The Medal of Honor is the highest decoration presented to a member of the United States Armed Forces for bravery above and beyond the call of duty against an enemy of the United States.
On Dec 9, 1861 Iowa Senator James W. Grimes introduced S. No 82 in the United States Senate, a bill designed to "promote the efficiency of the Navy" by authorizing the production and distribution of "medals of honor". On Dec 21st the bill passed, authorizing 200 medals be produced "which shall be bestowed upon such petty officers, seamen, landsmen and marines as shall distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other seamanlike qualities during the present war (Civil War). President Lincoln signed the bill and the (Navy) Medal of Honor was born. Ref: Congressional Medal of Honor Society
The National Headquarters and Museum for the Congressional Medal of Honor is located at 40 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown