Congressional Space Medal of Honor Congressional Space Medal of Honor The Congressional Space Medal of Honor was authorized by the United States Congress in 1969 to recognize "any astronaut who in the performance of his duties has distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious efforts and contributions to the welfare of the Nation and mankind." The highest award given by NASA, it is awarded by the President of the United States in Congress's name on recommendations from the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The award is a separate decoration from the Medal of Honor, which is a military award for extreme bravery and gallantry
Military Decoration for gallantry or exceptional devotion Military Decoration for gallantry or exceptional devotion The Military Decoration (, ) is a military award of the Kingdom of Belgium. It was established on December 23, 1873 and is awarded to military personnel of the Belgian Armed Forces for gallantry or Exceptional devotion to duty. The medal ( ) can be awarded to any military member of the Belgian Armed Forces who distinguished himself due to exceptional service or due to the performance of an act of gallantry or devotion. It can also be awarded to personnel below the rank of Officer for 20 years of active duty aboard