Washington, DC – Rep. Joe Baca (D-California) today introduced legislation to bring greater honor and prestige to America’s distinguished military heroes by requiring the use of 90% gold in the metal content of the Medal of Honor.

Rep. Baca said, “I was stunned to learn from a fellow veteran that the highest honor America bestows on our military heroes could be a brass plated medallion that cost only $30.”  

Senator John Kerry (D- Massachusetts), a decorated Vietnam War veteran, is introducing a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.  Senator Kerry said, “The brave men and women who put their lives on the line each day deserve our eternal gratitude. When we recognize their exceptional service, I believe the United States of America can do better than a $30 gold knock-off.”

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States and is bestowed on a member of the armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself by risking his or her life and going beyond the call of duty.

Each branch of the Armed Forces – Air Force, Army and Navy (including Marines) – has a distinct version of the Medal of Honor.  They differ in design, size, metal and cost, with the Army version the least expensive at $29.98 and the Air Force version the most expensive at approximately $75.00.

In contrast, the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian honor, cost approximately $30,000 of which between $3,600 and $4,200 pays for the gold.  The rest of the cost is for design, production and engraving.

“I value the service of all of the men and women who bravely serve our nation.  I hope all of our troops receive the respect and honor they deserve.  And for those very few soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines deemed worthy of our nation’s highest military honor, surely we can afford more than a $30.00 medal,” said Rep. Baca.

The Medal of Honor, which is very rarely given, has now been presented to two soldiers who served in Iraq.  This week Corporal Jason Dunham of the U.S. Marine Corps was posthumously honored with this award for saving the lives of fellow soldiers by throwing himself on a live grenade while on patrol in Iraq.  President Bush presented the Medal of Honor to Cpl. Dunham’s parents.