Congressional Space Medal of Honor

Common card · No. 303778

The Congressional Space Medal of Honor was authorized by the United States Congress in 1969 to recognize "any astronaut who in the performance of his or her duties has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious efforts and contributions to the welfare of the Nation and mankind". It is awarded by the president of the United States in Congress's name on recommendations from the administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The award is a separate decoration from the Medal of Honor, which is a military award for extreme bravery and gallantry in combat. It is also notable that the military Medal of Honor decoration does not formally have "congressional" in its title. Astronauts still on active military duty are eligible for the regular Medal of Honor through their respective service, but to date, no astronaut has received the military version. This is likely because of the higher gallantry and armed conflict requirements that limit the military award...

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