![]() In 1963, a further provision limited the award to heroism in combat. Between 19, the medal was restricted to well-documented and carefully reviewed acts of distinguished service. More than 2,400 medals were eventually granted for Civil War service, although more than 900 of them were later revoked.īy the early 20th century, requirements were more stringent. Criteria for the award were lax and nominations required little review. In the early days of the Civil War, Congress established the Medal of Honor first for the navy and then for the army. The Meaning of the Medal of Honor has evolved since its establishment during the Civil War.Ĭreated in 1861 to ‘Promote the efficiency of the Navy,” the Medal of Honor now ranks as the highest award any service member can receive for valor in combat. The neck ribbon for all medals includes 13 stars, symbolizing the thirteen original states of the Union. The look of today’s navy medal is closest to the original medals of the Civil War era the other two have 20th-century designs. The air force award features the head of the Statue of Liberty. The army and navy awards center on the figure of Minerva, Roman goddess of war and wisdom. The Medal of Honor is the only American military decoration worn around the neck rather than pinned to the uniform.Įach of the three principal services has a unique design for its medal. Established in 1861, it has been granted to fewer than 3,500 servicemen. It is customarily presented by the president of the United States in the name of the Congress. The medal recognizes individual gallantry at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty. General Orders: War Department, General Orders No.Since its establishment during the Civil War, the Medal of Honor has become the nation’s highest award for valor in combat. When the enemy came out of his bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming party, the ship's battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the cease-fire orders were given by the flagship. Taken under fire as she steamed into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night despite severe weather conditions. The ship steamed in and took the lead in the ironclad division close inshore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well-directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first two days of fighting. New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, 24 and 25 December 1864 and 13, 14, and 15 January 1865. Navy found itself at the forefront of the secession crisis. Serving the rifle gun, Blake, an escaped slave, carried out his duties bravely throughout the engagement, which resulted in the enemys abandonment of positions, leaving a caisson and one gun behind. As 1861 dawned and the last months of peace slipped away, the U.S. Steam Gunboat Marblehead off Legareville, Stono River, 25 December 1863, in an engagement with the enemy on Johns Island. Navy developed into a powerful weapon that helped the Union win the ultimate victory. The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Coxswain John Dempster, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Wikimedia Commons During the first year of the Civil War, the U. On January 15, 1865, the North Carolina Confederate stronghold of Fort Fisher was taken by a combined Union storming party of sailors, marines, and soldiers under the command of Admiral David Dixon Porter and General Alfred Terry. His enlistment is credited to the state of Pennsylvania. Navy and was assigned to the Union ironclad USS New Ironsides. Emigrating from his native Scotland Dempster volunteered for service in the U.S.
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