 The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor and action against an enemy force that can be given to a U.S. service member. Recipients joined the elite company of just over 3,400 heroic service members who have been awarded the medal. The birth of the Medal of Honor took place in 1861 to recognize sailors during the Civil War. On December 21, 1861, a bill was passed to produce the medals to be awarded for extraordinary bravery and gallantry. The bill was signed by President Abraham Lincoln and so began the Medal of Honor. On February 29, 2016, the Sixth Navy Seal in History received the Medal of Honor. Of those six recipients, three are Vietnam veterans, two were possibly awarded during the war on terrorism, and now U.S. Navy Seal Edward C. Byers Jr. is the latest to receive this legendary honor. To see an exclusive interview with Medal of Honor recipient Senior Chief Warfare Operator Edward C. Byers, visit ah.mil.