As part of the 82d Airborne Division, Medal of Honor follows Boyd Travers as he completes missions in Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Germany. He fights alongside AI colleagues to free Europe from enemy control. Missions begin with a parachute jump after a briefing, allowing for some flexibility in choosing initial equipment. Players must complete objectives such as destroying anti-aircraft defenses, rescuing fellow soldiers, and taking out enemy tanks using bazookas. Upgrades can be earned by performing exceptional feats of bravery or marksmanship, granting access to improved equipment.
The game features a unique health system, where players have four "beads" of health that regenerate partially when hit by an enemy attack. If a bead is lost, it must be replenished with a health pack. This adds a layer of strategy to gameplay, as players must balance risk and caution.
The game also includes a single-player campaign and three multiplayer modes: Team Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch Airborne, and Objective. The latter features teams competing to capture all flags on the map. With up to 12 players participating, these modes offer a variety of gameplay experiences.