Updated: 12 June, 2006
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Full-text Listings of all Medal of Honor Citations U.S. Army Centre for Military History |
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Congressional Medal of Honor Society Official Website |
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The Navy Medal of Honor, 1942 to the Present - The Medal of Honor is the highest-ranking United States' combat award, with different patterns used by the Navy, the Army and the Air Force. Authorized in December 1861 as an award for enlisted men, the Navy Medal of Honor originally served to "further promote the efficiency of the Navy". Its award criteria subsequently included "deeds of gallantry and heroism in times of War and of Peace" on the part of officers and enlisted personnel, but in 1942 were restricted to acts of extraordinary heroism in armed combat. The design of the medal and its associated ribbon have also varied, with the pattern presently used having been adopted in 1942. This page features photographs of the current pattern of the Navy Medal of Honor, and provides links to images of other forms of the Medal and of recipients of the Medal. history.navy.mil Jan 03 |
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American Military Decorations and Awards Research Institute |
Civil
War Hero gets Grave Marker
(John Henry Callahan – M of H Recipient)
(May 01)
Heroic
WWII pilot's sister pays respects at crash site
(Medal of Honor
Winners 2nd Lt. William and 1st Lt. Donald J. Gott Metzger)
Son of hero offers support, thanks to Air Force - John L. Levitow (Medal of Honor Winner)
Millett's
men's courageous charge remembered 50 years later at Hill 180
(Lewis L.
Millett – Medal of Honor Winner)
Medal of Honor recipient lauds youth with interest in military (Lt. Gen. Robert F. Foley - awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam on Nov. 5, 1966. Leading a company through the jungle to aid another unit, Foley was injured by a grenade during an ambush. Despite his injury, he single-handedly destroyed three enemy machine gun entrenchments, allowing his unit to complete its mission. Foley earned more than a dozen other medals for his service, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart) (Apr 02)
Veteran petitions for highest honor (Wallace M. Gallant helped break the back of a 1945 German counterattack during World War II. He is seeking a review of his war record with the hope of winning a Medal of Honor. Many of the soldiers he fought with believe he deserved to get the medal 57 years ago. For his bravery, Mr. Gallant received a Distinguished Service Cross, the country's second-highest award for valor) (Mar 02)
USNS Soderman: New Navy strategic sealift ship is afloat - Soderman (Medal of Honor winner) (Apr 02)
Army pays long-overdue apology to family of soldier wrongly accused - November 11, 1999 (CNN) (Sgt. Edward A. Carter Jr awarded Medal of Honor)
Man Pleads Guilty to Wearing Fake Medal of Honor - Ralph Ervin Crowder, 46, was originally charged in a criminal complaint in U.S. District Court with impersonating an officer and a military hero. He had been telling people he was a highly decorated Navy SEAL in Vietnam and had been awarded the Medal of Honor. Neither was true. (Sep 02)
WWII mission results in awarding of 5 medals - The Medal of Honor presented to Col. John Riley "Killer" Kane is one of five presented for that day's mission, the most ever awarded for a single combat enterprise. Three of the awards were posthumous: 2nd Lt. Lloyd H. Hughes, a native of Alexandria; Lt. Col. Addison Baker; and Maj. John L. Jerstad. The other Medal of Honor presented to a living recipient for that day's battle was to Col. Leon W. Johnson, who died in November 1997. (Sep 02)
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United States - Town Salutes its WWII Hero - Sixty years after his heroic death, Medal of Honor winner Reinhardt John Keppler will be honored in his tiny hometown. In an act of supreme sacrifice, Keppler bled to death as he helped save the USS San Francisco and many of his shipmates during one of World War II's most horrific sea battles. (Jun 02) |
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President awards soldiers posthumous Medals of Honor - President George W. Bush honored two soldiers with posthumous Medals of Honor May 1 during a ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House. Capt. Ben L. Salomon, a dentist, was recognized for his efforts in defending his regimental aid station from a Japanese attack in the Marianas Islands during World War II, and Capt. Jon E. Swanson was recognized for his work in marking enemy troop and anti-aircraft positions from a damaged aircraft in Cambodia during the Vietnam War. (May 02) |
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Pfc. Clarence Craft has died aged 82 One of the 149 living Medal of Honor recipients died of cancer March 28 in Fayetteville, Ark. Pfc. Clarence Craft, 82, received the medal for his actions during World War II, on Hen Hill, Okinawa, when he killed 25 Japanese soldiers and led his battalion to breach enemy defenses, May 31, 1945. Craft was a rifleman with Company G, 382d Infantry, 96th Infantry Division. More (Apr 02) |
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White House Welcomes Teddy's Medal of Honor Former President Theodore Roosevelt's long-fought-for Medal of Honor has a new home - the president's former home. At a private gathering, Roosevelt's descendents donated his medal to the White House in a ceremony attended by President George W. Bush. The medal will now sit in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, alongside his Nobel Peace Prize. Roosevelt was recommended to receive the medal in 1898, after leading his volunteer army of Rough Riders in an attack on an entrenched Spanish position at San Juan Hill on July 1. More (Sep 02) |
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Medal of Honor receipient visits Retired Marine Col. Wesley L. Fox spoke of his 43 years in the military, both as an enlisted Marine and an officer. Of the 58 heroes who received the Medal of Honor in Vietnam, only 13 lived to acknowledge the honor. (Oct 02) |
A Buffalo Soldier's story William A. Aleshire's research into Negro League baseball teams in Prince George's County led him in a direction he never anticipated: writing a book about the forgotten war heroes known as the Buffalo Soldiers. Mr. Aleshire's book focuses on one soldier, Sgt. Thomas Boyne, of Prince George's County, who was 18 when he became one of the 200,000 black men to join the Union Army to fight in the Civil War. Following the Civil War, Boyne's heroic actions in the Indian wars led him to receive the Medal of Honor, the country's highest military award. Washington Times, DC May 03
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Joe Foss has died aged 87 Joe Foss was one of the great American fighter aces of the Second World War, officially credited with shooting down 26 Japanese aircraft while serving in the Pacific; he later embarked on a successful career in public life, becoming Governor of South Dakota. As a Marine Corps pilot during the war, Foss led a unit which became known as "Joe's Flying Circus"; including Foss's own tally, the unit of Grumman Wildcat naval fighters accounted for a total of 72 enemy aircraft. When he received the Congressional Medal of Honour from President Roosevelt at the White House in 1943 for "aerial combat unsurpassed in this war", Foss was immediately hailed by the national media as "the American ace of aces". He was also awarded the American DFC, Bronze Star, Silver Star and Purple Heart. More More More Photos More (Jan 03) |
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Ron
Rosser earned Medal of Honor for time in Korea
(Nov 02) |
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Medal recipient's portrait now has a description of his deeds For five years, the portrait of a young soldier with a Medal of Honor draped around his neck has hung in the rotunda of the Fort Bend County courthouse. The only inscription accompanying the painting was, "Sgt. Macario Garcia, Congressional Medal of Honor." Two county officials decided something more was needed, and on Monday, a plaque describing how Garcia earned his nation's highest military honor was unveiled in a Veterans Day ceremony attended by family members and friends (Nov 02) |
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James R. Hendrix has died aged 77 James R. Hendrix, 77, an Arkansas farm boy who in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II braved hostile gunfire to save fellow soldiers and take a dozen Germans prisoner, actions for which he received the Medal of Honor, died Nov. 14 at his home in Davenport, Fla. (Nov 02) |
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Medal of Honor winner's son finally gets dad's due The government finally made it right by Pvt. David M. Gonzales. Finally made sure his family got all the medals this true hometown hero from Pacoima was awarded posthumously for his combat in World War II. Made sure the wrong photograph that's been hanging over the name David M. Gonzales in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes -- a display featuring Latinos who have been awarded the Medal of Honor -- is being replaced with the right one. (Nov 02) |
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Medal of Honor recipient visits Parris Island recruits A Medal of Honor recipient was at the Marine Recruit Depot Parris Island to see how the base has changed and to speak with young Marines. Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hershel "Woody" Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry Truman for his actions on Iwo Jima, Volcano Island, on Feb. 23, 1945. Williams won't talk about his actions that day, choosing instead to give anyone who asks a copy of the citation he received when awarded the Medal of Honor. "Covered only by four rifleman, he fought desperately for four hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain serviced flame throwers, struggling back frequently to the rear of hostile emplacements to wipe out one position after another," the citation states. "His unyielding determination and extraordinary heroism in the face of ruthless enemy resistance were directly instrumental in neutralizing one of the most fanatically defended Japanese strong points encountered by his regiment, and aided in enabling his company to reach its objective." (Oct 02) |
