The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor that can be bestowed upon members of the US Armed Services. It was established in 1862 and recognizes acts of valor against an enemy of the US, during military conflicts with opposing foreign forces, or while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict where the US is not a belligerent party. The document then provides brief biographies of three recipients of the Medal of Honor: Mason Carter for his actions during the Indian War Campaigns in 1877, George Berg for rescuing wounded soldiers during the War with Spain in 1898, and Oscar F. Miller for reorganizing an attack while injured during World War I in 1918.
2. background
The medal of honor is the highest award for
valor in action against an enemy force which
can be bestowed upon an individual serving
in the Armed Services of the United States
It was passed as a law in July 12, 1862 when
president Abraham Lincoln signed it
3. guidelines
July 25, 1948 3 guidelines were established under
which the Medal of Honor can be rewarded
1. while engaged in an action against an enemy of
the United States
2. while engaged in military operations involving
conflict with an opposing foreign force
3. while serving with friendly forces engaged in
armed conflict against an opposing armed force in
which the U.S. is not a belligerent party
4. Mason Carter
Indian War Campaigns
First Lieutenant
U.S. Army
Bear Paw Mountain, Montana on September
30, 1877
Led a charge under fire, inflicted great loss
upon the enemy
5. George Berg
War with Spain
Private
U.S. Army
El Caney, Cuba, July 1, 1898
Gallantly assisted in the rescue of wounded
from in front of the lines and while under
heavy enemy fire
6. Oscar F. Miller
World War 1
Major
U.S. Army
Near Gesnes, France, September 28, 1918
Energetically reorganized his battalion and
ordered an attack and inspired his men by
personal courage. He was shot in the right
leg, arm, and fell when shot in the abdomen
but continued to urge his men on and leave
him