When person does something special, or brave, he may win an award. The award may be a piece of paper that praises him. Or he may receive a medal as his award. Medals are brightly colored pieces of metal and cloth that are given honor a person. Medals are also called decorations because they decorate and honor the winner. Medals are usually given to soldiers who are very brave in war. The United States gives the Medal Honor to the bravest American soldiers. The Medal of Honor is the highest American military award. The U.S. also gives a medal called the Purple Heart to soldiers who are wounded in battle. The Purple Heart is the oldest American military award. But awards are also given for other things. Athletic teams get awards for winning games Members of teams get awards for being the best on the team. Actors get Academy Awards or Oscars for outstanding acting. Sometimes a person gets a prize of money with an award Nobel Prize winners receive large sums as part of their awards