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US honours Briton in Afghan raid A member of the Special Boat Service has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour, the equivalent of the Victoria Cross, for his part in the rescue of a CIA officer from an Afghan prison revolt. The man, a sergeant, led a patrol of half-a-dozen SBS commandos who rescued a member of the CIA's special activities section from the fort at Qala-i-Jangi near Mazar-i-Sharif, in November 2001. The medal was awarded to the SBS commando in a private ceremony and kept quiet to preserve his anonymity. The SBS, based at Poole, Dorset, is often seen as a poor relation of the SAS but has been present at all leading special forces operations of recent years. The willingness of the Americans to recognise the courage of the NCO contrasts with the British decision not to award a VC either to the SBS NCO or to two SAS soldiers who took part on an attack on the al-Qa'eda cave complex also in Afghanistan in November 2001. One led the main attack on the heavily defended caves near Kandahar while the other directed aerial fire at the other end of the caves, putting his life at extreme risk by waiting until the last possible moment to bring down fire. Members of the SAS, SBS and the RAF squadrons that fly their aircraft were awarded four Conspicuous Gallantry Crosses, five Military Crosses and three Distinguished Flying Crosses for operations in Afghanistan but no VCs. (Jan 03) |
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Indiana County's Civil War Medal of Honor recipients Indiana Gazette, PA - 12
Feb 2003 |
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Posthumous Medal of Honor 'unclaimed' A Medal of Honor awarded posthumously to a sailor more than 60 years ago has yet to be delivered to his family, despite a distant relative's interest in claiming it. Chief Petty Officer Peter Tomich was given the medal for extraordinary heroism at Pearl Harbor, and 61 years later it lies "unclaimed" in a museum because the Navy won't release it to a distant cousin. Washington Times, DC - 23 Feb 2003 |
USS Utah has a hero in its hold In 1942 Chief Watertender Peter Tomich was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his courage. It would prove the start of a long journey for a military decoration in search of a home. The New York Times Apr 03
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Hero’s
valor Alfred Handrich of Hortonville holds a photograph
of his brother, Melvin Handrich, draped with the Congressional Medal of
Honor. Melvin Handrich of Manawa was killed in action during the Korean
War. Post-Crescent photo by
Dan Powers Appleton
Post Crescent, WI
25 May 03
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Local hero may be up for Congressional Medal of Honor An Alabama soldier is the most decorated solider during the war with Iraq, but the honors for Repton's Sgt. Troy Jenkins may not be over. Jenkins died after throwing himself on an unexploded cluster bomb saving half a dozen solders and half a dozen Iraqi children. Sgt. Jenkins has earned the bronze star, the soldier's medal and the purple heart, making him the most decorated soldier in the Iraqi conflict. His cousin John Brown of Alabama was also killed in the war. WPMI, AL - 22 May 2003 |
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Slain
Soldier May Receive Top Medal A Tampa soldier
killed while helping stave off 100 Iraqi Republican Guards may be in
line for the nation's highest medal. Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith's
commander plans to recommend him for the Medal of Honor, an embedded
journalist who pieced together Smith's story in Iraq said Thursday. The
award is held by 137 living Americans. Tampa
Tribune, FL - 17 Apr 2003
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Tampa soldier considered for top medal The battle erupted suddenly and without warning. One minute, Bravo Company of the 11th Engineer Battalion was trying to build a holding pen for war prisoners. The next, the unit was under fire from as many as 200 Special Republican Guard soldiers defending Saddam International Airport. After helping evacuate wounded U.S. soldiers, Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, 33, of Tampa, jumped into an M-113 armored personnel carrier, maneuvered it into the center of a walled courtyard and climbed into the commander's hatch to man its 50-caliber machine gun. Under fire from automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades, his flak jacket shredded by incoming rounds, Smith held off a counterattack until he was killed by a bullet to the throat. For the past couple of weeks, U.S. commanders have been putting together recommendations for valor awards, compiling witness accounts and sorting out the often painful details of battlefield actions and casualties. More than 400 soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division's 1st and 2nd brigades are under consideration for such awards. But Smith is believed to be the only one being nominated for the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military honor. ''His actions clearly warrant it,'' said Col. William Grimsley, the 1st Brigade commander. Miami Herald, FL - 8 May 2003 Medal of Honor sought for Sgt Fayetteville Online, Fayetteville NC - 8 May 2003 |
Medal of Honor Sought For Fallen War Hero The family of Don Dingee who died while saving the lives of fellow soldiers during the Korea War wants to see him receive a posthumous the Medal of Honor. WSTM-TV, NY Jun 03
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Medal of Honor recipients were motivated by loyalty to comrades, ... Medal of Honor recipients retired Army Col. Joseph Rodriguez, left, and retired Army Col. Roger Hugh Donlon discuss what they did to earn the highest military award for bravery. Pacific Stars and Stripes, Japan - 11 Jun 2003 |
Vietnam vet overdue for Medal of Honor Marine corporal Richard Gresko served his country in Vietnam, his body was shattered by the full force of an exploding North Vietnamese hand grenade. Totally ignoring the threat to his own life, Gresko had flung his body onto the grenade to protect four other members of his unit. For his action in diving onto the enemy grenade, Gresko was eventually awarded the Navy Cross, the second highest military decoration for valor a Marine serving in combat can receive. Yet despite this rare and prestigious award, there are many of us who feel he deserved and should have been given the nation’s top tribute, the Medal of Honor. Montgomery County Record, PA - 6 Jul 2003
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Book recalls exploits for Medals of Honor Larry Smith will sign copies of his recently released book of interviews with Medal of Honor recipients. Smith will be joined by Rudy Hernandez (left), a Fayetteville resident who is one of 24 men featured in ''Beyond Glory: Medal of Honor Heroes in Their Own Words.'' Fayetteville Online, Fayetteville NC 10 Jul 03 |
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Medal of Honor Recipient "Doc" Ingram Visits NNMC Medal of Honor recipient Bob Ingram, a former hospital corpsman third class who was decorated for heroism with the Marines in Vietnam, felt he had to do something to help the Marines and Sailors who were wounded in Iraq. So he did. He took off work and traveled from Florida to Maryland to give encouragement to the returning casualties of Iraqi Enduring Freedom. Bethesda Journal, MD - 15 May 2003 |
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Lucian
Adams, 80, Is Dead; Army Hero in World War II Lucian
Adams, an Army sergeant in World War II who received the Medal of Honor
for a single-handed assault on German troops that opened supply lines
for an isolated American battalion. New
York Times - 3 Apr 2003
Lucian Adams, 80, Dies; Given Medal of Honor Army staff sergeant who received the Medal of Honor during World War II for a solitary forest raid against overwhelming enemy fire. Oct. 28, 1944. Armed with a Browning Automatic Rifle and some grenades, he took 10 minutes to destroy single-handedly three German machine-gun nests and kill nine enemy soldiers.For his bravery in battle, which helped keep open a supply line to isolated American troops, he received the Medal of Honor, the military's highest award for valor. Washington Post, DC - 1 Apr 2003
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Vietnam
heroics earned Fisher Medal of Honor In recognition of a
1966 act of bravery, Bernard F. Fisher has not only received a Medal of
Honor. On Jan. 19, 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson presented Major
Fisher the first Medal of Honor to be awarded to an Air Force officer
during the Vietnam War. Hilltop
Times, UT - 24 Apr 2003 |
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Band of Brothers' seek Medal of Honor for commander The real-life "Band of Brothers" are taking up one last battle -- this time to seek the Medal of Honor for their company commander. The World War II veterans, who fought from Normandy's beaches on D-Day to capture Hitler's Eagle's Nest at Berchtesgaden, Germany, will meet Thursday with Acting Secretary of the Army Les Brownlee to ask that the nation's highest military honor be awarded to Richard Winters of Hershey, Pa. Winters, 85, who first served as commander of Company E of the 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne, and later as its battalion commander, was given the Distinguished Service Cross for his D-Day fighting and strategy on Utah Beach. The service cross is the nation's second-highest military award. Minneapolis Star Tribune, MN - 16 Jul 2003 |
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Gravestones honor vets awarded medals for Civil War heroics The gravestone noting that Thomas N. Graham is a Medal of Honor recipient is one of three such grave markers at Oak Hill Cemetery. The three veterans, Graham, Henry Seymour Hall and Samuel J. Churchill, received the Medal of Honor for their service during the Civil War. Lawrence Journal World, KS - 20 Jul 2003 |
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Guard
Training Center Dedicated To Recipient Of Medal Of Honor
Retired Col. Robert B. Nett's heroic actions during World War II won him the
military's highest honor. But it's what he has done since retiring from the
National Guard 30 years ago that has earned the Medal of Honor recipient a
new recognition. A new building planned as part of Camp Rowland's
multi-million dollar expansion will bear Nett's name, an honor that veterans
and National Guard officials say is long overdue. New
London Day, CT Jul 03
