There Have Only Been 11 Instances In Modern Combat Worthy Of America's Highest Award

US NavyPetty Officer Michael Monsoor (center)Monday marked the 150th anniversary of the first presentation of the Medal of Honor, which had its first recipient on Mar. 25, 1863 for actions during the Civil War. Despite its prestige, it's not an award that most aspire to receive.

But for some servicemembers put into extreme circumstances, the daily grind can give way to moments of incredible bravery that warrants them the nation's highest award.

Regardless of the political reasons for being engaged in combat, the job is simple: protect each other and beat the enemy.

The criteria for receiving the award is incredibly stringent, requiring significant risk to life and limb in direct combat and a display of "personal bravery or self-sacrifice so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades."

Much of the time, it is the family of the fallen hero who receives the award posthumously. In the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there have been 11 Medals of Honor awarded.