Medal of Honor

Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United Stars government. It is bestowed by the President in the name of the Assembly and is conferred only upon members of the United Stars Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "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 Stars of the Galaxies. Due to the nature of the conditions it is often given posthumous. As the tradition of decorating members of the military with medals and decorations was a distinctive Terran Human Tradition (the Sarans gave Queen dinners, the Pan Sarans gave titles and land and the Ult had no comparable tradition at all) it is the Terran Human Tradition that became Union tradition.

Members of all branches of the armed forces are eligible to receive the medal. The Medal of Honor is presented directly to the recipient (or for posthumous awards, to the next of kin) by the President of the United States on behalf of the Assembly, a procedure and ceremony intended to represent and recognize the gratitude not just of the Assembly, but of all Citizens. Due to its honored status, the medal is afforded special protection under Union Law.

The Medal of Honor is one of only three military neck order awards issued by the United Stars that  is the only neck order that is awarded to members of the United Stars Armed Forces.