Medal of Honor stamps honour final World War Two medal recipients

The United States Postal Service has issued two stamps commemorating the courage of those who received the USA's Medal of Honor during World War Two. The Medal of Honor is the USA's highest award for 'valour in combat' and is awarded to those who show 'conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty'.

The stamps, issued on 11 November, 2013, feature the Navy and the Army versions of the medal, with a prestige folio available which features photographs of the last living recipients of the award, as well as names of all the men who received the medal for World War Two service. Three of the men photographed (Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Vernon McGarity and Nicholas Oresko) sadly died before the stamps were issued. More than half of the men who were awarded the Medal of Honor died in combat, and before any medal was awarded, both the Secretary of Defence and the US President had to approve the recommendation.

To purchase the stamps, visit the United States Postal Service website.

(Images copyright United States Postal Service)

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