The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest military decoration, awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. It is presented in the name of the U.S. Congress, typically by the President, and recognizes acts of valor by members of the U.S. Armed Forces across all services. The award has distinct branch-related designs (Army, Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard, and Air Force) and is one of the oldest continuously issued combat decorations in American history. Key points:

• Eligibility: service members who distinguish themselves by acts of valor during combat with an enemy force.
• Process: generally initiated by peers or commanding officers, with verification of heroic actions; presentations are formal and often posthumous to the next of kin when applicable.
• Variants: three branch-specific versions exist (Army, Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard, and Air Force).
• Notable facts: sometimes referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor, though the official name is Medal of Honor; March 25 is Medal of Honor Day in the United States.