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GI killed in Iraq may get Medal of Honor Army officials are studying the case of a soldier killed in action in Baghdad to determine whether he should be the first GI in the Iraqi war to receive the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military citation. An Army official said the man is Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith, 33, of Hinesville, Ga., killed April 4 in a firefight near Baghdad International Airport. Tesia Williams, a spokeswoman for the Army's Personnel Command, based in Alexandria, Va., said the paperwork nominating Smith for the honor began with his unit -- the 3rd Infantry Division based at Fort Stewart, Ga. -- and has begun a consideration process that could take up to two years. -- HEARST NEWSPAPERS Charlotte Observer, NC - 9 Aug 2003 |
Yukio 'Yuki' Okutsu, 81, awarded Medal of Honor Yukio "Yuki" Okutsu, a World War II veteran whose Distinguished Service Cross award was later upgraded to a Medal of Honor, has died. He was 81. Okutsu was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and returned to Kaua'i in December 1945. He donated the medal to the Kaua'i Museum. In 2000, Okutsu's Distinguished Service Cross was upgraded to a Medal of Honor after Congress ordered the Army to review its records to see if anti-Japanese sentiment during the war prevented the soldiers from getting full recognition. Honolulu Advertiser, HI - 8 Sep 2003
WWII Hero Yukio Okutsu Dies at 81 Washington Post, DC - 10 Sep 03
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Medal
of Honor Recipients in Branson America's greatest heroes -
recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor - are in Branson this
week for the group's annual convention. More than 70 of the
surviving 136 recipients of the nation's highest military honor are in
Branson for a week's worth of activities. Pictured here is Melvin
Biddle - Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. kolr10
Sep 03 |
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Park
Dedicated to Hispanic Medal of Honor recipient A park
just inside the main gate at Yermo that is dedicated to the memory of a
great American hero, Pfc. Eugene A. Obregon, just one of the countless
Hispanic Marines who gave his life for his country, and one of 38
Hispanic Medal of Honor recipients. usmc.mil Oct 03 |
Navy Names Newest USNS Ship for Medal of Honor Recipient The U.S. Navy will officially name its newest prepositioning ship USNS Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat, who heroically sacrificed his life to save the lives of two other Marines. After warning his fellow Marines when he unintentionally triggered a concealed anti-personnel mine, Wheat valiantly hurled himself upon the mine, absorbing the impact of the explosion with his own body. Wheat's unselfish action saved his comrades from certain injury and possible death. Wheat's other awards include: the Navy Commendation Medal, Purple Heart with one Gold Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Vietnam Military Merit Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Navy Newsstand 03 Oct 03
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Book Profiles US Medal Of Honor Winners The U.S. Medal of Honor is the highest award given to Americans for valor in combat. It's bestowed for extraordinary acts of courage or sacrifice, and the president must approve all recipients. Since the award was created more than a century ago, there have been just 3,440 recipients, including President Theodore Roosevelt. It's been awarded to only one woman, a civil war surgeon and prisoner of war named Mary Walker. Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty profiles 116 living Medal of Honor winners. Nick Del Calzo created the book and photographed the Medal of Honor recipients. Peter Collier wrote the text. VOA News 11 Nov 03 |
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A
soldier and his medal The Olympian 17 Nov 03 |
Walden pushes to honor late flier U.S. Rep. Greg Walden is supporting efforts to posthumously nominate an Oregon World War II flier for the nation’s top military honor, the Medal of Honor. The United States Air Force credits Rex Barber, along with squadron mate Tom Lanphier, for downing the transport plane carrying Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. Barber and Lanphier were part of a secret mission to intercept Yamamoto over the Pacific Ocean, which they did April 18, 1943, shooting his plane out of the sky over the Solomon Islands. Barber, who died July 26, 2001, at his home in Terrebonne at age 84, was awarded the Navy Cross for his role in the mission. However, for years supporters have sought more for Barber, who made a career of the Air Force before retiring to small-town life in Oregon. The Kansas-based Second Yamamoto Mission Association is the primary force behind the efforts. The association, which was formed in December 1988, has sought to overturn what members see as a flawed historical account of the Yamamoto mission. Barber, the group contends, deserves sole credit for the downing of Yamamoto’s Mitsubishi transport plane. The current push to award Barber the Medal of Honor is a byproduct of that initiative. Elizabeth Blackney, a spokeswoman for the organization, said the fact that Barber originally was nominated for a Medal of Honor by his commanding officers in 1943 clears the way for Congress to vote on the award with Walden’s proposed legislation. Statesman Journal Oregon 14 Dec 03
James Henry Mills Won a Medal of Honor in WWII Sixty years ago today, James Henry Mills, a newly arrived soldier from Polk County, shot, dodged and shouted his way into the history books. A 21-year-old farm boy, who just thought he was doing what he was supposed to do, Mills received the Medal of Honor for his actions as embattled American troops fought in Italy in spring 1944. theledger.com 24 May 04
Two of New Jersey's WWII Medal of Honor recipients survive Nicholas Oresko, 87, and Stephen Gregg, 90, both natives of Bayonne, are among an elite group of 464 men who received the Medal of Honor for valor during World War II. Sixteen of those medals went to New Jerseyans, but only Oresko and Gregg survive. newsday.com 26 May 04
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Fallen soldier's bravery prompts Medal of Honor consideration The last action of his life - throwing his body and helmet on a grenade just before it exploded in Iraq last month - has led fellow Marines to recommend that a soldier from Allegany County receive the Medal of Honor, the military's highest award. Cpl. Jason L. Dunham of Scio has been credited with saving the lives of two fellow Marines in Karbala on April 14. He died eight days later in a Bethesda, Md., naval hospital. "I deeply believe that given the facts and evidence presented, he clearly understood the situation and attempted to block the blast of the grenade from his squad members," Lt. Col. Matthew Lopez wrote in a letter recommending Dunham for the Medal of Honor, according to the Wall Street Journal. "His personal action was far beyond the call of duty and saved the lives of his fellow Marines." Stateside, Marine Corps officials had no information Tuesday about the Medal of Honor recommendation. But they explained that such information wouldn't be released until such a high honor were approved. buffalonews.com 26 May 04 |
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Site to honor vet’s bravery Army Pfc. Kaoru Moto never knew he would get the country's highest honor for World War II heroics when he attacked a machine-gun nest in Italy and then captured a house used as an observation post. Moto took a prisoner and, although wounded, continued to defend his position in Castellina from being retaken by the Germans. Later he spotted another machine-gun nest and opened fire, wounding two Germans and capturing several others. As one of the original members of the 100th Battalion, a unit composed mainly of Japanese Americans, Moto was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the country's second-highest medal for valor, on July 7, 1944. In June 2000, Moto was finally recognized for his valor when his Distinguished Service Cross medal was elevated to the Medal of Honor in a White House ceremony presided over by Bill Clinton. But Moto died in 1992 at the age of 75. He is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. A half century later, his bravery is still remembered. starbulletin.com 23 May 04 |
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Idaho Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Publishes Book For years people have been telling Bernie Fisher he should a write a book. He has finally done it. It's called "Beyond the Call of Duty." Fisher did just that in a two day battle in the Ah Shau valley in Vietnam in 1966 flying an A-1E Sky Raider.On the first day he earned one of the nation's highest military distinctions, the Silver Star for directing the air assault on enemy forces trying to over run a special forces camp. On the second day he received the highest award, the Congressional Medal of Honor. It began by watching a fellow pilot crash land after getting shot down. kbcitv.com 7 May 04 |
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Medal of Honor nomination U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Paul Smith received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, and is now nominated for the highest military honor, the Medal of Honor. But to a widow who must care for her teenage daughter and young son, the Medal means nothing to her.tampabays10.com Apr 04 |
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Widow: Medal of Honor no substitute Now, as the first anniversary of the start of the war approaches, Paul Smith's death may be remembered as more than just a number. He has been recommended by his battalion commander, Lt. Col. Scott Rutter, for the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest battlefield award. His death may become a symbol of American military resolve and commitment in Iraq, and of a family's sacrifices and heartache at home in a time of war. The paperwork required for such a prestigious award is slowly wending its way through the military bureaucracy as officials seek to determine whether his actions, in essence the sacrifice of his own life to save his fellow soldiers, merits the medal. Such decisions can take years. But division officials said the Pentagon was seriously considering the award recommendation. It was returned to Bravo Company recently for additional supporting statements from soldiers who were with Smith during the battle. ajc.com 13 Mar 04 |
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Man
