Can You Sell a Medal of Honor? No, and Here‘s Why:

The clear answer is no, you cannot legally sell or trade the Medal of Honor, America‘s most prestigious military decoration awarded for incredible valor. This award is intensely protected and regulated by federal law and the FBI, so any attempt to buy, sell, or manufacture Medals of Honor without authorization can result in stiff fines and jail time.

As we‘ll explore in this detailed guide, the Medal of Honor is considered priceless – it represents honor, sacrifice, and patriotism that cannot be commodified. We‘ll look at what makes this medal so revered, what privileges it grants recipients, and why there is a thriving underground market for illegal medals. Gaining deep insight into this iconic award allows us to appreciate its significance and the actions of those who have earned it.

A Rare and Coveted Award for Bravery Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

First instituted during the Civil War in 1861 by President Lincoln, the Medal of Honor recognizes servicemembers who demonstrate "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty." It is awarded only to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for extraordinary acts going far beyond what duty demands.

Over 40 million Americans have served in the military since its creation, but only 3,515 Medals of Honor have ever been bestowed – making it among the rarest and most coveted awards. To put this into perspective, recipients constitute just 0.01% of all who have served. The honor is so great that the President of the United States presents it personally on behalf of Congress.

Recipients have ranged from famous generals like Douglas MacArthur to ordinary GIs like William D. Halyburton, a medic who sacrificed himself to save his squad. Some examples of Medal of Honor feats include:

• Throwing oneself on a grenade to protect fellow soldiers
• Continuing to fight while severely wounded to hold a position
• Single-handedly neutralizing enemy positions and saving survivors

While traditionally awarded to men, 193 women have also received the Medal of Honor. Dr. Mary Walker, an abolitionist and surgeon, became the only female recipient in 1865 for her work as a contract surgeon during the Civil War.

Selling, Buying, or Manufacturing Medals is a Federal Crime

The honor and sacrifice symbolized by the Medal of Honor make it strictly forbidden to buy, sell, or manufacture the award without federal authorization. There is no legitimate market for these medals.

Specific laws criminalizing the unauthorized distribution of military medals include:

• Stolen Valor Act of 2005 – up to 1 year in prison and $100,000 fine
• Stolen Valor Act of 2013 – clarified and broadened previous act

Investigators monitor online auctions and medal dealers for any suspicious activity. The FBI has gone so far as setting up undercover sting operations to catch those either buying or selling counterfeit or stolen Medals of Honor.

Despite the severe penalties, illegal Medal of Honor trafficking still occurs. In the 1990s, the FBI learned of over 30 illegally produced medals in circulation. Medals have periodically appeared on eBay priced from $2,000 to $3,000 – but their monetary value is dwarfed by the honor attached to them. As one FBI agent noted, their worth to recipients and the nation is "priceless."

Recipients Enjoy Special Benefits and Honors

Those bestowed the Medal of Honor receive a number of legal privileges, benefits, and honors due to their heroism. Understanding these helps shed light on why some have illegally claimed medals they did not earn:

• Monthly pension – Medal of Honor recipients receive a special tax-free pension of around $1,300/month on top of any other benefits.
• Free air travel – Recipients are afforded free first-class space-available air travel on government aircraft just like active duty servicemembers.
• Tax benefits – The IRS exempts Medal of Honor holders from paying federal income tax on the pension and any invitations accepted for speaking engagements.
• Salutes – Even the President or high-ranking officers will salute a Medal of Honor recipient as a sign of deep respect regardless of their rank.
• Ceremonial burials – Holders can be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors if requested. Some states even provide free burial plots to recipients.
• License plates – Some states offer specialty license plates for Medal of Honor vehicle owners to recognize their status.

For those few who have legitimately received it, the Medal of Honor provides a lifetime of honors and privileges. But for those seeking its benefits without rightfully earning it, only shame and imprisonment await.

A Priceless Symbol of Sacrifice for the Nation

The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest decoration America can bestow upon its military heroes. It is a solemn recognition of gallantry beyond the call of duty. For the courageous few who have earned its prestigious status, it marks a lifetime commitment to representing the values it embodies – valor, duty, honor, and country.

This guide outlines how selling, buying, or manufacturing Medals of Honor is a serious federal crime. The black market trading that still occurs is a sad disrespect of the award‘s deep significance. We must safeguard the reverence afforded to Medal of Honor recipients and appreciate what their brave sacrifices represent. The medal‘s true worth is not in dollars and cents, but in safeguarding liberty for our nation.