Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal facts for kids
The Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal, also known as the Pearl Harbor Survivor’s Medal, is a special bronze medal. The United States Congress created this medal on November 5, 1990. It was made to honor those who were at Pearl Harbor during the attack.
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Who Could Receive the Medal?
This medal was given to people who were present during the attack on Pearl Harbor. It recognized their bravery and service.
For Military Members
At first, the medal was for members of the United States Armed Forces. They had to be in Hawaii on December 7, 1941. They also needed to have taken part in fighting against the Japanese forces that day. If someone was killed or hurt during the attack, they were also considered to have participated.
For Civilians
Later, on September 23, 1996, Congress allowed civilians to receive the medal too. This meant people who were not in the military but were in Hawaii during the attack. They also had to show they helped in the combat operations.
Why the Medal is No Longer Issued
The Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal is no longer given out today. This is because there was a special time limit to apply for it. For both military and civilian applications, there was a 12-month period to get the medal.
If an eligible person had passed away, their closest family members could apply for the medal. Only one medal could be given for each person who qualified.
About the Medal Itself
The medal is made of bronze and is about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) across. It was not designed to be worn on clothing. Instead, it was meant to be kept as a special keepsake.
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