On July 12, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed a law creating the U.S. Army Medal of Honor. It was to be given “to such non commissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier-like qualities during the present insurrection.” The first soldiers to receive the nation’s highest military honor were 6 Union men who penetrated deep into Confederate territory to destroy bridges and railroad tracks between Chattanooga and Atlanta.
