Can a civilian be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor?

There are eight civilians who have received the Medal of Honor. The civilian recipients were all from the Civil War era, including the only woman to receive the medal, Mary Edwards Walker, a surgeon for the Union Army during the Civil War.

Has any civilian received the Medal of Honor?

No civilians since have received the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is used to recognize valor in combat. As all major military conflicts since the Civil War have occurred on foreign soil, US civilians are rarely in combat situations.

What is the civilian equivalent of the Medal of Honor?

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the president of the United States to recognize people who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

What is the highest Medal of Honor for a civilian?

the Presidential Medal of Freedom
The Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom are the highest civilian awards in the United States.

Do generals salute Medal of Honor winners?

There is a military tradition that dictates all uniformed members of the service render a salute to Medal of Honor awardees regardless of rank; this is one of the unique customs and courtesies associated with the medal.

Do Medal of Honor recipients fly free?

The same free travel opportunity afforded on military flights for active-duty military members, retirees and their families is also provided to Medal of Honor recipients.

How much money does a Medal of Honor recipient receive?

A special Medal of Honor pension of $1,406.73 (effective date: December 1, 2020) per month above and beyond any other benefits including pensions. A special supplemental clothing allowance of $841.36. Free lifelong travel on DoD military aircraft as a priority “Space-A” traveler.

Do Medal of Honor winners pay taxes?

Medal of Honor recipients are invited to every presidential inaugural ball and they never pay federal income tax again.

Has anyone won 2 Medal honors?

Perhaps the most notable two-time Medal of Honor recipients are Smedley Butler and Dan Daly, both Marines who began their careers in the late-19th century before serving in World War I. Dan Daly received his two Medals of Honor for actions in China and Haiti in 1900 and 1915.

Can Medal of Honor recipients fly free?

Priority Space-A Travel The same free travel opportunity afforded on military flights for active-duty military members, retirees and their families is also provided to Medal of Honor recipients.

What is the rarest Medal?

The Victoria Cross is the ‘holy grail’ for medal collectors because there are only 1,357 in existence. Bearing the inscription ‘For valour’ and known as a VC, this medal was first awarded for ‘conspicuous bravery’ in 1856 and later backdated to the Crimean war of 1854.

Do Medal of Honor recipients get paid for life?

Medal of Honor recipients receive these benefits for life: Added to the Medal of Honor Roll. Retired pay is increased by 10%. A special Medal of Honor pension of $1,406.73 (effective date: December 1, 2020) per month above and beyond any other benefits including pensions.