The Medal of Honor is awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of one's life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy. The deed must be one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved risk of life.

Seven men awarded the Medal of Honor later served in the D.C. National Guard.

Private M. Emmet Urell (later Colonel, 2nd Regiment, DCNG, circa 1895) was awarded the medal at Bristoe Station, Va. on October 14, 1863, for,"gallantry in action while detailed as color bearer; was severely wounded."

Captain Cecil Clay (later Colonel, 1st Regiment, DCNG, circa 1892) was awarded the medal at Fort Harrison, Va. on September 29, 1864, when he, "led his Regiment in the charge, carrying the colors of another regiment, and when severely wounded in the right arm, incurring loss of same, he shifted the colors to the left hand, which also became disabled by a gunshot wound."

Sergeant Major Christian A. Fleetwood (later Major, 7th Battalion, DCNG, 1887-1892) was awarded the medal at Chaffins Farm, Va. on September 29, 1864, when he, "seized the colors after two color bearers had been shot down, and bore them nobly through the fight."

Second Lieutenant Charles H. Heyl (later Lieutenant Colonel, The Adjutant General, DCNG, 1897-1898) was awarded the medal for action near Fort Hartsuff, Neb. on April 28, 1876, when he, "voluntarily, and with most conspicuous gallantry, charged with three men upon six Indians who were entrenched on a hillside."

Second Lieutenant Oscar F. Long (later Lieutenant Colonel, The Adjutant General, DCNG, 1889-1892) was awarded the medal for action at Bear Paw Mountain, Mont. on September 30, 1877, "having been directed to order a troop of cavalry to advance, and finding both its officers killed, he voluntarily assumed command, and under a heavy fire from the Indians advanced the troop to its proper position."

Second Lieutenant Lloyd M. Brett (later Lieutenant Colonel, The Adjutant General, DCNG, 1903-1908, then Brigadier General, The Adjutant General, DCNG, 1923-1927) was awarded the medal for action at O'Fallon's Creek, Mont. on April 1, 1880, when he acted with "fearless exposure and dashing bravery in cutting off the Indians' pony herd, thereby greatly crippling the hostiles."

SP4 Alfred V. Rascone (later, Lieutenant Colonel, DCNG, 2002 and Director of Selective Service) was awarded the medal for extraordinarily courageous acts on March 16, 1966, as a medic in Vietnam, "Ignoring directions to stay behind shelter in the face of deadly enemy fire, he made his way forward and continued to search for and aid the wounded. Severely wounded, he remained on the battlefield, inspiring fellow soldiers to continue the battle."