On This Date In History

On July 12, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signs into law a measure calling for the awarding of a U.S. Army Medal of Honor, in the name of Congress, “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.” The previous December, Lincoln had approved a provision creating a U.S. Navy Medal of Valor, which was the basis of the Army Medal of Honor created by Congress in July 1862. The first U.S. Army soldiers to receive what would become the nation’s highest military honor were six members of a Union raiding party who in 1862 penetrated deep into Confederate territory to destroy bridges and railroad tracks between Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia.
In 1863, the Medal of Honor was made a permanent military decoration available to all members, including commissioned officers, of the U.S. military. It is conferred upon those who have distinguished themselves in actual combat at risk of life beyond the call of duty.
Due to the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented posthumously. The medal is normally awarded by the President of the United States in the name of the United States Congress. Because the medal is presented "in the name of Congress", it is also known as the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Medal 0f Honor - L To R - USAF, US Army, and USCG/USN/USMC

Awarded for: Conspicuous Gallantry and Intrepidity at the Risk of Life Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.
First awarded: March 25, 1863