The Criteria for Receiving the Medal of Honor: Understanding the Strict Requirements and the Controversy Surrounding Its Award

The Medal of Honor is one of the highest military honors bestowed by the United States government. It is awarded to military personnel who distinguish themselves 'by acts of extraordinary heroism or exemplary courage above and beyond the call of duty.' However, despite its lofty status, the process of receiving this prestigious award is not as straightforward as one might imagine. This article delves into the stringent criteria and procedures for receiving the Medal of Honor, as well as the controversies that have surrounded its awarding.

Criteria for Awarding the Medal of Honor

The criteria for receiving the Medal of Honor require actions that are truly exceptional and go above and beyond the call of duty. The award is given for 'gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.' This could involve significant acts of bravery, self-sacrifice, or extraordinary leadership in the face of imminent danger.

According to the official documentation from the United States Department of Defense, Medal of Honor recipients must demonstrate 'conspicuous intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.' This means that the actions taken must be so daring and self-sacrificing that they stand out as exceptional among those who have also faced similar levels of danger.

The Process of Receiving the Medal of Honor

When a soldier or service member shows extraordinary bravery, their unit or squad can nominate them for the Medal of Honor. These nominations are then carefully reviewed, and ultimately, the recommendation must be approved by a series of officials within the military command system.

Once the recommendation reaches the highest levels of the chain of command, it may be approved or denied. While the criteria for the award are strict, it is not impossible for an exceptional act to be overlooked. In some cases, nominations may be delayed or overlooked due to administrative errors or other factors.

The Controversy Surrounding the Award

One of the biggest controversies surrounding the Medal of Honor is the posthumous award. More than half of the recipients of the Medal of Honor have been awarded posthumously, meaning that they did not survive to receive the medal themselves. This raises questions about the fairness and accuracy of the nomination and review process.

There have been instances where families or supporters have lobbied for the award, but the process is so rigorous that it often takes years for a posthumous award to be recognized. In some cases, these long delays have led to frustration and even accusations of injustice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone receive the Medal of Honor if they ask for it enough times? No, the Medal of Honor is not awarded based on the number of times a service member requests it. The award is based strictly on extraordinary acts of heroism, and the process is designed to be thorough and fair.

Who has the final say on whether or not the MOH is awarded? While the chain of command plays a significant role in recommending recipients, the final decision on whether to award the Medal of Honor often rests with the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States, based on the recommendation of the Uniformed Services Board of Template-Computerized Executable Records (US Board).

Conclusion

The Medal of Honor is one of the most prestigious and important honors a military service member can receive. Its criteria and the processes for awarding it are designed to recognize the most extraordinary acts of bravery and heroism. While the process is often meticulous and can be slow, it is intended to ensure that only those who truly deserve the honor are recognized.

Keywords

Medal of Honor, criteria, posthumous award