The Medal of Honor, the United States of America’s highest and most prestigious personal military decoration, has been awarded to Theodore Roosevelt. The only U.S. President with this award in history. The Medal of Honor may be awarded to recognize U.S. military service members who have distinguished themselves by acts of bravery in combat.
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt Jr. was born on October 27, 1858, and died on January 6, 1919. He was often referred to as Teddy or his initials T. R. He was an American statesman, conservationist, naturalist, historian, and writer who served as the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909. He previously served as the 25th vice president under William McKinley from March to September 1901, and as the 33rd governor of New York from 1899 to 1900. Having assumed the presidency after McKinley’s assassination, Roosevelt emerged as a leader of the Republican Party and became a driving force for anti-trust and Progressive policies.
Medal of Honor
Only one U.S. President has been awarded the Medal of Honor in history. It was President Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States of America. He was awarded the highest military decoration for his gallantry in charging up San Juan Hill during the Spanish American War. It was long after his death. He posthumously was awarded the Medal of Honor on January 16, 2001.
He served in New York Army National Guard, and he rose to the rank of the Colonel. He served in two terms; from 1882 to 1886 and once again in 1898. In his second time with the beginning of the Spanish–American War in late April 1898, Roosevelt resigned from his post as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Along with Army Colonel Leonard Wood, he formed the First US Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. The press named this regiment Rough Riders.
Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders played a crucial role in the Spanish–American War by assisting the American forces in forming a constricting ring around the city of Santiago de Cuba.
The regiment was one of many temporary units active only for the duration of the war.
About the Medal of Honor
The President of the United States typically awards the medal in the name of the U.S. Congress. Because the medal is presented “in the name of Congress,” it is often referred to erroneously as the “Congressional Medal of Honor.” However, the official name of the current award is “Medal of Honor.” The medal is presented for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.
John Kennedy was awarded the congressional Medal of Honor for his efforts in securing the rescue of the crew of PT 109 in WWII.
I’m afraid that turns out not to be the case.
Kennedy was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his actions concerning the survival and rescue of PT-109 crew.
It is the highest award the Navy gives for a non-combat action.