Definition

1. Noun:
   • The highest U.S. military decoration: The Congressional Medal of Honor is the United States' most prestigious military award, presented by the President in the name of Congress. It is bestowed upon members of the U.S. Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their own lives, above and beyond the call of duty, in actual combat against an enemy force.

Usage

• The term is used as a formal, proper noun to refer to this specific award. It is often preceded by the definite article "the" and is capitalized: .
• It is used in contexts discussing military history, heroism, national honors, and formal ceremonies.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Iraq.
  • The ceremony for the Congressional Medal of Honor is held at the White House.
  • Fewer than 4,000 service members have received the Congressional Medal of Honor since its creation.

Advanced Usage

• "To be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor": This is the standard phrase for describing the act of receiving this decoration.
  • He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for saving his entire platoon.
• "Medal of Honor recipient": A common term for a person who has been awarded this medal.
  • The school was visited by a Medal of Honor recipient.

Variants and Related Words

• Medal of Honor: This is the official and more commonly used short name for the award. "Congressional Medal of Honor" is a frequent, widely recognized colloquial name, though the official title is simply "Medal of Honor".
• The Medal: In military and historical contexts, it is sometimes referred to simply as "the Medal," with capitalization, when the specific award is clear from context.

Synonyms

• The nation's highest military honor: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its prestige.
• The highest award for valor: A phrase describing its purpose.

Related Phrases

• Above and beyond the call of duty: This is the official criterion for the award and is intrinsically linked to its definition.
  • His actions were described as going above and beyond the call of duty.

Noun

1. the highest U.S. military decoration awarded for bravery and valor in action `above and beyond the call of duty'