In Hot Water Over Fudging Military Record To Get Free Plates Last December, Redmond police spotted a 37-year-old man making a turn without using his turn signals.Police now want that man charged with forgery for allegedly altering his war records to get a state license plate with the message "Congressional Medal of Honor" recipient. Ferdi Mai Deguzman did serve in the military, but police say he added the words "Congressional Medal of Honor Winner" when he sent documentation to the state to get a free-for-life Medal of Honor license plate. Redmond police initially contacted the FBI, but they said they did not have the resources to investigate. Redmond detectives spent almost three months putting the case together before recommending the filing of state forgery charges. They also confiscated the license plate. Only 18 of the special plates had been issued by Washington state. komotv 19 Mar 04 |
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World War II hero re-enlists 419th reservist Retired Maj. George Wahlen, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, congratulates Staff Sgt. Tamara Wass on her re-enlistment. During the invasion of Iwo Jima, Major Wahlen, then a Navy Pharmacist’s Mate attached to a Marine unit, was injured on three separate occasions while providing medical aid to his fallen comrades. On one occasion, after being seriously wounded, he crawled 50 yards under heavy enemy fire to care for a fallen service member. For his gallantry, Major Wahlen was selected for the Medal of Honor which is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force. Hilltop Times 18 Dec 03 |
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USNS Pililaau reflects gallantry The Pililaaus of Wai‘anae visit the USNS Pililaau, the cargo ship named after Korean War hero Herbert Pililaau, who died at Heartbreak Ridge and was awarded the Medal of Honor. Honolulu Advertiser 11 Dec 03 |
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'Above and Beyond the Call of Duty' and the First Medal of Honor A special exhibition titled "Gallantry ... Above and Beyond The Call of Duty" is on display in the main foyer of the West Point Museum. On view, for example, is the first Medal of Honor ever presented to an American soldier. The first Medals of Honor presented by the Army went to survivors of the Andrews Raid, a raid conducted behind enemy lines to disrupt the Confederate railroads. The first Medal of Honor to be presented was awarded to Private Jacob Parrott in March 1863. This medal, having recently been donated to the West Point Museum by a descendant, Mary Parrott Frackleton, is the high point of the exhibition. The numbers presented to West Point graduates now stands at 75. antiquesandthreats.com 14 Sep 04 |
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The face of courage Everett Pope was awarded the Medal of Honor in September 1945 after serving with the Marine Corps on the South Pacific island of Peleliu. kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com 19 Sep 04 |
Stephen R. Gregg Sr., WWII Medal of Honor winner A soldier who won the Medal of Honor for helping rescue seven wounded comrades during the invasion of southern France in World War II has died. Stephen R. Gregg Sr., 90, died. Gregg entered the Army in 1942 as a private with the Weapons Platoon, Company L, 143rd Infantry Regiment of the 36th Division and was promoted to second lieutenant, serving in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany. While in Italy, before D-Day, he fought at Salerno, Anzio, Monte Cassino and the Rapido River. On Aug. 27, 1944, Gregg, a technical sergeant, and his division participated in the invasion of southern France. It was near Montelimar, France, that his actions won him the Medal of Honor. Gregg also received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. newsday.com 10 Feb 05
Civil War Medal of Honor finds home in Lincoln Shrine At the Lincoln Memorial Shrine's 33rd annual open house, one of the featured exhibits was the Medal of Honor awarded to Civil War drummer Benjamin Franklin Hilliker and recently donated to the shrine by Hilliker's descendants. Hilliker reportedly earned his medal when the then-18-year-old drummer put down his drum, grabbed a rifle and fought Confederates during the battle of Vicksburg in 1863. Only some 1,200 of the medals were given during the war. redlandsdailyfacts.com 9 Feb 05
Medal
of Honor Recipient from Kwaj Battle Dies One
quick moment that saved his fellow soldiers, and almost killed him, earned
Richard Keith Sorenson, a Medal of Honor. Sorenson, a Minnesota
native, featured in the recently released film, "Silent Wrecks: The
Battle for Kwajalein," died suddenly Saturday, October 9, in Reno,
Nevada. He was 80-years old. The Oceanic Research Group (ORG) film captures
Sorenson's own story of the US assault on the Japanese-held Kwajalein Atoll
on February 1-2, 1944, and how he took eleven pieces of shrapnel by throwing
himself on a grenade to save his fellow soldiers. Sorenson's emotional
re-telling is interlaced with WWII era Army film about the invasion of
Kwajalein Atoll, historical narrative, and rare underwater photography of
ships and planes which came to rest on the floor of Kwajalein lagoon during
the invasion.
Sorenson's Medal of Honor citation reads: “For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while
serving with an assault battalion attached to the 4th Marine Division during
the battle of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, on 1-2
February 1944. “Putting up a brave defense against a particularly violent
counterattack by the enemy during invasion operations, Pvt. Sorenson and
five other Marines occupying a shellhole were endangered by a Japanese
grenade thrown into their midst. “Unhesitatingly, and with complete
disregard for his own safety, Pvt. Sorenson hurled himself upon the deadly
weapon, heroically taking the full impact of the explosion. As a result of
his gallant action, he was severely wounded, but the lives of his comrades
were saved. “His great personal valor and exceptional spirit of
self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.” yokwe.net
16 Oct 04
WWII vet struggles for medical benefits Vernon Baker battled Nazis, then racism in his own country to win the Medal of Honor. Now, at 85, he's battling red tape. Baker, the only living black Medal of Honor winner from World War II, needed emergency surgery in September to remove a baseball-sized malignant tumor from his brain. Healthy for much of his life, the Idaho resident had overlooked the need to enroll for Veterans Affairs and Medicare benefits. When his medical bills arrived, Baker and his wife were surprised to learn the government did not intend to help pay them. Patients must enroll with the Veterans Administration to receive benefits, and cannot be reimbursed for costs incurred before their enrollment, said Roxanne Sisemore, spokeswoman for the VA. Baker earned the Medal of Honor citation for his courage and leadership in the spring of 1944. Army Lt. Baker had been sent to Italy with the all-black 92nd Infantry. seattlepi.nwsource.com 10 Mar 05
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Nevada loses its last Medal of Honor recipient Medal of Honor winner Richard Sorenson poses at home in this November 2003 photo. Sorenson, who received the Medal of Honor for the action he took as a 19-year-old private in the Marine Corps during World War II, died Oct. 9 in Reno. He was 80. rgj.com 15 Oct 04 |
Oklahoma's last living Medal of Honor winner dies Ernest Childers died. He was 87. He entered the National Guard's 45th Infantry Division in 1937. He received the Medal of Honor for taking out two German machine gun strongholds near Oliveto, Italy on September 22nd, 1943. Childers, then a second lieutenant, marched with eight other men toward German machine gun nests. Childers was Oklahoma's last Medal of Honor recipient still living in the state. kfor.com 18 Ma5 05
Medal of Honor recipient laid to rest A Medal of Honor winner who was cited for bravery in battle more than half-a century ago was laid to rest in Austin. The ceremony at the Texas State Cemetery for George O'Brien Jr. included full military honors. O'Brien was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Eisenhower for gallantry in Korea in 1952. He overcame a gunshot wound and withering enemy fire to lead his fellow Marines in battle. news8austin.com 16 Mar 05
Conner may yet get his medal Family and supporters of the late Garlin Murl Conner, a Kentuckian who fought in World War II, got more help last week in the campaign to have him awarded the Medal of Honor. The Illinois House of Representatives approved a resolution calling on Congress to authorize a medal for Conner, of Albany, Ky. The Kentucky legislature approved such a resolution last year, and others are pending in Wisconsin and Tennessee. Conner died in 1998. A first lieutenant in the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, Conner was wounded seven times in 28 months of combat and was decorated with four Silver Stars for his valor. news.enquirer.com 21 Mar 05
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Saving lives — and giving his own Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith of Tampa, Fla., will posthumously be awarded the Medal of Honor. Army officials continue to keep secret the announcement of Smith’s Medal of Honor at the request of the White House. But Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Richard Cody told soldiers of the coming Medal of Honor presentation March 9 at the Army’s World Wide Public Affairs conference. While the ceremony date is still being kept close-hold, President Bush will present the prestigious award to Smith’s family in early April, said a Pentagon source, who did not want to be named. armytimes.com 28 Mar 05 |
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Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith Medal of Honor War on Terrorism army.mil Mar 05 |
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Bush Awards Posthumous Medal of Honor For the first time, an American who served in Iraq has received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for bravery in battle. The recipient was a soldier who gave his life to save others. His name was Paul Ray Smith. He was an Army sergeant in Iraq, a career soldier, and a hero. voanews.com 4 Apr 05 |
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Medal of Honor Recipients Visit Troops in Afghanistan Four Medal of Honor recipients from different services visited troops at Coalition forces base in the Paktika province April 5 and 6. Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Leo Thorsness, retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell, retired U.S. Army Col. Jack Jacobs and retired U.S. Navy SEAL Lt. Thomas Norris, all fought in the Vietnam War where they received the highest award for valor given in the armed services - the Medal of Honor. blackanthem.com 9 Apr 05 |
George
Lang Dies; Vietnam Veteran Given Medal of Honor George C.
