The Medal of Honor is this nation's highest military award.  The medal itself varies a bit from service to service and had changed slightly in appearance over time.

The Medal of Honor is awarded by the President of the United States, in the name of the Congress, to a member of the military who distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.  The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved risk of life. Incontestable proof of the performance of the service will be exacted and each recommendation for the award of this decoration will be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit.

U. S. Army Medal of Honor, 1865

We have two recipients, both awarded during the Civil War:

08/19/2007