Is it illegal to sell a Medal of Honor?

Asked by: Dennis Collins

Due to the prestige of the Medal of Honor, it is a federal crime to manufacture, sell, or trade these awards without authorization of the federal government. It is also illegal to use unauthorized Medals of Honors to receive benefits, such as money or property.

What happens if you sell a Medal of Honor?

Selling medals awarded by Congress is illegal in the United States and is punishable by fines of up to $100,000 and a year in jail.

Can medals of Honor be sold?

“The only award that we cannot and will not sell is the Medal of Honor,” Hansen said. It is illegal to buy, sell or fraudulently possess a Medal of Honor within the United States and the FBI keeps a sharp eye out. “The only person who can possess a Medal of Honor is the recipient or a designee,” Sanborn said.

How much can you sell a Medal of Honor for?

“But what it stands for is priceless.” But for some people, honor does, in fact have a price: Just over $2,200, to judge by the latest sale of a Medal of Honor on the Internet auction site eBay last Friday. Such sales are illegal under federal law, and punishable by fines of up to $100,000 and a year in jail.

Can you sell a military Medal?

It is illegal to buy, sell, barter, or manufacture any decorations or medals authorized by Congress for the United States armed forces.

Has anyone won 2 medals of honor?

To date, the maximum number of Medals of Honor earned by any service member has been two. The last living individual to be awarded two Medals of Honor was John J. Kelly October 3, 1918; the last individual to receive two Medals of Honor for two different actions was Smedley Butler, in 1914 and 1915.

Has anyone refused the Medal of Honor?

Harry S.
Truman blocked an effort by the House of Representatives to award him the Presidential Medal of Honor in 1971. President Truman famously said he would rather get the Medal of Honor, a military honor, than be president. But in 1971, he blocked an attempt by the House of Representatives to give him the medal.

Where can I sell my medals?

There’s no denying that selling medals on eBay is one of the most popular ways. If you are selling your medals on eBay it’s important that you have a good understanding of what your medals are.

Are military medals worth money?

A medal, especially one that has been in your family for generations or was given to you by a person you care for, can be priceless. Therefore, this value cannot be measured in terms of money.

Can you pawn war medals?

Although the selling and buying of military medals is legal, many stolen medals are sold to Pawn Shops for quick cash.

Can you sell military medals on eBay?

Not allowed. Government-issued medals and certificates for medals, including the Air Force Cross, Congressional Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Purple Heart, or Silver Star. This also applies to a medal’s associated buttons, ribbons, or rosettes.

Can I sell a Purple Heart medal?

If passed, the Act will make it illegal for anyone other than the recipient to sell a Purple Heart Medal that has been awarded. The bill has many Congressional sponsors and has been introduced in the both the Senate and House for the last three Congressional Sessions.