How does a country issue its highest award with a name in a foreign language? Germans receiving the award did not seem to mind, as The Blue Max was literally something to die for, as recipients often did. When the Kaiser and the empire went away, so did the Pour le Merite.
http://www.historyandheadlines.com/top-ten-prestigious-medals/
Medal of Freedom, United States. The highest award given to a citizen of the US for non-military service, the fact that it is sometimes given as a political goodbye present cheapens it just enough to keep it out of the top 5.
http://www.historyandheadlines.com/top-ten-prestigious-medals/
Although technically the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, an award only given once, to Herman Goring who earned it not in combat, but for building the Luftwaffe, is the highest Nazi Germany award, the Knights Cross was for actual combat bravery the highest award for Germans in World War II.
http://www.historyandheadlines.com/top-ten-prestigious-medals/
We surveyed laws in other states and found a number of examples of awards states give for heroism. We found six states that award medals to military or national guard members (Colorado, Massachusetts, North Dakota, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Rhode Island).
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/rpt/2013-R-0161.htm
The Medal of Honor, United States. Created during the Civil War as the only medal for valor (bravery, courage, whatever you want to call it) it became the top medal for Americans in combat. Authorized by an act of Congress and usually awarded by the President, most recipients die in the process of earning the medal.
http://www.historyandheadlines.com/top-ten-prestigious-medals/
U.S. Department of Defense. DESCRIPTION OF MEDALS. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that may be awarded by the United States government. While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
http://valor.defense.gov/Description-of-Awards/
The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army (and previously, the United States Army Air Forces). It is awarded for extraordinary heroism: While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;
http://valor.defense.gov/Description-of-Awards/
4. Legion of Honor, France. Founded by one of if not the most capable military leaders of all time, this medal marks its wearer as one of the bravest of the brave, someone who belongs in the pantheon of heroes.
http://www.historyandheadlines.com/top-ten-prestigious-medals/
The Navy Cross is the second highest military decoration that may be awarded to a member of the United States Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, (and to members of the Coast Guard when operating under the authority of the Department of the Navy). It is awarded for extraordinary heroism:
http://valor.defense.gov/Description-of-Awards/
You asked for (1) examples of other state's civilian medals of honor for heroism, (2) examples of federal medals of honor for heroism, (3) a review of previous legislative efforts to establish a civilian medal of honor in Connecticut, and (4) an overview of Connecticut's Veterans Hall of Fame.
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/rpt/2013-R-0161.htm
highest medal given to a citizen
Medal of Freedom is the highest medal given to a citizen.