What was the first medal ever awarded?

The first medal ever awarded for military valor is the Medal of Honor. Established during the American Civil War in 1861, it was designed to recognize acts of bravery and heroism in battle. The Medal of Honor is distinguished by its small size and distinctive shape, featuring an image of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, on the front, and is awarded to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard for extraordinary acts of courage. Its establishment marked a pivotal moment in recognizing and honoring individual acts of heroism in the U.S. military, setting the foundation for future military awards. Understanding the significance of the Medal of Honor highlights its historical importance as the foremost military award in the United States, contrasting with the later-established decorations like the Bronze Star and Silver Star, which followed in subsequent conflicts.