In 1917, her MoH status was revoked because she was a civilian at the time of receiving the award and the updated criteria specifically focused on combat service. Mary Edwards Walker served temporarily as a nurse in the Union Army before becoming the first female surgeon in the Army. To date, there has only been one female MoH recipient. The prevailing recommendation is to inquire at a specific business about potential MoH incentives.
Lifelong air travel privileges covered under DoD regulation 4515.13-R allow MoH recipients to travel on Space-A flights free of charge, including both domestic and international travel. These servicemembers also receive access to all installation facilities, including gyms, pools, and other recreational areas. This includes access to on-base shopping, MoH specific ID cards, and allocated parking spaces. MoH recipients are provided special accommodations at all installations. Additionally, MoH awardees are exempt from their copayments for medical care. MoH Benefits – Medical & VA PriorityĬlaims are given Priority Level One at the VA, the top level of consideration. This means that MoH awardees are guaranteed enrollment for VA healthcare benefits. Here are several ways the US government and DoD continue to pay homage to the servicemembers who risk their lives for the lives of others. In addition to the honor and status that comes with being a MoH recipient, there are other tangible benefits as well. This includes the president as well. All recipients are automatically invited to attend presidential inaugurations and other high-level state and local celebrations. Even the most senior servicemembers participate in this tradition as a way to show respect for the sacrifices the recipient has made. There’s a military tradition that indicates all uniformed servicemembers salute a MoH awardee regardless of rank. Officially, it recognizes and rewards US servicemembers for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life.” It’s often awarded posthumously due to the nature of the award. The MoH is awarded to those who show staunch bravery in the face of severe adversity. And in addition to being recognized for bravery, Medal of Honor benefits offer a ‘thank you’ for their service. Since its inception, in 1861, more than three thousand members of all Department of Defense branches have been awarded this prestigious honor. It’s the oldest continuously issued combat decoration of the military.
The Medal of Honor (MoH) has a history that stretches back to the Civil War.