In 1943, the order was amended to include personnel of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Coverage was eventually extended to include "any civilian national" wounded while serving with the Armed Forces.
Although the Badge of Military Merit fell into disuse after the Revolutionary War, the idea of a decoration for individual gallantry remained through the early 1800's. In 1847, after the outbreak of the Mexican-American War, a "Certificate of Merit" was established for any soldier who distinguished himself in action. No medal went with the honor. After the Mexican-American War, the award was discontinued, which meant there was no military award to recognize the nation's fighting men.
Early in the Civil War, a medal for individual valor was proposed to General-in-Chief of the Army Winfield Scott. But Scott felt that medals smacked of European affectation and killed the idea.
The medal found support in the Navy, however, where it was felt recognition of courage in strife was needed. Public Resolution 82, containing a provision for a Navy medal of valor, was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on Dec. 21, 1861. The medal was to be "bestowed upon such petty officers, seamen, landsmen, and Marines as shall most distinguish themselves by gallantry and other seaman like qualities during the present war."
Shortly after this, a resolution similar in wording was introduced on behalf of the Army. Signed into law July 12, 1862, the measure provided for awarding a medal of honor 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."
Although it was created for the Civil War, Congress made the Medal of Honor a permanent decoration in 1863.
Almost 3,400 men and one *woman have received the award for heroic actions in the nation's battles since that time.
* Dr. Mary Edwards Walker - First woman to become a military doctor, during the Civil War. She was also a prisoner of war. Dr. Walker was a Union spy, and a crusader against alcohol and tobacco.