Lang, 57, who received the Medal of Honor for his Army service during
the Vietnam War and suffered a severe spinal injury in combat that left him
a paraplegic, died March 16 at his home in Seaford on Long Island, N.Y. He
had cancer.
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Hero kept WWII deeds quiet President Bill Clinton presents the Congressional Medal of Honor to Yeiki Kobashigawa of Waianae, Hawaii, during a ceremony in the Pavilion, South Lawn, at the White House. Kobashigawa, Tech. Sgt. of the 100th Infantry Battalion, led his platoon in destroying four German machine gun positions near Lanuvio, Italy, on June 2, 1944. In 2000, Kobashigawa's Distinguished Service Cross was reviewed and upgraded to the Congressional Medal of Honor. starbulletin.com 24 Apr 05 |
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Uncommon valor On Aug. 18, 1965, Robert Emmet O'Malley raced across an open paddy field and jumped into a trench where he single-handedly killed eight Viet Cong with his rifle and grenades. He led his squad, then, to assist another, beleaguered unit. After helping to evacuate wounded comrades, he went back to the scene of the heaviest fighting. Ordered, finally, to an evacuation point by an officer, "Sgt. O'Malley gathered his besieged and badly wounded squad, and boldly led them under fire to a helicopter for withdrawal," his Medal of Honor citation reported. "Although three times wounded in this encounter, and facing imminent death from a fanatic and determined enemy, he steadfastly refused evacuation and continued to cover his squad's boarding of the helicopters while, from an exposed position, he delivered fire against the enemy until his wounded men were evacuated." irishecho.com 4 May 05 |
Senators urge medals for Meskwakis' WWII service Meskwaki code talkers may yet get their due for service during World War II: Iowa's U.S. senators Charles Grassley and Tom Harkin once again are sponsoring legislation that could result in Medals of Honor. In 2000, Congress voted to honor Navajo code talkers with the gold medals. But Native Americans from more than 15 other tribes also served similar roles. The men relayed communications in their native tongue, which enemy forces could not decipher. Last year Meskwaki tribe members, including Robin Roberts, spoke before the Indian Affairs Commission in support of granting Medals of Honor to all code talkers, including the eight Meskwaki men. wcfcourier.com 18 May 05
Medal of Honor Winner Dies in San Antonio Jose M. Lopez, a World War II veteran who was awarded the Medal of Honor for single-handedly killing more than 100 German soldiers in a single skirmish has died. He was 94. Lopez won the nation's highest military honor for his heroics during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. He was the oldest living Hispanic recipient of the Medal of Honor and among a dwindling group of recipients from World War II. guardian.co.uk 17 May 05
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Grave will tell of soldier's Civil War bravery The remains of Charles Bieger, a trunk salesman, rested beneath a common family headstone for 75 years without a hint of his distinguished place in American history. Bieger, who died at 86, was buried on Aug. 13, 1930, alongside his wife and three of their children. Their single stone of gray granite, shaded by a mature maple, is marked by only one word: "Bieger." Fresh spadework has changed the setting with a new flat stone above Bieger's grave. Its engraving is simple and stirring: "Charles Bieger, Medal of Honor, Pvt, Co D 4 Mo Cavalry, Civil War." stltoday.com 20 May 05 |
Vet's mission accomplished Ed Snarey stands behind the grave of Hugh P. Boon last week in Washington Cemetery. Boon, who served in the Civil War, is one of 17 Washington County veterans to receive the Medal of Honor. Since 1988, Ed Snarey has been working to identify all Washington County veterans who have been awarded the Medal of Honor. Out of the 17 recipients, eight of them are buried in the county. Only one still is alive – U.S. Army Col. Walter J. Marm Jr., formerly of Washington, who received the Medal of Honor while serving in Vietnam. Marm now lives in North Carolina. Recipients include: Marine Col. Mitchell Paige, who served in World War II in the Solomon Islands; Marine Staff Sgt. Karl G. Taylor Sr, who served in Vietnam; Army Air Corps Sgt. Archibald Mathies, World War II, and Army Technician 5th Grade John J. Pinder Jr., World War II. Medal recipients from the Civil War are: Pvt. Reuben Smalley, Pvt. Joseph McCauslin, Pvt. Henry C. Slusher, Capt. Hugh P. Boon, Cpl. Thomas Anderson; Brig. Gen. Absalom Baird, Brig. Gen. Henry H. Bingham, Pvt. Uriah H. Brown; Musician William J. Carson and Pvt. James S. Cunningham. There are also two medal recipients from the Indian Campaign. They are James W. Huff and James Madison Hill. observer0reporter.com 28 May 05
Fallbrook's William Pittenger earned Medal of Honor for daring Civil War action William Pittenger, the only known Medal of Honor recipient buried in North County, was a 22-year-old Union corporal when he was approached by a civilian scout named James Andrews with a daring plan that could cripple a major Confederate railway. Andrews' Raiders, as they came to be known, would slip into the south, blend in with Georgia civilians and hijack a combined passenger-freight train called the General. nctimes.com 30 May 05
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Memorial Day events slated Alejandro Ruiz earned the Congressional Medal of Honor — the highest honor available to a United States serviceman — for bravery in the closing days of World War II. And Monday, Ruiz, 80, will be honored for his gallantry again. currentargus.com 29 May 05 |
Medal of honor recipient stays humble Retired Army Col. Joseph C. Rodriguez tries not to reminisce about war. As hard as he tries to forget, the spotlight is always on Rodriguez as one of the nation's Medal of Honor recipients. "To reminisce on war, on what's ugly, is not good," Rodriguez said, sitting in his living room near a picture of a mural depicting him and other recipients of the nation's highest honor for valor in combat. "There are times when I do start to think about it and I shake my head and say, 'Forget it, it's over.'" So Rodriguez, 76, prefers to reflect and acknowledge those who have defended the United States and other unsung warriors such as firefighters, police officers and medical doctors. borderlandnews.com 30 May 05
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Medal of Honor recipient is guest speaker Kenneth Stumpf, a Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, presented a copy of the book, "Valor, A Gathering of Eagles," to Phillips Middle School following his presentation to PhMS eighth-grade students. phillipswi.com 26 May 05 |
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A Gift Of Valor A new book on Marine Corporal Jason Dunham tells the heroic story of the young serviceman from the Town of Scio who put his fellow Marines' lives ahead of his own. The book was a partnership between Wall Street Journal reporter Michael Phillips and Jason's family. And what he did may yet become a legendary part of the nation's military history. Jason has been nominated for the Medal of Honor. wgrz.com 3 Jun 05 |
Congress may push top medal for Winters He has been introduced by presidents, immortalized on film by Hollywood and is a hero to thousands of veterans. But 61 years after Maj. Dick Winters led the men of Easy Company to knock out German guns that threatened the D-Day invasion force on the beaches of Normandy, the Derry Twp. veteran's supporters are still fighting for one more honor. Members of Pennsylvania's delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives today plan to introduce legislation to force the Army to issue Winters the Medal of Honor -- the military's highest award for valor in action against an enemy force. penlive.com 7 Jun 05
Retired general, Medal of Honor winner Wilson dies at 85 Retired Gen. Louis H. Wilson, a Medal of Honor winner and former commandant of the Marine Corps, has died. He was 85. Wilson was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in the South Pacific during World War II. According to the award citation, he organized night defenses throughout continuous enemy fire and, though wounded three times, coordinated hand-to-hand fighting for 10 hours to hold his unit's position. tuscaloosanews.com 23 Jun 05
Medal of Honor winner tells church of battles, bitterness The Army citation that bestowed America's highest honor - the Medal of Honor - to former Army Green Beret Sgt. Gary B. Beikirch is sprinkled with standard military issue words of valor such as "conspicuous gallantry," "above and beyond" and "complete disregard for personal safety." In Beikirch's case, the standard issue doesn't do justice to the story of a brave Army medic. Beikirch is credited with using his medic skills, even though he had been severely wounded three times and was near death himself, to save wounded Americans and South Vietnamese when Camp Dak Seang was under attack April 1, 1970, by North Vietnamese regulars. Beikirch spokein Huntsville at Willowbrook Baptist Church. He shared his experiences and showed how the horror of war and its bitter aftermath shaped his life for the better because he dedicated his life to the service of God. Beikirch, who lives in New York, counsels teenagers and is an inspirational speaker. al.com 4 Jul 05
