The Medal of Honor - Everything Everywhere Daily: History, Science, Geography & More

Summary

Everything Everywhere Daily – Episode Summary: "The Medal of Honor" Release Date: February 21, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily, host Charles Daniel delves deep into the storied history and significance of the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States. Designed for the intellectually curious, Gary Arndt and his team explore the evolution, symbolism, and profound impact of this prestigious award, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of its role in recognizing extraordinary bravery and valor in combat.

Origins and Early History

Charles Daniel opens the discussion by outlining the Medal of Honor's esteemed status:

"The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States. It's presented to members of the US Armed Forces who have displayed extraordinary bravery and valor in combat, often at great personal risk and beyond the call of duty." [00:00]

The genesis of the Medal of Honor can be traced back to the American Civil War, a period when the United States Army had no formal system of medals or awards for soldiers. On August 7, 1782, long before the Civil War, George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit, which is recognized today as the precursor to the Purple Heart. This medal was unique in its inclusive approach, being awarded to enlisted soldiers, a departure from European traditions that typically reserved military honors for officers.

However, the Badge of Military Merit was rarely awarded—only three individuals received it during the Revolution. For the next half-century, the absence of military medals persisted until Congress introduced the Certificate of Merit in 1847. This certificate served as a commendation for privates and non-commissioned officers but was eventually supplanted by the Distinguished Service Medal in 1918.

Establishment of the Medal of Honor

The concept of the Medal of Honor itself emerged amidst the tumult of the Civil War. Lieutenant Colonel Edward Townsend proposed the creation of an award for valor to General Winfield Scott, who initially resisted, deeming it too European in nature. However, upon Scott's retirement, the initiative gained traction, spearheaded by the Secretary of the Navy and supported by Senator James Grimes of Iowa.

On December 21, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln signed the legislation establishing the Navy Medal of Honor, modeled as a five-pointed star featuring Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, symbolizing the United States. Shortly thereafter, Senator Henry Wilson introduced and secured the passage of the Army Medal of Honor on July 12, 1862, which bore the inscription "the Congress" [00:00].

Daniel emphasizes the first awarding of the medal:

"On March 25, 1863, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton presented the medal to six surviving members of Andrews Raiders... Private Jacob Parrott became the first recipient to receive the Medal of Honor." [Timestamp not provided]

Early Challenges and Reforms

Initially, the Medal of Honor was the sole military decoration available, leading to lax awarding standards during the Civil War. Daniel recounts instances where the medal was awarded for actions that would not meet contemporary criteria:

"Every member of the 27th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment was awarded the Medal of Honor simply because some of them offered to stay in Washington D.C..." [Timestamp not provided]

These early practices resulted in over 1,500 Medals of Honor being awarded for Civil War actions—a number that would later be scrutinized and adjusted. By 1897, recognizing the overextension, new regulations mandated eyewitness accounts and third-party recommendations to ensure only the most exceptional acts of valor were honored. This reform led to the revocation of 911 medals in 1917, primarily from Civil War recipients, although a few, like Dr. Mary Walker, were eventually reinstated [00:00].

Design and Symbolism

The Medal of Honor's design has evolved, reflecting both historical traditions and symbolic depth. The current medal features a gold star on a light blue ribbon adorned with 13 stars, representing the original colonies. Distinct variants exist for each military branch:

Army: Features Minerva and a laurel wreath, symbolizing wisdom and victory.
Navy: Incorporates an anchor alongside Minerva, denoting naval service.
Air Force: Highlights liberty and an eagle, representing strength and freedom.

Daniel notes:

"The modern design... balances historical tradition with symbolic depth. The laurel for victory, Minerva for wisdom, and the eagle for strength." [00:00]

Medal of Honor Across Conflicts

The Medal of Honor has been awarded in every major U.S. conflict since its inception:

World War I: Introduction of naval officers as eligible recipients and the brief adoption of the Tiffany Cross for combat valor. Notably, Lt. Frank Luke became the first pilot to receive the medal for shooting down 18 enemy aircraft in 17 days.
World War II: A peak period with 473 medals awarded, including the first Hispanic American recipient, Private Joseph Martinez (1943), and posthumous honors like Private First Class Sadao Munemori, a Japanese American hero who served at Guadalcanal.
Korean and Vietnam Wars: A decrease in awards to 145 and 261, respectively, reflecting stricter criteria and a shift towards posthumous recognitions.
Modern Conflicts: Limited awards in recent decades, with only 20 medals since the Vietnam War, emphasizing the medal's stringent standards. Among these, Master Sergeant Earl Plumlee is a notable recent recipient for his actions in Afghanistan (2013).

