Medal of Honor: Criteria, History and Ribbon

Established: 1861 (Navy), 1862 (Army), 1965 (Air Force design)
Awarded by: All services (Army, Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard and Air Force/Space Force designs)
Criteria: Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States.
Precedence: #1 of 18 in this guide · above Distinguished Service Cross

The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest military decoration for valor. It is presented by the President in the name of Congress, which is why it is often — unofficially — called the “Congressional” Medal of Honor.

Unlike most decorations it is worn around the neck, and federal law gives it special protection: unauthorized manufacture or sale is a crime, and falsely claiming it in order to obtain money, property or other tangible benefit is punishable under the Stolen Valor Act of 2013.

From Wikipedia

The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the highest military decoration of the United States Armed Forces and is awarded to recognize American soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians, and coast guardsmen who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor.

Excerpt from “Medal of Honor” on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.