When do you salute a Medal of Honor recipient?

SSG Robert Ricci — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 07:35:43 -0400

I remember the military tradition of rendering a hand salute to officers and warrant officers as well as friendly Allied officers went outdoors. I also recall that when reporting to an officer indoors one would render a hand salute.

But I have often wondered if for example one was in classroom training and a Medal of Honor recipient enters the room do you call the room to attention and announce to the Medal of Honor recipient is present? Do you render a hand salute? I've never been able to find a straight answer on this.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Sep 7 at 2021 9:24 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 09:24:57 -0400

I don't believe that there is any regulatory guidance on saluting a Medal of Honor recipient. I've always been told and read that it is a custom and courtesy given to someone that did something very extraordinary during the worst situations. When I have seen a MoH recipient I have always saluted them. I don't think one would call a room to attention, unless the recipient is still in the service, but I believe having everyone stand would be appropriate.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Sep 7 at 2021 12:02 PM

CSM William Everroad — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 12:02:04 -0400

SGM Steve Wettstein is correct, there is no current regulatory guidance, for the Army, mandating the salute of the recipient or the award. However, the Air Force actually mandates it:

"You salute the President, Vice President, Secretary of Defense, Service Secretaries, all superior commissioned and warrant officers, all Medal of Honor recipients, and superior officers of friendly foreign nations." -AIR FORCE STANDARDS 1-1

In the Army, The Soldiers' Guide (FM 7-21.13) used to indicate that there is a tradition of saluting the recipient or the award. I have heard it asks on boards, but never read it in any of the newest editions (since 2012). The current Soldiers' Guide (TC 7-21.13) makes no mention of the tradition.

That being said, I will always carry the torch for the tradition of saluting the recipient for their actions and teach new Soldiers of the tradition in similar fashion to CSM Wettstein.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 7 at 2021 7:04 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 19:04:53 -0400

Medal of Honor recipients are saluted at all times, in or out of doors

Response by SPC Allen Werth made Sep 8 at 2021 1:00 PM

SPC Allen Werth — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 13:00:19 -0400

I have never seen a MOH reciprocate, except on TV and know of no regulation about them, But as a sign of respect I would.