Daniel underscores the exclusivity and honor of receiving the medal today:

"As of the recording of this episode, 3,536 Medals of Honor have been awarded to 3,517 individuals, with over 40% from the Civil War. Only 61 recipients are living today..." [00:00]

Awarding Process and Criteria

The Medal of Honor is awarded through a rigorous and multi-tiered process to ensure its prestige and significance:

Eyewitness Account: The process begins with a firsthand account of the act of valor.
Chain of Command Submission: Formal recommendations must be submitted through the recipient’s chain of command.
Extensive Reviews: Investigations and endorsements occur at multiple levels, including commanding officers and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Approval by the President: The final authority rests with the President of the United States, who presents the medal in a White House ceremony.

Daniel explains:

"Unlike other medals, the US Military awards other benefits and privileges are extended to Medal of Honor recipients, and the list of benefits is actually quite extensive." [00:00]

Benefits and Privileges for Recipients

Recipients of the Medal of Honor enjoy a myriad of benefits, reflecting the nation's gratitude and recognition of their sacrifices:

Financial: A special monthly pension exceeding $1,500, adjusted for inflation and tax-free.
Commemorative: Special license plates, lifetime military ID cards, and access to military bases and hospitals.
Ceremonial: Full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, invitations to Presidential inaugurations, and the privilege to wear their military uniforms for life.
Educational and Career: Automatic eligibility for admission to U.S. Military academies for their children and the highest hiring preference for civil service positions.
Travel and Recreation: Lifetime passes to national parks and military museums, and eligibility for free space-available military flights.

Daniel cautions against misuse:

"Any non US Citizen who earns the Medal of Honor is automatically granted U.S. citizenship. For anyone out there who might want to falsely claim to be a Medal of Honor recipient... it's a federal crime under the Stolen Valor Act." [00:00]

Modern Significance and Reflection

The Medal of Honor remains a symbol of the highest ideals of military service, embodying courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to duty. From its Civil War origins to the contemporary battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, the medal has retained its core purpose while adapting to the evolving nature of warfare and societal values.

Charles Daniel concludes:

"The Medal of Honor is more than just a decoration. It represents the highest ideals of military service, courage and sacrifice." [00:00]

Conclusion

This episode of Everything Everywhere Daily provides a thorough exploration of the Medal of Honor, highlighting its historical evolution, the stringent criteria for its award, and the profound benefits bestowed upon its recipients. Through engaging storytelling and meticulous research, Charles Daniel offers listeners an in-depth appreciation of one of the United States' most revered honors, celebrating the extraordinary individuals who have exemplified bravery and valor in the face of adversity.

Production Credits

Executive Producer: Charles Daniel
Associate Producers: Austin Okun and Cameron Kiefer

Listener Feedback

A brief segment addresses a listener review, emphasizing the show's commitment to accessibility and education:

"It's okay if you don't understand something right away... These episodes are just introductions to the topic and are not very in depth." [Timestamp not provided]

This response underscores the podcast's dedication to fostering a deeper understanding over time, encouraging continued engagement and learning.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, historical insights, and conclusions presented in the episode "The Medal of Honor" from Everything Everywhere Daily, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have yet to listen.

