President Barack Obama will award Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter the Medal of Honor at a White House ceremony on June 19. LCpl Carpenter is receiving the award for his heroic actions while on guard duty in the Marjah district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, on Nov. 21, 2010. Carpenter dove on a Taliban grenade to save another Marine. He is the eighth living recipient of the nation's highest award for valor while serving in the war in Afghanistan. Read more about LCpl. Carpenter's gallant and heroic actions. Being awarded the MOH will entitle Carpenter to privileges and benefits for the rest of his life. As a thanks from a grateful nation, Medal of Honor recipients receive the following privileges and special benefits for life:
- A Special Medal of Honor pension of $1,329.58 per month above and beyond any military pensions or other benefits for which they may be eligible.
- Special entitlements to Space “A” air transportation.
- Enlisted recipients are entitled to a supplemental uniform allowance.
- Commissary and exchange privileges (includes eligible dependents).
- Admission to the United States military academies for qualified children of recipients – without nomination and quota requirements.
- 10 percent increase in retired pay.
- Medal of Honor Flag.
- Allowed to wear the uniform at anytime as long as the standard restrictions are observed.
- Many states offer Medal of Honor automobile license plates.
- Interment at Arlington National Cemetery if not otherwise eligible.
Learn more about the Medal of Honor.
