On This Day in 1862…

President Abraham Lincoln, recognizing the valor and heroism displayed by noncommissioned officers and privates during the ongoing insurrection, put his pen to paper and enacted a historic law. This measure, passed by Congress, mandated the creation of the U.S. Army Medal of Honor, an esteemed accolade to be awarded to those who demonstrated exceptional gallantry in action and exemplified the true spirit of a soldier. In doing so, President Lincoln sought to honor the brave men who exemplified extraordinary bravery and exemplified the qualities that make a soldier truly remarkable during this tumultuous period in our nation’s history.