Veteran's Medal of Honor Stolen From Car Police are investigating the theft of a Medal of Honor from a Vietnam veteran honored for his bravery during a ferocious 1967 battle that killed 30 of his comrades. Sammy L. Davis, a retired Army sergeant, was awarded the nation's highest military honor by President Johnson in 1968 for using a howitzer to defend his 42-man unit from hundreds of attacking Viet Cong near Cay Lai on Nov. 18, 1967. His medal, along with about 40 harmonicas he plays at military ceremonies, was stolen Friday from the trunk of his car, parked outside the Wingate Inn Airport in Indianapolis. wave3.com 16 Jul 05
Stolen
Medal of Honor recovered A Vietnam veteran whose Medal
of Honor was stolen from his car last week thanked those who found
it as it was returned to him Thursday during a ceremony on the steps of
the Indiana War Memorial. Retired Army Sgt. Sammy L. Davis, 58, wiped
away tears as he accepted the medal. Firefighters and police officers
who helped track down the medal after it was tossed into the White River
on the city's south side passed it from hand to hand before the medal
was placed around Davis' neck. suntimes.com 22 Jul 05
Sergeant's bravery in Iraq leads to medal Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia calls his New York State Conspicuous Service Cross an "award of geography," not valor, insisting anyone in his situation would have done what he did. He is sincere, but given what Bellavia did _ that is, kill six Iraqi insurgents during hand-to-hand combat in Fallujah last November _ unconvincing. Bellavia's commanding officers have submitted his name for consideration for the Army's Distinguished Service Cross and the Medal of Honor, the military's two highest awards. newsday.com 19 Jul 05
Forgotten Civil War hero's deeds, valor to get their due Ovila Cayer's grave, down several rows from John Steinbeck's at the Garden of Memories in Salinas, carries no hint of the valor that earned Cayer America's greatest distinction. But that oversight will be remedied 95 years after his death during a ceremony this month, when his headstone will be unveiled, again -- this time with an etching indicating that Cayer was a Medal of Honor recipient for his heroism during the Civil War. Cayer was a sergeant for Company A, 14th U.S. Volunteers, at the battle of Weldon Railroad in 1864. During that battle, all of the infantry unit's officers were killed or wounded. Cayer took command of his regiment, which eventually repulsed Confederate attacks. Cayer was one of 10 men who received Medals of Honor at that battle. montereyherald.com 6 Sep 05
A century later, a hero's bravery is recognized again The year was 1900 and 28-year-old U.S. Marine Henry William Heisch was working to quell the Boxer Rebellion in China. Under heavy enemy fire, Heisch and three fellow Marines crossed a river to get into Tietsen and destroyed buildings that were occupied by Boxers, an army of Chinese residents who were against foreign influence in their homeland. For his actions Heisch was awarded the highest military honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor. More than a century later, Heisch again received recognition for his bravery. At his resting place in Tulocay Cemetery, amateur genealogist Debbie Peevyhouse of San Jose unveiled a new sign at Heisch's monument, noting his Medal of Honor. Currently, she said, 41 Medal of Honor recipients are at rest at sites that do not note their accomplishments. Peevyhouse has made it her mission to find each one and ensure that the graves mark the bravery of the deceased. napanews.com 12 Sep 05
A Hero's Remembrance The saga of Sgt. Ovila Cayer has taken on mythic proportions to the dozens of men and women who gathered at his grave in Salinas. Cayer was a Civil War hero who was awarded a Medal of Honor for his heroism during battle at Weldon Railroad in Virginia. Cayer, buried in Salinas 96 years ago, was honored during a graveside ceremony at Garden of Memories, complete with taps, a musket salute and a posting of colors. The occasion was the discovery that his gravestone, an elaborate structure of marble, was missing the Medal of Honor inscription that heroes deserve. montereyherald.com 25 Sep 05
Williams: Black soldiers fought Comanches, Apaches in 1870s on Llano Estacado The members of the 9th and 10th U.S. Calvary and the 24th and 25th Infantry served honorably in the region from 1867 until 1882. Black Seminole Indians also served honorably as scouts. Thirty buffalo soldiers won the Medal of Honor, our nation's highest award for gallantry, including some who won for gallantry in Cuba in the Spanish-American War. (Five men who served in West Texas won the honor.) Descendants of the soldiers and scouts still live in West Texas. The stories of their service deserve to be known to all citizens of the region. One can begin to learn about buffalo soldiers on the Internet at buffalosoldier.net, buffalosoldier.com, and buffalosoldiermuseum.org. mywesttexas.com 19 Oct 05
Civil War buffs want to honor vet with military grave marker A group of Civil War buffs is looking for the descendants of a Medal of Honor winner so that it can honor him with a military marker at his grave. The Stonewall Jackson Civil War Roundtable needs descendants' permission before it can place the marker at Walter McWhorter's grave, said Rick Wolfe, a member of the group. Wolfe said McWhorter was one of a handful of Medal of Honor winners from West Virginia without a military marker honoring that distinction. McWhorter's remains are buried in Greenbrier Cemetery, a few miles south of Salem. He was 40 when he died. He received the nation's highest military honor for capturing the 6th Tennessee Infantry's battle flag at Sailor's Creek, Va., near the end of the war on April 6, 1865. dailypress.com 24 Oct 05
Base bears name of World War II hero When Leon R. Vance Jr. was growing up in Enid in the early decades of the 20th Century, chances are he never dreamed his hometown would someday be the home of a military base bearing his name. On June 5, 1944, the day prior to D-Day, Army Lt. Col. Vance was leading the 489th Bomb Group against heavily defended enemy positions on the coast of France near Wimereaux. It was only his second mission of the war. As his B-24 bomber approached its target, it was struck repeatedly by antiaircraft fire, which seriously crippled the ship, killed the pilot and wounded several members of the crew, including Vance. Vance's right foot was nearly severed by the flak, and was hanging by only a couple of tendons. Despite his serious injury and the fact three of the bomber's four engines were out, Vance led the bomb group over the target, bombing it successfully. Vance was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty." On July 9, 1949, Enid Air Force Base was renamed for him. enidnews.com 23 Oct 05
Ceremony Honors Oldest Medal Of Honor Recipient A three-building office plaza on the grounds of the former Naval Training Center was dedicated to the oldest Medal of Honor recipient living in the United States. Retired Lt. John Finn, 96, was stationed near Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked on Dec. 7, 1941. He was wounded in the attack, but continued to fight and left only after a superior officer told him to get medical attention. nbcsandiego.com 27 Oct 05
EP Medal of Honor recipient dies at age 76 Medal of Honor recipient retired Army Col. Joseph C. Rodriguez died after a possible heart attack at his El Paso home, his wife said. He was 76. Rodriguez was the only living recipient in El Paso of the nation's highest honor for valor in combat. President Harry Truman pinned the Medal of Honor on Rodriguez for his heroic actions when he rushed up a hill armed with grenades and destroyed foxholes to rout the enemy May 21, 1951, near Munye-ri, Korea. borderlandnews.com 2 Nov 05
Four Distinguished Marines Saluted on U.S. Postage Stamps America was looking for a few good Marine stamps so the Postal Service delivered four. Available nationwide today, the 37-cent Distinguished Marines commemorative postage stamps salute four heroic Marines who served with bravery, distinction and honor during the 20th Century. These legendary Marines include: Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone; Sergeant Major Daniel J. Daly; Lieutenant General John A. Lejeune, and Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller. prnewswire.com 05 Nov 05
State loses renowned Medal of Honor winner Robert E. Bush of Olympia, who received the Medal of Honor for valor during the World War II battle of Okinawa and was profiled by Tom Brokaw as part of "The Greatest Generation," died after a battle with cancer. He was 79. Bush was an 18-year-old Navy medical corpsman on the South Pacific island of Okinawa during a battle that has been called "the most ferocious" of the war. In May 1945, Bush was caring for a wounded Marine second lieutenant when his unit came under fire. Bush was seriously injured in a grenade explosion that cost him an eye. Instead of retreating, Bush fired back, holding a pistol in one hand and a plasma bag in the other. He killed six enemy soldiers and got the lieutenant to safety. According to the official citation awarding him the Medal of Honor, Bush "calmly disregarded his own critical condition to complete his mission, valiantly refusing medical treatment for himself until his officer patient had been evacuated, and collapsing only after attempting to walk to the battle aid station." 159.54.227.3 9 Nov 05
Relative writes play for Navy chaplain awarded Medal of Honor He was known around the Holy Cross campus as Father Joe. But to Jay O'Callahan, the famous priest was also Uncle Joe. Now O'Callahan, an actor from Marshfield, Massachusetts, has written a play that pays tribute to the only Navy chaplain ever awarded the Medal of Honor. Lieutenant Commander Joseph O'Callahan was a Jesuit priest from the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts when he joined the Navy during World War Two. In March 1945, he helped save lives and gave last rites to the dying when his ship -- the U-S-S Franklin -- was nearly sunk during a Japanese attack. wstm.com 8 Nov 05
