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The Medal of Honor was first given during the
Civil War to the men serving in the Navy. In 1861, President Abraham
Lincoln signed into law that the medal was “to be bestowed upon such petty
officers, seamen, landsmen and Marines as shall most distinguish themselves
by their gallantry and other seamanlike qualities during the present war.”
In 1862, the resolution was passed to include the Army. In 1863,
Congress made the Medal of Honor a permanent decoration for all branches of
service. Since that time, almost 3,400 men and one woman have received
the award for extraordinary gallantry and valor at the risk of life, beyond
the call of duty. It is the only medal worn around the neck with a
blue ribbon. It is the nation’s highest award to be issued by the
President of the United States. |
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Morgan County's
Recipients |
