True stories of the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Generally it is presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress. There three variations of the Medal: Army, Navy and Air Force. Marines and Coast Guardsmen are awarded the Navy version. Five were awarded to foreign nationals: The Unknown Soldiers of Belgium, Great Britain, France, Italy and Romania. Eight civilians have received the Medal of Honor including Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a surgeon that served with the Union Army in the Civil War. She is the only woman recipient.