The U.S. president, in the name of Congress, has awarded more than 3,500 Medals of Honor to our nation's bravest soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guard members since the award's creation in 1861. A member of the Space Force has never received the Medal of Honor.
Medal of Honor Recipient Benefits
- A special Medal of Honor pension of $5,780 per month above and beyond any military pensions or other benefits for which they may be eligible. Most surviving spouses are also eligible for this pension. The MoH pension is subject to cost-of-living increases and is tax-free.
- Special entitlements to Space “A” air transportation
- Enlisted recipients are entitled to a supplemental uniform allowance
- Commissary and exchange privileges (includes eligible dependents)
- Access to Morale, Welfare and Recreation and base lodging facilities
- Priority 1 consideration for Department of Veterans Affairs claims
- Admission to the United States military academies for qualified children of recipients, without nomination and quota requirements
- 10% increase in retired pay
- Exempt from medical care co-payments
- Medal of Honor flag
- Added to the Medal of Honor Roll
- May wear the uniform at anytime as long as the standard restrictions are observed
- Many states offer Medal of Honor automobile license plates along with other state veteran benefits
- Interment at Arlington National Cemetery if not otherwise eligible
- Invitations to many high-level events, including inaugurations and special ceremonies
Learn more about certain Medal of Honor benefits.
Who Is Given the Medal of Honor?
The Medal of Honor is bestowed for extraordinary acts of valor and is often bestowed posthumously. The Medal of Honor is never “won.” It is presented, awarded, bestowed or given after a service member’s act of selfless courage, typically at the risk or loss of that individual’s own life. It is the nation’s highest honor.
-- Additional reporting by Jim Absher
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