Types of the Medal of Honor 1862 to presant
The Navy medal was
the first to be struck, followed quickly by the Army version of this award.
There are three different types of Medals of Honor today as seen directly below: the original
simple
star shape established in 1861 which the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard have
retained; a
wreath version designed in 1904 for the Army; and an altered wreath version for
the Air Force,
designed in 1963 and adopted in 1965.
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NAVY MEDAL OF HONOR (1862)
For all practical intents and purposes, the Navy Medal of Honor
remains the same today
as it did when it was born. The only
change has been in the attachment
that connects it to the ribbon,
and the ribbon itself. Originally the Navy Medal of Honor
was
suspended from its red, white and blue ribbon by an anchor wrapped
with a
length of rope. The reverse side of the Medal was inscribed
with the words "Personal Valor"
above an open area in which the
recipient's name could be engraved.
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ARMY MEDAL OF HONOR (1862
Struck from the same die as the Navy Medal of Honor, the original Army Medal
differed
only in the emblem that attached it to the same red, white and blue
ribbon as the Navy.
Replacing the anchor was an eagle perched on crossed cannon and
clutching a saber in
its talons. Replacing the words "Personal Valor" on the back of
the Medal were the words
"The Congress To" with an area to engrave the recipient's name.
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AIR FORCE MEDAL OF HONOR (1965)
Authorized in 1956, the Air Force unveiled its own design for the Medal of Honor
in 1965. About 50% larger than the other services' Medals of Honor, it retained the laurel
wreath and oak leaves of the Army Medal which had previously been presented to members
of the Army Air Service and Air Corps. It also retained the bar bearing the word "VALOR".
Inside the circle of stars the helmeted profile of Minerva from the Army's medal is replaced
by the head of the Statue of Liberty. Replacing the Army's eagle is the Air Force Coat of Arms.
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