The Medal of Honor is the highest and most prestigious award that can be given to American servicemen for distinguished service in the field of battle.

Since it was first given in 1863, the medal has been awarded only 3,517 times, 19 of which were double awards.

Today, the medal is given to any soldier who has distinguished themselves "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."

Many of the medals are awarded posthumously, either because they died in battle, or because so much time has passed before they were recognized for their acts.

The award is usually given to the individual by the president during a ceremony. Because it is given in the name of Congress, it has often been called the "Congressional Medal of Honor."

In honor of National Medal of Honor Day on March 25, here are 13 stories of those who received the nation's highest honor: