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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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