Transcript

Charles Daniel (0:00)

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States. It's presented to members of the US Armed Forces who have displayed extraordinary bravery and valor in combat, often at great personal risk and beyond the call of duty. The Medal of Honor has a rich history dating back to the American Civil War, and has undergone various changes in its design, criteria and awarding process. Learn more about the Medal of Honor, how it was created, and how it's awarded on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. This episode is sponsored by Expedition Unknown. The Expedition Unknown podcast is back for another season. Did you know that 900 manuscripts were found near the Dead Sea containing the earliest known copies of the Old Testament? Or that in 1959 a group of hikers died under mysterious circumstances which became known as the Datlov Pass incident? On the Expedition Unknown podcast from Discovery, Josh Gates travels the world to investigate history's greatest unsolved mysteries. He'll take you to the coast of Florida to chase the long lost treasure of Jose Gaspar, through California to trace the flight path of A World War II pilot, Gertrude Tompkins, who disappeared and was never seen again and to Lake Huron to find the final resting place of the Griffin, the very first ship to explore the Great Lakes. Travel the globe with Josh Gates as he investigates some of humanity's greatest feats and most iconic legends. Listen to Expedition Unknown wherever you get your podcasts. This episode is sponsored by the Up First Podcast. Breaking news is broken. You're constantly doom scrolling on Facebook, Twitter or TikTok to get the latest updates so you don't miss anything. If this sounds like you, I recommend that you listen to the Upfirst podcast by NPR. NPR's Upfirst provides the top three news stories to start your day with digestible 1015 minute episodes. It's all the news you need so you can get back to your life feeling informed while preserving your sanity. Letting you get ready, make breakfast or go to work. From politics to economics and both national and international news, upfirst is the go to daily habit for the news consumer who wants to stay informed but is forever strapped for time. With up first, you can start your day a little more in the know than you were when you went to sleep. Up first is the cure you need for your news fatigue. It lets you stay informed of the top stories while allowing you to spend the rest of your day on things more productive or more enjoyable. Listen now to the up first podcast from npr. The Medal of Honor is the highest award that the United States military can bestow its equivalent in other countries would be the Victoria cross in the U.K. canada, Australia and New Zealand. The Legion of Honor in France, the Cross of Honor in Germany, the order of August 1st in China and the Param Vir Chakra in India. The medal recognizes those members of the US Armed forces who have displayed extraordinary bravery and valor in combat, Often at great personal risk and beyond the call of duty. At the start of the Revolutionary War, the United States army had no medals or awards for soldiers. On August 7, 1782, George Washington issued a decree to create a medal known as the Badge of Military Merit. Washington said the award was to be given not only for instances of unusual gallantry in battle, but also extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way. The actual award was a cloth embroidered heart that was colored purple. The award was later renamed the Purple Heart in 1932 and became an award for those injured in battle. What was unique about the Badge of Military Merit is that it could be awarded to enlisted soldiers. Military medals in Europe were traditionally only given to officers according to the Road to Glory in a patriot army and a free country is open to all. Only three people were ever awarded the Badge of Military Merit during the Revolution, so it was something that was awarded very rarely. For about the next 50 years, there were no military medals. In 1847, Congress approved a new award called the Certificate of Merit. The Certificate of Merit was only approved for privates and then later for all enlisted personnel and non commissioned officers. The Certificate of Merit was to be considered on a par with the Medal of honor until 1918 when the award was replaced with the Distinguished Service Medal which was explicitly made of a lower rank than the Medal of Honor. The idea for the Medal of honor emerged in 1861amidst the Civil War's early challenges. Lieutenant Colonel Edward Townsend submitted a proposal to General Winfield Scott, the head of the Union army, to create an award for valor. Scott was against the idea of Medals for Valor because it seemed too European to him and he felt it didn't fit with the Republic. When he retired later that year, the idea was picked up by the Secretary of the Navy and the idea soon spread. Iowa Senator James Grimes proposed a bill to promote the efficiency of the Navy by authoring 200 Medals of Honor for enlisted sailors, sailors and Marines who distinguished themselves by gallantry in action and other seaman like qualities. On December 21, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln signed this legislation into law establishing the Navy Medal of Honor. The Philadelphia Mint was tasked with designing the award, producing a five point star with Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and war at its center, symbolizing The United States. Encouraged by this initiative, Massachusetts Senator Henry Wilson introduced a similar bill for the army on February 15, 1860. This resolution authorized medals for non commissioned officers and privates who exhibited gallantry in action and other soldier like qualities during the war. Lincoln signed it into law on July 12, 1862, creating the Army Medal of Honor. Unlike the Navy version, the Army Medal initially bore the inscription the Congress 2 emphasizing its congressional endorsement. Both medals were made of copper coated with bronze giving them a reddish tint, and were intended as temporary wartime honors. And I should note that the inscription on the Army Badge has caused confusion over the years as to the name of the medal. It's often called the Congressional Medal of Honor, but its actual name is simply the Medal of honor. On March 25, 1863, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton presented the medal to six surviving members of Andrews Raiders, a group of Union soldiers who conducted a daring raid behind Confederate lines to disrupt a railroad. Private Jacob Parrott became the first recipient to receive the Medal of Honor. The initial legislation creating the Medal of Honor limited it to only the Civil War. While Private Parrott was the first person to be awarded the Medal of Honor, there were other recipients who were honored for acts of valor that took place prior to that of Private Parrott. The earliest action for which the Medal of Honor was awarded was Assistant Surgeon Bernard J.D. irwin's rescue of 60 soldiers at Apache Pass, Arizona in February. However, due to delays in the award process, Irwin didn't receive his medal until 1894. During the Civil War, the Medal of Honor was literally the only medal awarded as the Certificate of Merit had ceased being awarded after the Mexican American War and wouldn't be revived until 1874. Initially, nominations were informal and self recommendations were permitted, leading to awards for actions that might not meet later standards, such as the 11 year old drummer boy Willie Johnson retaining his drum during a retreat in 1862 and being awarded the Medal of Honor. Every member of the 27th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment was awarded the Medal of Honor simply because some of them offered to stay in Washington D.C. for a few days after their enlistment expired. Due to poor recordkeeping and administrative confusion, the War Department couldn't determine exactly which soldiers stayed and which left. To avoid the difficulty of sorting through individual names, the entire regiment of 864 men was placed on the Medal of Honor roll regardless of whether they had remained in Washington or not. Over 1500 Medals of Honor were awarded for Civil War actions in the 19th century. The medal of Honor continued to be awarded in conflicts against Native American tribes and later during the Spanish American War. The most Medals of Honor awarded in a single day occurred during the Battle of wounded knee in 1890, where 20 soldiers received the honor. A total of 426 medals were awarded during the Indian Wars. The low standards for awarding the medal during the Civil War were widely recognized in 1897. New regulations required eyewitness accounts, third party recommendations and submissions within one year of the actual. The shift aimed to ensure that the medal recognized only the most exceptional valor. In 1917, an army review board revoked 911 medals, mostly from Civil War recipients, including the entire 27th Maine Regiment awarded for re enlisting, deeming them unjustified under stricter guidelines. Five were later restored, including Dr. Mary Walker, the only woman recipient who received it in 1865 for medical services under fire, but had it rescinded in 1917 before having it reinstated in 1977. World War I introduced further refinements. Naval officers became eligible in 1915, and in 1918 a version dubbed the Tiffany Cross was briefly adopted for naval recipients for combat valor. To distinguish between possible non combat awards like those later Given to Charles Lindbergh's 1927 transatlantic flight, Lt. Frank Luke became the first pilot awarded the Medal of Honor during World War I, known for shooting down 18 enemy aircraft in just 17 days. Unpopular and short lived, the Tiffany Cross was discontinued in 1942. The war also saw double recipients who were awarded the army and Navy Medals of Honor for the same act of valor. You can in theory today earn multiple Medals of Honor, but they have to be for separate acts of heroism. There are currently 19 double medal of Honor recipients who have earned them for separate acts, and none of them have been awarded since the First World War. World War II marked a high point with 473 medals awarded, including the first to a Hispanic American Private Joseph Martinez in 1943 and a posthumous award to Japanese American Private First Class Sadao Munemori in 1945. Signalman First Class Douglas Myrno is the only Coast Guard member to receive the Medal of Honor awarded posthumously for heroism at Guadalcanal in 1942. The Air Force, which was established in 1947, adopted the army design until 1965 when it introduced its own variant featuring a central figure of liberty. The Korean and Vietnam wars saw fewer awards given 145 and 261 respectively, reflecting tighter criteria, with many bestowed posthumously. Whereas in the 19th century too many medals were probably awarded. A 1993 army study