Medal of Honor (MOH)
World War II Pacific War and Korean War

Background The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the United States highest military decoration for valor. The Medal of Honor can only be earned by an act of valor and is never awarded. Also known erroneously as the Congressional Medal of Honor because the medal is presented "in the name of Congress". Although the Medal of Honor is for military personnel, a special act of U.S. Congress bestowed the Medal of Honor civilians including explorer Adolphus Greely in 1935 and Charles A. Lindbergh in 1929 for his nonstop flight from New York across the Atlantic Ocean to Paris May 20-21, 1927. During World War II, there was a Army Medal of Honor and Navy Medal of Honor. After the creation of the U.S. Air Force (USAF), an Air Force Medal of Honor was created. On July 25, 1963 under Public Law 88-77 the requirements for the Medal of Honor were standardized among all branches of the military requiring that a recipient "distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. World War II Pacific 1941–1945 A total of 471 United States military personnel earned the Medal of Honor, 273 posthumously between 1941–1945. Korean War 1950–1953 A total of 146 United States military personnel received the Medal of Honor, 98 posthumously between 1950–1953. References Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOHS)