SAN ANTONIO - The U.S. Army Medical Department Museum on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston is now the home of the nation’s first monument recognizing AMEDD recipients of the Medal of Honor.

Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, the Army surgeon general, spoke of the bravery and legacy of these Army medics during the dedication of the AMEDD Medal of Honor Walk on the museum grounds Sept. 28.

Retired Maj. Gen. Patrick Sculley, deputy surgeon general from 1998 to 2002, served as master of ceremonies.

He said the event was “the fulfillment of a dream” for him and many others who envisioned the monument as an outdoor memorial and living reminder of 52 AMEDD members who took actions of uncommon valor and sacrifice resulting in the award of the nation’s highest military recognition. Three AMEDD Medal of Honor recipients currently reside outside of the San Antonio area.

“Those we honor with the AMEDD Museum Medal of Honor Walk epitomize the sacrifice and service that has always been the legacy of the Army Medical Department,” Sculley said. “We desire not only honor the Medal of Honor recipients, but to pass their legacy from generation to generation of medics.”

The two-acre site adjacent to the museum is a landscaped area of the museum grounds with walkways complete with monument stations listing the names of soldier medics from each of the nation’s wars who were awarded the Medal of Honor.

Among them is the only female recipient of the Medal of Honor, surgeon Dr. Mary E. Walker, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for valor during the Civil War.

A surrounding regimental green leads to a 250-seat amphitheater overlooking the Medal of Honor Walk and Presentation Plaza, which will support a variety of ceremonies, programs, classes, and presentations in an environment where there is always present a reminder of the full meaning of being a medic.

“This is the fulfillment of a dream for the AMEDD Museum Foundation,” Sculley said. “It is very nice to be a part of a special project. We completed the project out of our acreage and provided a lasting tribute to our Medal of Honor recipients.”

The $1.6 million Medal of Honor Walk facility was built thanks to private donations from individuals looking to preserve the history of the Army Medical Department.

The AMEDD Museum Foundation was established to raise funds that built the main museum facility over three major projects. The last project was the Medal of Honor Walk and amphitheater. After the project was completed, the gift was titled to the U.S. government.

The museum and Medal of Honor Walk are free and open to any member of the public in possession of a valid driver’s license or ID card.

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