OHS - Fight for the Colors - Behind the Lines - For Conspicuous Gallantry: History of the Medal of Honor
For Conspicuous Gallantry: Stories of Ohio's Medal of Honor Recipients
History of the Medal of Honor
"For Conspicuous Gallantry and Intrepidity in Action at the Risk of Life, Above
and Beyond the Call of Duty." These words are spoken every time a Congressional Medal of
Honor is awarded in the United States. Since it was established, the Medal of
Honor has been presented to 251 Ohio soldiers and sailors.
In 1861, there was
a growing movement towards the belief that a national award was needed to recognize
the heroism of soldiers and sailors who were fighting and, sometimes, dying for
the country under extraordinary circumstances. Iowa Senator James W. Grimes,
chairman of the Senate Naval Committee, introduced a bill for the creation of
a Naval Medal of Honor. After approval by both Houses of Congress, President
Abraham Lincoln signed the bill into law on December 21, 1861. Two months later,
Senator Henry Wilson of Massachusetts introduced a Senate resolution providing
for the Army Medal of Honor. On July 12, 1862, President Lincoln signed that
resolution into law.
On March 25, 1863, Private Jacob Parrott, Company K, 33rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry
(O.V.I) became the first recipient of the Medal of Honor for being a member
of "Andrews' Raiders." Andrews' Raiders successfully commandeered a Confederate
train near Atlanta. Before their capture, they were able to damage Confederate
railway tracks and communications lines.
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