What’s the Symbolism of the U.S Medal of Honor Insignia?

The Medal of Honor, Navy Variant. Symbolism. Image courtesy of Joachim Pease via Flickr Commons.

The Medal of Honor is the highest award in the United States. Its design is not casual but actually filled with symbolism. Let’s explore the insignia and what it means (you can learn more about this medal in the article “15 Secrets and Facts About the U.S. Medal of Honor“.

What Does the Medal of Honor Symbolize?

The Medal of Honor is awarded in three distinct variants: One for the Department of the Army (given to soldiers), one for the Department of the Navy (given to sailors, marines, and coast guardsmen), and one for the Department of the Air Force (given to airmen and Space Force guardians). The three awards consist of a five-pointed star but the motives in the center vary depending on the branch of the military.

The Medal of Honor has different meanings but the most commonly agreed on are valor and heroism. The award can also mean sacrifice, service, and dedication. To many, the Medal of Honor’s significance is personal and linked to various powerful emotions. In terms of definition, however, the medal is given to those who have distinguished themselves in action by risking their life and showing personal bravery so conspicuous that it requires an award reserved for the bravest of the brave.

What does the Medal of Honor Design Mean?

As we mentioned, the medal has three variants with slight design variations.

Army Version

The US Army Medal of Honor is a five-pointed bronze star, with trefoils on each tip. Each ray has a green oak leaf. The star is surrounded by a green laurel wreath and suspended from a gold bar with the word “valor” held by an eagle. The center of the star shows the head of the Roman goddess Minerva. Around her head are the words “United States of America”. The reverse of the Army Medal of Honor has the engraving “The Congress to [Recipient’s Name]“.

The laurel wreath symbolizes victory.
The eagle symbolizes the United States.
The goddess Minerva is the goddess of wisdom and war.
The oak leaves symbolize strength.

Navy Version

The US Navy Medal of Honor is also a five-pointed bronze star, with trefoils on each tip and ending each ray in a green oak leaf. Unlike the Army version of the Medal of Honor, the Navy variant’s star is not surrounded by a laurel wreath. The center of the medal shows the Roman goddess Minerva too, but in this case she’s standing with her left hand resting on a bundle of rods. Her right hand holds a shield with the coat of arms of the United States. Minerva s repulsing snakes.

The oak leaves symbolize strength.
The goddess Minerva is the goddess of wisdom and war.
Her shield represents the defense of the United States.
The snakes represent discord.

Air Force Version

The US Air Force Medal of Honor is a five-pointed bronze star, too, with trefoils on each tip, a green laurel wreath around the medal, and a crown of laurel and oak on a green background. The center of the medal shows an annulet of 34 stars circling the head of the Statue of Liberty. The word valor is inscribed above an adaptation of the thunderbolt from the coat of arms of the Air Force.