[Discussion] MEDAL Act Quadruples Medal of Honor Pensions, Boosts Support for Recipients and Families

[Uncrowned Guard]

Major Increase Announced for Medal of Honor Stipends

A new federal law dramatically increases the annual special pension for living Medal of Honor recipients, a move designed to better support the nation’s most decorated service members in recognition of their extraordinary valor. The legislation, dubbed the Monetary Enhancement for Distinguished Active Legends (MEDAL) Act, was signed into law this week following bipartisan support in Congress.

Details of the MEDAL Act Provisions

Under the MEDAL Act, the monthly stipend for living Medal of Honor recipients rises from $1,406.73 to $5,625—a fourfold increase. On an annual basis, this translates to $67,500, up from just over $18,000. The enhanced honorarium aims to address longstanding financial concerns for recipients, particularly as many travel extensively for public speaking and ceremonial duties.

The legislation extends further support to the families of deceased recipients by introducing a monthly stipend of $1,406.73 for surviving spouses. Both rates are now subject to automatic annual adjustment in line with inflation, ensuring that benefits maintain their real value over time.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, which administers these honoraria, first began paying a special Medal of Honor pension in 1916. The original stipend was set at $10 per month and has increased over the decades to reflect economic changes.

Context: Medal of Honor Recipients and Their Service

According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, there are currently 61 living recipients of the United States’ highest military award. Of these, 45 served in the Vietnam War, while 16 are veterans of the post-9/11 conflicts known as the Global War on Terror. Since the medal’s creation in 1863, 3,528 U.S. service members have received this distinction for acts of conspicuous gallantry.

Legislative Background and Rationale

The MEDAL Act advanced through Congress with wide support. The House of Representatives passed the bill in February, followed by Senate approval last month. President Trump signed it into law on December 1.

Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), the sponsor of the House bill, referenced cases in which Medal of Honor recipients received little reimbursement for participation in military recruiting events or where families sought donations to offset travel and related expenses. This was cited as a motivating factor for the legislation’s substantial increase in the pension.

Analysis: Impact and Significance

By significantly amplifying the special pension, the MEDAL Act recognizes not only the heroism required to earn the Medal of Honor, but also the continuing commitments many recipients make through public service and engagement with military and civilian audiences. The new measures ensure that the honorarium better reflects contemporary economic realities and provides financial stability for a highly select group of veterans and their families.

The bill also signals a renewed legislative emphasis on supporting living national heroes, particularly as their ranks continue to decrease with time. The adjustment for inflation is a notable feature, embedding automatic updates into the law to prevent future erosion of benefits.

Conclusion

The MEDAL Act represents a landmark change in the way the United States recompenses its most distinguished service members. By vastly increasing the special pension and providing new support for surviving spouses, Congress has adopted a comprehensive approach to honoring Medal of Honor recipients, aligning ceremonial recognition with tangible benefits.

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