National Museum of Naval Aviation

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Medal of Honor

Exhibits & Collections > Exhibits

Since 1911, forty-three individuals with a connection to Naval Aviation have received the nation’s highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for actions above and beyond the call of duty. Created by the order of Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles in 1861, the Medal of Honor was initially awarded only to enlisted personnel before officers were made eligible for receipt of the medal in 1915. The Medal of Honor Exhibit features drawings of all Naval Aviation recipients and copies of their respective citations. The Museum collection includes the Medals of Honor of Captain William A. Moffett, First Lieutenant Ken Walsh, Lieutenant (junior grade) Clyde Lassen, and Private First Class Raymond Clausen. This exhibit is located on the Mezzanine of the South Wing and is accessible by the stairs near the entrance to the Blue Angels Atrium.