The Pentagon opens its Hall of Heroes to honor Medal of Honor recipients

In 1968, the Pentagon opened the Hall of Heroes in its main concourse as a permanent space recognizing recipients of the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration. The hall was dedicated to individuals whose military service had been recognized through this award, and it displayed the names of more than 3,460 recipients, according to the document. It also presented the different versions of the Medal of Honor associated with the armed services. Beyond its commemorative purpose, the Hall of Heroes became a location for official military ceremonies, including promotions and retirements. Its establishment added an important historical and ceremonial function to the Pentagon, connecting the daily administration of national defense with the institutional recognition of military service across different periods of American history.