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A shoulder patch for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

Medal of Honor Facts

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force given to an individual serving in the armed forces.

Originally designed to "promote the efficiency of the Navy" during the Civil War, a bill was passed on Dec. 21, 1861, authorizing 200 medals to be bestowed upon distinguished individuals who acted gallantly in battle.

The Army Medal of Honor was approved by Congress on July 12, 1862.

A total of 3,428 Medals of Honor have been awarded since 1861:

  • 2,468 to the Army
  • 649 to the Navy
  • 294 to the Marines
  • 16 to the Air Force
  • 1 to the Coast Guard

Source, Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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