Spirit Quest- Shelton Memorial Park-CMH Traditional Cache

A few fun facts about the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the U.S. government, presented by the President in the name of Congress, to service members who distinguish themselves through gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. It is sometimes referred to as the "Congressional Medal of Honor". 

Key Points:

• "Above and Beyond":

  Recipients must demonstrate actions that go far beyond the call of duty, often involving extreme personal risk. 

• Congress's Recognition:

  The award is given "in the name of Congress," signifying its national importance. 

• Historical Significance:

  It has been awarded since the Civil War, with over 3,500 recipients throughout history. 

• Highest Military Award:

  It's the most prestigious award for valor in action within the U.S. Armed Forces. 

• Awarded by the President:

  The President bestows the medal in recognition of exceptional bravery and sacrifice.

• The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest award for military valor in action. And while over 150 years have passed since its inception, the meaning behind the Medal has never tarnished. Etched within are the very values that each Recipient displayed in the moments that mattered—bravery, courage, sacrifice, integrity. A deep love of country and a desire to always do what is right.

  A distinguished award presented only to the deserving, the Medal tells a story of its own.

• here are three distinct variants of the medal: one for the Department of the Army, awarded to soldiers; one for branches of the Department of the Navy, awarded to sailors, marines, and coast guardsmen; and one for military branches of the Department of the Air Force, awarded to airmen and guardians.^[1][15] The Medal of Honor was introduced for the Naval Service in 1861,^[16] soon followed by the Army's version in 1862.^[17] The Air Force used the Army's version until they received their own distinctive version in 1965.^[18] The Medal of Honor is the oldest continuously issued combat decoration of the United States Armed Forces.^[19] The president typically presents the Medal of Honor at a formal ceremony intended to represent the gratitude of the American people, with posthumous presentations made to the primary next of kin.^[20][21][22]

• As of September 2023, there have been 3,536 Medals of Honor awarded, with over 40% awarded for actions during the American Civil War.^[11]

• Information came from CMOH.org and Wikipedia.

• Shelton Memorial Park is located in Shelton, Washington.  It is a combination of several cemeteries, including Holy Cross, Masonic, Mountain View, Shelton Veterens, and Odd Fellows cemeteries.

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