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| MEDAL OF HONOR |
The first Army Medal of Honor was awarded to Private Jacob Parrott during the American Civil War for his role in the Great Locomotive Chase. The only female Medal of Honor recipient is Mary Edwards Walker, a Civil War surgeon. Her medal was rescinded in 1917 along with many other non-combat awards, but it was restored by President Jimmy Carter in 1977.
While current regulations, (10 U.S.C. § 6241), beginning in 1918, explicitly state that recipients must be serving in the U.S. Armed Forces at the time of performing a valorous act that warrants the award, exceptions have been made. For example, Charles Lindbergh, while a reserve member of the U.S. Army Air Corps, received his Medal of Honor as a civilian pilot.
In addition, the Medal of Honor was presented to the British Unknown Warrior by General Pershing on October 17, 1921; later the U.S. Unknown Soldier was reciprocally awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest award for gallantry, on November 11, 1921.
Although being a U.S. citizen is not a prerequisite for eligibility to receive the medal, apart from a few exceptions, Medals of Honor can be awarded to only members of the U.S. armed forces. Sixty-one Canadians who were serving in the United States armed forces have received the Medal of Honor; most received it for actions in the American Civil War. Since 1900, only four have been awarded to Canadians.
In the Vietnam War, Peter C. Lemon was the only Canadian recipient of the Medal of Honor.
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6 comments:
Very interesting post. We have a lot of American ex-servicemen and women who come back here every year.
As you know, I have relatives in America and Australia who served in WW2 and most of my past generations in my Family have served in many conflicts.
Last week, we held out usual VJ Day,
so although the second World War was over in Europe, it was still going on in parts of the Far East.
This was tragic, men like skeletons, but there was a famous saying that came out of it...Tell them at home that we gave our today for your tomorrow. I'm not sure who actually said that, but it was in a message back to England.
Thank you for always bringing up important points of military history in your posts. I find myself googling and researching alot of the information and learning so much more than history books ever conveyed!
KW ~ I Salute all who gave their lives for this world from start to finish.. for without those people, we would not be here...
Indi
x
LOVE THIS!!! Oh, AND you!!!
;-D xoxo
robelyn
Another interesting post, Kurt;
what a great tribute to all those who gave their lives for the nation and mankind.
Hope you're having a relaxing day.
B
P.S.
Thanks so much for your lovely comments on my blog.
Always great to hear from you. :)
I liked this post. I learned something new!
Happy Friday!
Marnie xx
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