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How does the Air Force Medal of Honor design differ from the Army and Navy designs?
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Pierre and Marie Curie depicted on the obverse of a medal from the Unio Internationalis Contra Cancrum (International Union Against Cancer) commemorating the Curies' discovery of radium in 1898.
The Medal of Honor designs for the different branches of the U.S. military are distinct in their central imagery and suspension components. While all versions are suspended from a blue ribbon featuring 13 white stars, their physical construction varies as follows:
- Air Force: The design features a central device displaying the head of the Statue of Liberty. The star is suspended from a thunderbolt, which is attached to a bar marked "Valor."1
- Army: This version consists of a bronze star featuring the head of Minerva in the center. It is suspended from a bar bearing the word "Valor," upon which sits an eagle with outspread wings.1
- Navy: The naval design features a star suspended from an anchor. Its central device depicts Minerva repulsing Discord.1
These medals are awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty.1