Congressional Space Medal of Honor

BACK DEVICE(s) none

Description:

1. Authorized by Pub. Law 91–76 (42 U.S.C. 2461)
2. The standard of award for the Congressional Space Medal of Honor was established by Pub. L. 91–76 (42 U.S.C. 2461) which provides that the President may award the Medal to 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 of mankind.’’
3. The decoration can be awarded for scientific discoveries or actions of tremendous benefi t to mankind,for extreme bravery during a space emergency, or in preventing a major space disaster.
4. It can also be presented posthumously to those astronauts who die while performing a US space mission (as of 2019, all 17 astronauts killed on US missions have been awarded the medal).
5. Although this is a civilian award, its use is authorized as a military decoration for display on U.S.military uniforms due to the prestige of the decoration. In such cases, the Congressional Space Medalof Honor is worn as a ribbon following all United States Armed Forces decorations.
6. Only one Congressional Space Medal of Honor may be awarded to a person. However, for each succeeding act that would otherwise justify the award of the Medal, the President may award a suitable bar or other device.

Background:

1. The Medal (as described in the Congressional Federal Record 1999 Title14 Vol 5 Part 1221) 
   Obverse
   A circular green enamel wreath of laurel surmounted by a five-pointed gold star (with vertical point downward) and issuing from between each point a gold flame, the star surmounted by a light blue enamel cloud bank with five lobes edged in gold bearing a five-pointed dark blue enamel star fimbriated gold and charged in center with a diamond; standing upon the wreath at top center a gold eagle with wings displayed.
   Reverse
   The reverse bears in center the inscription ‘‘CONGRESSIONAL’’ arranged in a semicircle above the inscription ‘‘SPACE MEDAL PRESENTED TO’’; in base is space for the name of the recipient and the date all within an outer circle of fifty stars.
   Symbolism of Medal
   
   1. The laurel wreath, a symbol of great achievement, with the overlapping star points, simulates space vehicles moving to greater accomplishments through space.
   2. The flames signify the dynamic energy of the rocket era and the imagination of the men in the space program of the United States.
   3. The stylized glory cloud alludes to the glory in the coat of arms of the United States and to the high esteem of the award.
   4. The dark blue voided star symbolizes the vast mysteries of outer space while the brilliancy of the feat is represented by a diamond.
   5. The eagle with wings raised in the spirit of peace represents man’s first landing on another planet.
2. Ribbon (as described in the Congressional Federal Record 1999 Title14 Vol 5 Part 1221) 
   The ribbon 1 3/8 inches in width consisting of the following vertical stripes: gold 1/16 inch, dark blue 1/4 inch, light blue 9/32 inch, white 1/16 inch, red 1/16 inch, white 1/16 inch, light blue 9/32 inch, dark blue 1/4 inch, gold 1/16 inch.
   Symbolism of colors
   1. The scarlet center line on the white band symbolizes the courage of the astronauts in the nation’s manned space program and the fire power of rockets that carry the crew through the earth’s atmosphere (light blue);
   2. Tthe light blue is the same color as the chief of the shield of the coat of arms of the United States which appears on the President’s flag.
   3. The dark blue symbolizes the hostile environment of space, the gold edge representing success and accomplishment.
   4. The Red, white and blue are indicative of the national colors of the United States.

3. Information from
   Congressional Federal Record 1999 Title14 Vol 5 Part 1221
   Decoration, Congressional Space Medal of Honor MlIL-D-3943 76A 31 March 1987
   Decoration, Congressional Space Medal of Honor MIL-DTL-3943 76H 22 June 2021
   Ribbon, Congressional Space Medal of Honor MIL-DTL-11589 180E 15 September 1995
   Ribbon, Congressional Space Medal of Honor MIL-DTL-11589 180H 27 July 2020