Has anyone turned down the Medal of Honor?

The Medal of Honor is the United States military's highest honor. It is awarded for an act of valor that saves the lives of American troops in combat -- often at the risk of one's own. Charles Liteky's Medal of Honor was no different, except in one respect. He renounced his medal 19 year later.



People Also Ask

The honored practice is for everyone in service, no matter the rank, to salute the medal worn by anyone, no matter the rank. This is not required, however. When it happens, it is one of rare circumstances where officers salute someone lower in rank.

MORE DETAILS

Benefits. Recipients of the Medal of Honor are afforded the following benefits for their extraordinary heroism: A monthly $1,406.73 pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

MORE DETAILS

For his actions during the war, Roosevelt was recommended for the Medal of Honor. In 2001, Theodore Roosevelt became the first President to receive the Medal of Honor.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS