Shannon Rae

Medal of Honor

Valor on the Battlefield

The Medal of Honor, created during the Civil War, is the United States’ highest military decoration for acts of valor in combat. Presented by the president in the name of Congress, it is the American armed forces’ oldest continuously issued combat decoration. To date, almost half of the more than 3,400 medals have been presented to U.S. service members who fought in the Civil War.

Explore the Medal of Honor

Civil War | Article

After the Battle: The Later Lives of Medal of Honor Recipients

The post-war lives of Civil War Medal of Honor recipients and the sometimes circuitous routes they took to receiving our nation’s honor

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Medal of Honor Recipient Melvin Morris Visits Morris Island

Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient Melvin Morris visits Fort Wagner battlefield and reflects on his connection to the first African American soldier...

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Medal of Honor Recipient Britt Slabinski Visits Fredericksburg

War on Terror Medal of Honor recipient Britt Slabinski reflects on the universal connection between soldiers, regardless of the war in which they...

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Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams Visits Gettysburg

World War II Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams reflects on the sense of duty felt by soldiers, whether during the Civil War or in the...

Civil War | Biography

Joseph H. De Castro

Joseph H. De Castro made history as the first Hispanic to earn the Medal of Honor— the United States’ highest military decoration for valor in combat...