Medal of Honor - Presenting

Presenting

There are two distinct protocols for awarding the Medal of Honor. The first and most common is nomination and approval through the chain of command of the service member. The second method is nomination by a member of the U.S. Congress, generally at the request of a constituent, and the subsequent approval via a special Act of Congress. In both cases, the Medal of Honor is presented by the President on behalf of, and in the name of, the Congress. Since 1941, more than half of the Medals of Honor have been awarded posthumously. Medal of Honor recipients are usually personally decorated by the President in the White House and the next of kin are personally presented a Medal of Honor set, enclosed in a wood and glass case with a brass nameplate of the recipient, by the President or his representative in the White House or at the Pentagon.