal of Honor is awarded only to US military personnel, by the President of the United States in the name of Congress, for personal acts. Highest military honor,  3,468 Medals of Honor had been awarded. 71 are currently living in the United States.

Fun fact: Only one woman has received the Medal of Honor, Mary Edwards Walker, volunteered with the Union Army at the outbreak of the Civil War.