Congressional Space Medal of Honor is awarded by a person.
Congressional Space Medal of Honor . The highest award given by NASA , it is awarded by the President of the United States in Congress 's name on recommendations from the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration . To be awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor , an astronaut must perform feats of extraordinary accomplishment while participating in space flight under the authority of NASA . Typically , the Congressional Space Medal of Honor is awarded for scientific discoveries or actions of tremendous benefit to mankind . Edward Higgins `` Ed '' White II ( November 14 , 1930 -- January 27 , 1967 ) , ( Lt Col , USAF ) , was an American aeronautical engineer , U.S. Air Force officer , test pilot , and NASA astronaut . Charles `` Pete '' Conrad Jr. ( June 2 , 1930 -- July 8 , 1999 ) , ( Captain , USN ) , was an American NASA astronaut , naval officer and aviator , test pilot , and during the Apollo 12 mission became the third man to walk on the Moon .