The Medal of Honor. Our nation’s highest medal for valor in the face of combat is awarded sparingly and judiciously. On this day in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln authorized the creation of this medal. It was to be awarded in the name of Congress “to such noncommissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier-like qualities during the present insurrection.”1
In the previous year, a Navy and Marines Medal of Honor was created. The 1862 Medal of Honor was intended for the Army. By 1863, the medal was awarded to all noncommissioned as well as all commissioned members in all branches of the Armed Services who had distinguished themselves in times of combat. As of June 18, 2026, 3,555 medals have been awarded.2 Of the medals awarded, 43% were given during the Civil War Era.
Pvt. Joseph Brandle was one of the first recipients. “During the Civil War, the job of color bearer was one of the most hazardous as well as important duties in the Army. Soldiers looked to the flag for direction and inspiration in battle and the bearer was usually out in front, drawing heavy enemy fire while holding the flag high. On Nov. 16, 1863, regimental color bearer Pvt. Joseph E. Brandle, from the 17th Michigan Infantry, participated in a battle near Lenoire, Tenn. “…[H]aving been twice wounded and the sight of one eye destroyed, [he] still held to the colors until ordered to the rear by his regimental commander.”3
During the last year of WWI, “Cpl. Alvin C. York, from the 82nd Division, fearlessly engaged the numerically superior German force at Chatel-Chehery, France, on Oct. 8, 1918 – just a month before the armistice was signed. His citation reads: “…After his platoon had suffered heavy casualties and three other noncommissioned officers had become casualties, Cpl. York assumed command. Fearlessly leading seven men, he charged with great daring toward a machine gun nest, which was pouring deadly and incessant fire upon his platoon. In this heroic feat the machine gun nest was taken, together with four officers and 128 men and several guns.”4
Valor is found across the years as well as across the ranks, as World War II 2nd Lt. Robert Craig, from the 3rd Infantry Division, demonstrated. According to his citation, 2nd Lt. Craig volunteered to defeat an enemy machine gun that three other officers before him could not. He quickly located the gun outside of Favoratta, Sicily, but without cover, he and his men found themselves vulnerable to approximately100 enemies. “Electing to sacrifice himself so that his platoon might carry on the battle, he ordered his men to withdraw… while he drew the enemy fire to himself. With no hope of survival, he charged toward the enemy until he was within 25 yards of them. Assuming a kneeling position, he killed five and wounded three enemy soldiers. While the hostile force concentrated fire on him, his platoon reached the cover of the crest. 2nd Lt. Craig was killed by enemy fire, but his intrepid action so inspired his men that they drove the enemy from the area, inflicting heavy casualties on the hostile force.”5
Honor. Valor. Courage. It’s not just the military that’s called to display such virtues. Those who are of the family of God should act with even great honor, valor, and courage because we serve in the Lord’s army. May it be true of us. Let the closing verses of Scripture supply you with the motivation to hone these attributes in your life.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. (21) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
1 Chronicles 7:11 All these the sons of Jediael, by the heads of their fathers, mighty men of valour, were seventeen thousand and two hundred soldiers, fit to go out for war and battle.
Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
1https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/july-12/medal-of-honor-created
2https://www.mohhsus.com/medal-of-honor
3https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/history.html
4Ibid.
5Ibid.
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