The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government, similar to the British Victoria Cross or the French Legion of Honor. It is bestowed on a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself "…conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States…" Because of its nature, the medal is commonly awarded posthumously.

Members of all branches of the U.S. military are eligible to receive the medal, and each service has a unique design with the exception of the Marine Corps and Coast Guard, which both use the Navy's medal. The Medal of Honor is often presented personally to the recipient or, in the case of posthumous awards, to survivors, by the President of the United States. Due to its high status, the medal has special protection under U.S. law.

The Medal of Honor is one of only two military neck order awards issued by the United States Armed Forces, and the Medal of Honor is the only neck order issued to members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The other is the Commander's Degree of the Legion of Merit and is only authorized to be issued to foreign dignitaries usually equal to military chiefs of staff. While American military personnel can be awarded the Legion of Merit, they are awarded the Legionnaire's Degree, which is a standard suspended medal.