On March 25, 1863, the first Medal of Honor was awarded to Jacob Parrott for his act of bravery during the American Civil War. Since then, thousands of Medals of Honor have been given to individuals who have gone above and beyond their duty as a soldier.

Nearly 150 years after the first Medal of Honor award, we annually celebrate National Medal of Honor Day on March 25.

Three versions of the medals are awarded: “the original star shape established in 1861, which the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard have retained; a wreath version designed in 1904 for the Army; and an altered wreath version for the Air Force, adopted in 1965.” (Arlington National Cemetery )

The original medal has been awarded to over 700 individuals. The center depicts Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, warding off Discord.

Furthermore, the Army Medal of Honor design has been given almost 2,500 times. Its star depicts Minerva’s face and is surrounded by a green laurel wreath held up by a plate with “VALOR” written on it.

Last but not least is the Medal of Honor variant designated for the Air Force, bestowed on eighteen people. Despite being the largest of the three medals, it is extremely similar to the US Army’s Medal of Honor. At its center is the face of the Statue of Liberty and 34 stars surrounding it.