This Day in American Military History

12 July 1862: President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill creating the Medal of Honor. It is the highest military decoration awarded by the U.S. government, given to those who have distinguished themselves in actual combat at risk of life beyond the call of duty. The Medal of Honor had a predecessor, the Badge of Military Merit, created by President George Washington in 1792 (see August 7).

Brandus, Paul. This Day in U.S. Military History (p. 172). Bernan Press. Kindle Edition.