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 As it was created with the same Royal Decree and carries the same jewel (only the ribbon differs) as the military decoration for Long service, it used to be known as an 'Article 4' award. On the ribbon an inverted gilt chevron is affixed when the first class of the medal is awarded. When the medal is awarded during wartime (which hasn't happened since the end of the Korean War), a silver palm bearing a Royal Monogram was attached to the ribbon. Nowadays, the criteria for exceptional devotion to duty are considered being met, and the second class of the