One hero's story: Oldest living Medal of Honor recipient fought at Pearl Harbor From the sounds of the planes flying above his house, John Finn knew something was wrong. "Planes don't fly haphazardly around the flight station," he said. "And then I heard machine guns going off." It was Dec. 7, 1941, the day of infamy that always will be remembered for the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. But Finn, a 32-year-old Navy aviation chief ordance officer, was not at Pearl Harbor, but miles to the east at Kaneohe Bay on the east coast of Oahu, Hawaii. The sailors at Kaneohe Bay were among the first Americans to see action in the war, and Finn received the first Medal of Honor in World War II for taking on the attackers. Today, he is the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from the Dec. 7 attack and is one of five San Diego County residents who hold the medal. But with the award comes a role in history, and at 96, Finn still is generous with his time when groups or individuals want to meet a hero. nctimes.com 5 Nov 05
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Medal Of Honor Recipient Laid To Rest Full military honors were given to a World War II veteran who was a hero in battle and in everyday life. Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Bob Bush was laid to rest in the rural town of Menlo in Pacific County. Bush was a simple corpsman in the Navy, a medic serving with the Marines. But what he did on that fateful day in 1945 made him stand out from all the rest. His friends and family tell us he continued to stand out for the rest of his life. komotv.com 14 Nov 05 |
Audie Murphy: America's most decorated soldier Audie Murphy was an unlikely hero. He grew up on a sharecropper's farm near Greenville, Texas. He was the sixth of 12 children of Emmett and Jose Bell Murphy. His early life was difficult. The Murphy family was dirt poor. From his Congressional Medal of Honor citation, which is the nation's highest military award, given for "gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty". By the end of Audie Murphy's three years of active service he had been awarded 33 medals and decorations for bravery, including five from France and Belgium. He had fought in nine major campaigns across the European, and was credited with killing over 240 of the enemy while wounding and capturing many others. The U.S. Army said, "His exploits will probably never be repeated by another soldier … there will never be another Audie Murphy." Murphy's return to civilian life, while seemingly smooth, was not without its problems. Audie suffered from what is now known as PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. For at least two years he slept with a pistol under his pillow, and awoke frequently screaming from nightmares. In the 1960s, he became a spokesman for PTSD, and helped other veterans in their struggles to rid themselves from wartime memories. mccookgazette.com 14 Nov 05
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V Corps dedicates plaque honoring Medal of Honor winner V Corps officials unveiled a plaque in honor of Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith, the first Medal of Honor recipient for Operation Iraqi Freedom, in a ceremony Wednesday in Victory Park on Campbell Barracks in Heidelberg, Germany. The bronze tablet recounts the events of April 4, 2003, when Smith was mortally wounded while helping to stop an enemy attack and saving the lives of fellow soldiers. It was placed alongside 39 similar plaques that salute V Corps Medal of Honor recipients dating back to World War I. estripes.com 13 Nov 05 |
Here lies a century of history Two U.S. soldiers who fought in the Indian wars of 1876-77 – including one who fought under Lt. Col. George Custer and survived – are among the thousands buried at a Tacoma cemetery that marks its 100th anniversary this year. The two soldiers buried in Calvary Cemetery are Michael McLoughlin, a Medal of Honor winner, and Augustus Devoto, who fought in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. thenewstribune.com 13 Nov 05
Oldest Surviving Medal of Honor Recipient Recognized The oldest surviving Medal of Honor recipient in the United States was recently honored on the grounds of Liberty Station, San Diego's former Naval Training Center. The event honored 96-year-old Lieutenant John Finn, who besides being the oldest surviving Medal of Honor winner, was also the first one to receive his decoration for service in World War II. On Dec. 7, 1941, stationed at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Finn secured and manned a .50-caliber machinegun in a completely exposed section of the parking ramp, which was under heavy enemy machinegun fire. Although he was wounded several times, Finn continued to man the gun through enemy fire and bombing attacks, with complete disregard for his personal safety. Only by specific orders did he finally leave his post to seek medical attention. biz.yahoo.com 21 Nov 05
Medal of Honor recipient for Korean War actions dies at 85 Marine Corps Col. Reginald R. Myers, a Medal of Honor recipient who was honored for leading vastly outnumbered forces against Chinese troops during the Korean War, has died. He was 85. In late November 1950, as a major, Myers led a force of about 250 Marines and soldiers in an assault on 4,000 entrenched Communist Chinese troops who were holding a key high point of land during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. He launched his charge at night, up a steep, snow-covered hill in freezing temperatures. His forces retook the hill and held it until reinforcements arrived. The maneuver allowed outmanned United Nations forces to evacuate. gainesville.com 23 Nov 05
Only one Medal of Honor given in Iraq, Afghan wars American troops have been fighting and dying in Iraq and Afghanistan for more than four years, but just one soldier from those wars has received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military honor for bravery. The lack of such medals — by comparison, two were awarded for fighting in Somalia — reflects today's unconventional warfare and the superior weaponry of U.S. forces, military experts say. It's not that today's troops lack valor, but they lack opportunities to display it in the extraordinary way that would merit the Medal of Honor. "The situations today are less likely to warrant the Medal of Honor than in past conflicts," says Nicholas Kehoe, president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. "That doesn't mean our troops aren't acting courageously or even heroically." Charles Moskos, a military sociologist at Northwestern University, points out that patrolling where insurgents plant bombs takes courage. However, it doesn't require the out-of-the-ordinary valor required for the Medal of Honor, he says. "It reflects the nature of this war," Moskos says. "Not the lack of heroes." The Army's second top honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, has been awarded twice to soldiers fighting in Iraq. Next is the Silver Star; 174 have been issued, according to the Army. In Afghanistan, there has been one Distinguished Service Cross and 37 Silver Stars. The Navy has awarded three Navy Crosses and 30 Silver Stars since Sept. 11, 2001. usatoday.com 27 Dec 05
Medal of Honor remains elusive for decorated World War II hero The Army's Military Awards Branch has some unfinished New Year's business regarding one of America's World War II heroes. The late Lt. Garlin Murl Conner of Clinton County, Ky. -- the second-most-decorated soldier of World War II next to the late Audie Murphy -- has been denied the Medal of Honor, despite support for his nomination from seven retired generals, including his own commander, former Sen. Robert Dole and numerous Army associations. "The Army Decorations Board determined that the degree of action and service rendered (by Conner) did not meet the strict criteria for the proposed award," Lt. Col. William H. Johnson, chief of the Military Awards Branch, wrote to Walton Haddix of the Clinton County Historical Society in early December. Retired Maj. Gen. Lloyd Ramsey, was Conner's commander and knew Conner and Murphy. Ramsey has said that while Murphy was "an outstanding soldier in every way," Conner was "the finest soldier that I've ever seen" and deserves the Medal of Honor "more than any man I've ever heard. Ramsey has requested to appear before an Army board to make an appeal for the Medal of Honor for Conner -- but so far has been unsuccessful. courier-journal.com 1 Jan 06
Rutland City grew explosively in the 19th century During the Civil War, Rutland answered the call. In fact, Rutland provided the greatest number of troops for Vermont, even exceeding the larger community of Burlington. Rutland sent one of the companies to serve in the 1st Vermont Regiment, a unit raised immediately after the war opened. Two regiments mustered in at the Rutland Fairgrounds. Rutlanders George T. Roberts, William T. Nichols and Edward H. Ripley commanded regiments. Ripley's older brother, Lt. Col. William Ripley, won a Congressional Medal of Honor for gallantry at Malvern Hill on July 1, 1862. rutlanherald.com 5 Jan 06
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New
Destroyer Honors Vietnam War POW and Medal of Honor Recipient
The Navy's newest Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer will be
named in honor of Vice Adm. James Bond Stockdale (1923-2005), the
legendary leader of American prisoners of war (POWs) during the
Vietnam War. Stockdale was the highest-ranking naval officer ever held
as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. His plane was shot down Sept.
