For his gallantry at San Juan Hill, Roosevelt's commanders recommended him for the Medal of Honor. However, the recommendation lacked any eyewitnesses, and the effort was tainted by Roosevelt's lobbying of the War Department. In the 1990s, Roosevelt's supporters again recommended the award, which was denied by the Secretary of the Army on the basis the decorations board determined "Roosevelt's bravery in battle did not rise to the level that would justify the Medal of Honor and, indeed, it did not rise to the level of men who fought in that engagement." Nevertheless, politicians apparently convinced the secretary to reconsider and reverse himself, leading to the charge it was a "politically motivated award". In 2001, President Bill Clinton awarded Theodore Roosevelt the Medal of Honor for his charge. He is the only president to have received it.
For his gallantry at San Juan Hill Roosevelt's commanders recommended him for the Medal of Honor However the recommendation lacked any eyewitnesses and the effort was tainted by Roosevelt's lobbying of the War Department In the 1990s Roosevelt's supporters again recommended the award which was denied by the Secretary of the Army on the basis the decorations board determined "Roosevelt's bravery in battle did not rise to the level that would justify the Medal of Honor and indeed it did not rise to the level of men who fought in that engagement" Nevertheless politicians apparently convinced the secretary to reconsider and reverse himself leading to the charge it was a "politically motivated award" In 2001 President Bill Clinton awarded Theodore Roosevelt the Medal of Honor for his charge He is the only president to have received it