July 12 in American History

July 12, 1862 — the Medal of Honor is born

Congress authorized the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration. Fewer than 3,600 have ever been awarded. It goes to those who risk everything "above and beyond the call of duty."

Get one of these every day

The FreedomMaxxing Daily Brief pairs a history moment like this with what’s on your radar today and a live patriot poll — free, 60 seconds.

Take the Freedom Assessment →
the Hamilton–Burr duelthe Northwest Ordinance