The Medal of Honor is the United States Armed Forces highest military decoration. Also known as the Congressional Medal of Honor, it is awarded to service men and women who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. The medal is normally awarded by the President of the United States and is presented in the name of the United States Congress. There are three variants of the medal, one for the Army, introduced in 1862, one for the Navy, introduced in 1861, and one for the Air Force, introduced in 1965. The Medal of Honor is the oldest continuously issued combat decoration in the United States Armed Forces. The President usually presents the medal at a formal ceremony intended to represent the gratitude of the American People. Since its inception, over 3,535 Medals of Honor have been awarded. The Medal of Honor display at the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum contains photographs and documentation for 5 Medal of Honor recipients all of whom were in some way affiliated to the Huntsville area.
Colonel Leo Thorness: 
Leo Thorness was a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for "Conspicuous Gallantry and Intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty". Colonel Thorness was a pilot of an F105-F "Wild Weasel" aircraft. During a missile suppression mission over North Vietnam in 1967, Colonel Thorness helped to defend the lives of his downed wingman's crew and destroyed several MIG enemy aircraft sent to attack rescue aircraft.
James Mike Sprayberry:
Captain James Sprayberry distinguished himself by demonstrating exceptional bravery while serving as Executive Officer of Company D, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry 1st Cavalry Division. When his commander and several of his company's men were cut off by enemy advances, Captain Sprayberry attacked and destroyed enemy bunkers and gun positions killing at least twelve enemy soldiers. His actions, performed at great risk for his own safety, saved the lives of the trapped men, many of whom had been wounded during the action.
Gary Mike Rose:
Gary Rose was a Sergeant, U.S. Army, Special Operations Augmentation, Command and Control Center, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He distinguished himself during Operation Tailwind in 1967. Despite being wounded himself, Gary treated over 60 wounded at this action in Chavene, Laos. His Medal of Honor recommendation was initially downgraded to Distinguished Service Cross due to the classified nature of the mission in Laos, but he was eventually awarded the Medal of Honor.
Paul L. Bolden:
Paul Bolden was from Madison, Alabama. He joined the Army in October, 1942. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions taken in Petit-Coo Belgium while serving as staff sergeant in Company E, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division. An 18 mile stretch of Highway 53 just south of Ardmore in North Alabama was named after him. It is designated Paul Luther Bolden Memorial Highway.
Photograph of Paul Bolden being awarded the Medal of Honor:
Cecil H Bolden:
Cecil H Bolden was the leader of the weapons platoon of Company E, 413th Infantry of the 104th Infantry Division. He was awarded on the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions on the night of 2 November 1944. He fought gallantly in a pitched battle which followed the crossing of the Mark River in Holland. First Lt. Bolton's heroic assaults in the face of vicious fire, his inspiring leadership, and continued aggressiveness even through suffering from serious wounds contributed in large measure to overcoming strong enemy resistance and made it possible for his battalion to reach its objective.
Replica United States Air Force Medal of Honor : 
Congressional Medal of Honor Society decanter set.
Commerative shirt, U.S. Army, Special Operations Augmentation, Command and Control Center.
