FIGHTING FOR RECOGNITION

The Medal of Honor is the highest award the US gives to its soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and coastguardsmen, bestowing it upon only a select few in the history of America’s military. However, since its creation in 1861 only a small fraction of African American soldiers have received the award, and none between 1898 and 1991. In his book Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II, Robert Child chronicles the lives and experiences of the seven African American men who, in 1997, were finally honoured for their service and bravery during World War II. We asked Child to break down some of the key history of this incredible story.

Origins of the Medal of Honor

The medal that we know today as the United States’ highest award for military valour in action, the Medal of Honor, came into being during