Highest Military Decoration: The Medal of Honor is the highest military award a service member can receive in the United States. Award Criteria: It's awarded for actions in combat or military operations involving conflict with a foreign force, or while serving with friendly forces in an armed conflict. Presentation: The President, as Commander-in-Chief, presents the Medal on behalf of Congress. Eligibility: Any member of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force) is eligible. Historical Significance: Established in 1861 for the Navy, and later for the Army, the Medal of Honor has a long history of honoring heroism.