Final answer:
The President of the United States usually presents the Medal of Honor to living recipients. This compares to other honors, such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which can also be presented by the President to civilians, as seen when President George W. Bush awarded it to Muhammad Ali.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest and most prestigious personal military decoration that may be awarded to recognize U.S. military service members who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. When the recipient of the Medal of Honor is alive, the award is usually presented by the President of the United States. This is a traditional role of the President as the commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces.
There are instances of military bravery that are recognized posthumously, as was the case with United States Marine Eugene Obregon, who was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. In contrast, other awards, such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is a civilian award, was presented by President George W. Bush to Muhammad Ali in 2005.
It's important to note that the Medal of Honor is different from the Nobel Peace Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, both of which can be awarded to civilians. For instance, George C. Marshall, a soldier and statesman, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 for his efforts in post-war Europe's recovery through the Marshall Plan.