found that soldiers who conducted clear qualifying acts of heroism and valor were denied the Medal because they were black, especially during the Second World War. This led to a review of Medal of Honor nominations, which resulted in a round of awards in 1997, 1998 and 2014. Only 20 medals of honor have been awarded since the Vietnam War, all but three posthumously, reflecting rigorous standards and fewer large scale conflicts. Notable recipients include the likes of Master Sergeant Earl Plumlee, one of the few living recipients honored for actions in Afghanistan in 2013. As of the recording of this episode, 3,536 Medals of Honor have been awarded to 3,517 individuals, with over 40% from the civil war. Only 61 recipients are living today, four of which are on active military duty today. Three distinct variants of the award the Army's Medal with Minerva and a laurel wreath, the Navy's Medal with an anchor and Minerva, and the Air Force's Medal with liberty and an eagle all feature a gold star on a light blue ribbon with 13 stars. The modern design, finalized during World War II, balances historical tradition with symbolic depth. The laurel for victory, Minerva for wisdom, and the eagle for strength. The current process for awarding the Medal of Honor begins with an eyewitness account and must be formally submitted by the recipient's chain of command. Extensive investigations and reviews follow at multiple levels, including endorsements from commanding officers, the service branch's secretary, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The recommendation is then forwarded to the Secretary of Defense, who reviews it before sending it to the President of the United States, who is the final approving authority. Once approved, the Medal of Honor is presented by the President, usually in a White House ceremony. While Congress may be consulted and sets the rules regarding the medal, they do not have the final say in approval. Unlike other medals, the US Military awards other benefits and privileges are extended to Medal of Honor recipients, and the list of benefits is actually quite extensive. Medal of Honor recipients receive a special monthly pension, currently over $1,500 a month, adjusted for inflation annually, and the pension is tax free. This is in addition to any other military retirement pay or disability benefits. The Medal of Honor recipients receive special license plates in most states in the country, usually free of charge. If the recipient was not career military, they receive lifetime military ID cards. This grants them access to military bases, commissaries, and military hospitals. Medal of Honor recipients are eligible for full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Medal of Honor recipients must also be given a place of honor at any official military or government ceremony. Medal of Honor recipients may be authorized to fly on military aircraft, a privilege that's usually reserved for active duty personnel and recipients and their dependents are eligible for free space available military flights. They receive a lifetime pass for all national parks and military museums. Children of Medal of Honor recipients are automatically eligible for admission to US Military academies assuming they meet the entrance requirements. Medal of Honor recipients also receive the highest level hiring preference for all civil service jobs. All military personnel, regardless of rank, must salute Medal of Honor recipients, including generals. Recipients automatically receive invitations to all future US Presidential inaugurations, and recipients are often invited to attend the President's State of the Union address. Medal of Honor recipients can also wear their military uniform for life even after leaving the service. And finally, any non US Citizen who earns the Medal of Honor is automatically granted U.S. citizenship. For anyone out there who might want to falsely claim to be a Medal of Honor recipient, I would suggest you not do that. Beyond the obvious ethical reasons, impersonating a Medal of Honor recipient is a federal crime under the Stolen Valor Act. The Medal of Honor is more than just a decoration. It represents the highest ideals of military service, courage and sacrifice. From its origins in the Civil War to the modern day battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, the medal has evolved while maintaining its purpose, recognizing those who go above and beyond the call of duty. The executive producer of Everything Everywhere Daily is Charles Daniel. The associate producers are Austin Okun and Cameron Kiefer. Today's three star review comes from listener Cami Anderson over on Apple Podcasts in the United States. They write less math. I'm sorry, but I used to love this show but now a ton of the episodes are just hard to understand. Though keep in mind, I'm in middle school. I feel like this makes the episodes less interesting. Well, thanks Cammy. It's okay if you don't understand something right away. Nobody can really understand a subject immediately after hearing it for the first time. I don't really have a lot of math episodes, but to be fair, most of the math episodes I do have aren't things you would encounter in middle school. These episodes are just introductions to the topic and are not very in depth. If at some point in the future you encounter these topics again, then you'll already have a head start. Remember, if you leave a review or send me a boostogram, you too can have it read on the show.