The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

What does the Presidential Medal of Freedom recognize?

Presidential Medal of Freedom, the foremost U.S. civilian decoration, awarded to individuals who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” Recipients of the award are selected by

What benefits do Medal of Freedom recipients get?

A Monthly Pension and Special Retirement Pay



Enlisted military retirees who receive the medal also get a 10% increase in retirement pay.

Is the Medal of Freedom the highest honor?

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award of the United States, along with the Congressional Gold Medal.

How do you get awarded the Medal of Freedom?

It is awarded by the President of the United States to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

What is the highest award in the world?

1. The Nobel Prize. This prestigious trophy is named for Alfred Nobel, who created dynamite.

What is the highest Medal of Honor?

The nation’s highest military award for valor is the Medal of Honor, presented by the president in Congress’ name. By law, only U.S. service members who distinguish themselves “through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty” can receive the medal.

How important is the Medal of Freedom?

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.

Do Medal of Honor recipients pay federal income tax?

Medal of Honor Recipient Benefits



A special tax-free Medal of Honor pension of $1,489.73 per month above and beyond any military pensions or other benefits for which they may be eligible. Most surviving spouses are also eligible for this pension The MoH pension is subject to cost-of-living increases and is tax free.

What Medal is higher than gold?

The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest award for military valor. It is generally presented by the president in the name of Congress.

What are the 3 Medals of Honor?

There are three versions of the Medal of Honor, one for each of the military departments of the Department of Defense (DoD): the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, and Department of the Air Force.

Has a black person won Medal of Honor?



Vietnam Special Forces soldier William Bryant (1969) was the last African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor, and today there is but one living African American recipient, Vietnam veteran Clarence Sasser.

Who has declined the Presidential Medal of Freedom?

Bill Belichick, coach of the New England Patriots, turned down the medal after the 2021 United States Capitol attack. Country musician Dolly Parton turned down the medal twice. Parton said she turned it down the first time because her husband was ill, and the second time because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How many people have the Presidential Medal of Freedom?

From scientists, philanthropists, and public servants to activists, athletes, and artists, these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way.”

Who has twice turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom?

Dolly Parton



Dolly Parton has revealed she turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the Trump administration twice.

Do Medal of Honor recipients pay taxes?

Medal of Honor Recipient Benefits



A special tax-free Medal of Honor pension of $1,619.34 per month above and beyond any military pensions or other benefits for which they may be eligible. Most surviving spouses are also eligible for this pension The MoH pension is subject to cost-of-living increases and is tax free.

Can a Medal of Honor be taken away?

Has anyone ever had their Medal of Honor rescinded or revoked? Yes. In 1916, Congress asked that all Medals awarded up to that point be reviewed to ensure that they met the high standards required for the award. As a result, 911 Medals of Honor were rescinded.

Can you sell your Medal of Honor?

Due to the prestige of the Medal of Honor, it is a federal crime to manufacture, sell, or trade these awards without authorization of the federal government. It is also illegal to use unauthorized Medals of Honors to receive benefits, such as money or property.