WASHINGTON (AP) - Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said a new Pentagon website will list the names of those Americans who have earned the Medal of Honor since the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Panetta made the announcement Wednesday at a House hearing. He said the website could be expanded to include other recipients of military valor awards and medals.
The move is in response to a Supreme Court ruling last month. The court invalidated a law that made it a crime to lie about receiving the Medal of Honor and other military decorations. The justices ruled that the Stolen Valor Act of 2006 infringed upon free speech.
Panetta said he hoped the website will protect the honor of those who served in battle.
"Initially, the website will list the names of those who have earned the Medal of Honor since 9/11. But, in the near term, it will include the recipients of the Services' Crosses and the Silver Star since 9/11," Panetta said.
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