The Medal of Honor was instituted in 1861 and is awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action involving actual with opposing armed forces. It is the highest military honor awarded in the United States.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
United States of America
AWARDS-Medals & Ribbons
United States Army Medal of Honor; gold five point star with green enamel wreath; relief bust of the Minerva depicted in the center disc of medal; embossed text "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" on ring around the bust; one piece stamped eagle hanger with embossed text "VALOR"; Reverse: inscribed text "FOR EXHIBITION ONLY"; light blue ribbon with 13 white stars.
3-D (outstretched): 21.6 × 50.8 × 1cm (8 1/2 × 20 × 3/8 in.)
Silk
Gold Alloy
Non-Magnetic Metal Alloy
Non-Magnetic White Metal Alloy
Enamel
A19710108000
Transferred from the United States Army, Office of the Adjutant General
National Air and Space Museum
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