It is the highest award that can be given to a member of the US services for bravery in battle. Most of the service men who have been recipients of this medal have died in the course of their action. It is quite common for someone to say that a soldier "WON the Medal of Honor." This is incorrect, you don't "WIN" the Medal of Honor. It's not a contest. He was "Awarded the Medal of Honor" is the correct phrase. The name of the medal is: Medal of Honor. To call it Congressional Medal of Honor is not correct. It is awarded in the name of the Congress by the President of the United States.