Recipients are celebrated for embodying six core traits: Courage, Sacrifice, Patriotism, Citizenship, Integrity, and Commitment .
The award was first authorized by President Abraham Lincoln on , initially only for the Navy and Marine Corps. An Army version was established months later in 1862. medal of honor
After World War I, criteria became significantly more stringent. It is now a rare award reserved for acts of extreme self-sacrifice in combat. Recipients are celebrated for embodying six core traits:
