The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest United States military decoration, awarded by the President in the name of Congress to members of the armed forces for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidy against the enemy, at risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty. Congress established the medal in 1862 during the Civil War. Ovila Cayer of Malone, New York, a sergeant in Company A, 14th United States Volunteers, received it for heroic actions on August 19, 1864, against Confederate forces at Weldon Railroad, Virginia. Charles L. Russell of Malone, New York, a corporal in Company E, 93rd New York Infantry, received it for heroic actions on May 12, 1864, against Confederate forces at Spotsylvania, Virginia. Frank Tolan of Malone, New York, a private in Company D, 7th United States Cavalry, received it for heroic actions on June 25, 1876, against hostile Indians at Little Big Horn, Montana.