A Tribute, and Thank You, to the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen Awarded the Medal of Honor

The #MedalofHonor is the highest award given to a member of the United States #ArmedForces. It is awarded "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States." It's given to those who have shown the most extreme bravery in the face of danger.

Since the Medal of Honor was first established in 1861, there have been 3,523 recipients. Of those, 70 percent have been awarded posthumously. This is both a tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and a thank you to all who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. It is a reminder of their courage in the face of danger and their willingness to give their lives for the protection of our Nation and their brothers and sisters in arms.

The first recipient was Private Jacob Parrott, who was awarded the MoH as a U.S. Soldier in the Civil War. The most recent recipient was Staff Sergeant Edward Kaneshiro, for his courageous actions in the Vietnam War. Staff Sergeant Kaneshiro ordered his squad to cover and crawled toward the sounds of gunfire. He then initiated a one-man assault on the enemy to save the rest of his platoon that was pinned down, giving his life for his brothers-in-arms.

We are forever indebted to those who have been awarded the Medal of Honor. Their courage and willingness to make the ultimate #sacrifice for our country is an #inspiration to us all. We must never forget their sacrifices or take their heroic actions for granted.