9, 1965, while flying combat missions over North Vietnam. Stockdale spent more than seven years in captivity at prisons in North Vietnam, including time at the infamous "Hanoi Hilton." Four years of those years were spent in solitary confinement. While imprisoned, Stockdale is credited with organizing a set of rules to govern the behavior of fellow prisoners of war and for helping to develop a code for prisoners to communicate with each other that included tapping on cell walls. In recognition of his leadership and sacrifice he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1976. news.navy.mil 13 Jan 06 |
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient to Keynote NCTA Meeting Colonel Jack H. Jacobs, a Congressional Medal of Honor winner and NBC/MSNBC military and political analyst, will keynote the North Carolina Technology Association annual meeting on Janary 26th. Colonel Jacobs, a highly decorated Vietnam War hero, is the only living Jewish Congressional Medal of Honor winner and has won three Silver Stars and two Bronze Stars during his time in the military. carolinanewswire.com 11 Jan 06
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Veterans Park new home of Medal of Honor recipient statue Brownsville veterans cheered Tuesday’s decision to move a statue of local Medal of Honor recipient Jose M. Lopez. Cameron County commissioners voted unanimously to move the statue to Brownsville Veterans Park, scheduled for completion this year. Veterans had pushed for the three-year-old statue to be moved to the Veterans Park, where more people could see it and learn about Lopez’ heroics. Lopez died in May in San Antonio. The statue depicts the World War II soldier who is known for single-handedly repelling German infantry forces advancing on his Army unit. The fight was around the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge, according to Herald archives. Lopez at 94 years old was the oldest living Hispanic recipient of the medal when he died May 22. brownsvilleherald.com 11 Jan 06 |
Assistant Commandant, Medal of Honor recipient tours western Al Anbar bases The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert Magnus, toured various Marine camps in the western Al Anbar province and visited with Marines deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Accompanying him during his visit was Mr. Harvey Barnum, who is also a Medal of Honor recipient. Barnum received the Medal of Honor in Vietnam for, according to the award citation, serving as an artillery forward observer while attached to Company H, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. During heavy action Dec. 18, 1965 in the Quang Tin province in South Vietnam, Barnum – then a first lieutenant – immediately began searching for and identifying targets for artillery bombardment. When the company commander was mortally wounded, Barnum gave aid to the Marine then took command of the rifle company. He rallied and organized the Marines and led a series of counterattacks against an entrenched enemy, often exposing himself to horrendous enemy fire to inspire and motivate his Marines. Immediately following, Barnum directed two attack helicopters to strike key positions all the while directing a rifle platoon in its attack on an enemy position. He then requested the dead and wounded to be evacuated and assisted in the mopping up and final seizure of the battalion’s operational objectives. usmc.mil 6 Jan 06
A forgotten Medal of Honor winner will be remembered William McBryar was a military hero who lived in our midst in the early 1900s, unrecognized except by a few in the black community. He had been one of the Buffalo Soldiers, black enlisted men in the segregated Army who fought Indians on the plains, the Spanish in Cuba and the Philippines and Mexican bandits along the border . In 1890, McBryar, received what's now the nation's highest award for valor, the Congressional Medal of Honor. He was cited for heroism that year against the Apaches in Arizona. news-record.com 22 Jan 06
Book documents Marine unit's valor Laura Lacey has written an oral-history book about the 6th Marine Division service on Okinawa during World War II titled 'Stay Off the Skyline.'. The 6th Division was the last Marine division to be formed during World War II. It existed for just 19 months and was the only Marine division to be formed and disbanded overseas, never to see service in the United States. The Battle of Okinawa was the 6th Marine Division's first and only engagement. Consisting of about 450 square miles, Okinawa is part of a chain of islands between mainland Japan and Taiwan. The 6th was composed of about 25,000 men in four regiments. Some were battle-hardened veterans and some were untested replacements. The campaign on Okinawa involved eight Army and Marine divisions, but the 6th captured the most territory in some of the bloodiest fighting of the war. The Japanese fought tenaciously on their home ground--Okinawa was a colonial possession--and it was understood by both sides that the island could become a springboard to attacking the Japanese mainland 350 miles away. She writes that the Allies' European invasion employed 150,000 troops, 284 ships and 570,000 tons of supplies. The figures for the campaign on Okinawa: 183,000 troops, 327 ships and 750,000 tons of supplies. Lacey said that the two highest-ranking officers to die during World War II were the commanders on Okinawa--Gen. Mitsuri Ushijima and Gen. Simon B. Buckner. Also killed on Okinawa was Ernie Pyle, the popular war correspondent. By battle's end, more than 250,000 people had lost their lives. Of that figure, almost 150,000 were native Okinawans. "The Sixth sustained 8,227 killed or wounded men. Five Medals of Honor were awarded, as well as 29 Navy Crosses. The 6th Marine Division received the Presidential Unit Citation, and very few men walked away without a Purple Heart.". fredericksburg.com 28 Jan 06
Medal of Honor recipient speaks at Special Forces graduation Medal of Honor recipient Drew Dix told the newest class of Special Forces soldiers Friday to master basic skills and to respect indigenous forces as they deploy to fight the war on terror. Special Forces is about people, he said. In our business, we don’t push a button. We have to look the enemy in the eye. Special Forces is a very human type operation,” he said. “We can’t forget the low tech. Always have that in the back of your mind. You’ve got to hone all of the basic skills.” Dix was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1968 while a staff sergeant working as an adviser in Vietnam. He led an all-South Vietnamese relief force into Chau Phu to save a nurse and several civilians after the city was overrun by two heavily armed Viet Cong battalions. Dix was the first enlisted soldier in Special Forces to receive the Medal of Honor. He later received a commission and spent 20 years in the Army, mostly assigned to special operations units. He retired as a major. In 2000, he wrote a book, “The Rescue of River City,” about the Vietnam battle. All 134 graduates from the Special Forces qualification course received an autographed copy of the book. fayettevillenc.com 4 Feb 06
NBC to honor Iowa WWII hero Sunday A young black soldier in an Army that didn't want him, Vernon Baker was assumed by the nature of his race to be a coward. After he personally wiped out three Nazi machine-gun nests and an enemy observation post on a single bloody day in April 1945, fellow soldiers assumed Baker was crazy. It would take 52 years before the former honors student from Clarinda High School would be properly recognized as a hero and given the nation's highest battlefield award — the Medal of Honor. Sunday night, he will receive another taste of the respect he was denied. Baker, now 86 and living in Idaho, is the centerpiece of an NBC television documentary that will be broadcast before Sunday's closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games. The interview, with former NBC anchorman Tom Brokaw, is scheduled to air about 6 p.m. Central time. .desmoinesregister.com 25 Feb 06
Lest we Forget 54 years ago on this day The following is the Medal of Honor Citation for: *WOMACK, BRYANT E. - Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Medical Company, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Sokso-ri, Korea, 12 March 1952. Entered service at: Mill Springs, N.C. Birth: Mill Springs, N.C. G.O. No.: 5, 12 January 1953. Citation: Pfc. Womack distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Pfc. Womack was the only medical aid man attached to a night combat patrol when sudden contact with a numerically superior enemy produced numerous casualties. Pfc. Womack went immediately to their aid, although this necessitated exposing himself to a devastating hail of enemy fire, during which he was seriously wounded. Refusing medical aid for himself, he continued moving among his comrades to administer aid. While he was aiding 1 man, he was again struck by enemy mortar fire, this time suffering the loss of his right arm. Although he knew the consequences should immediate aid not be administered, he still refused aid and insisted that all efforts be made for the benefit of others that were wounded. Although unable to perform the task himself, he remained on the scene and directed others in first aid techniques. The last man to withdraw, he walked until he collapsed from loss of blood, and died a few minutes later while being carried by his comrades. The extraordinary heroism, outstanding courage, and unswerving devotion to his duties displayed by Pfc. Womack reflect the utmost distinction upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army. firefirefire.redstate.com 11 Mar 06
Ceremony adds extra touch to legacy of two heroes George Franklin Shiels was known to his fellow soldiers as "the fighting doctor" when he served as a surgeon in the U.S. Army Volunteer Medical Corps around the turn of the century. But few people, even his surviving relatives, knew that Shiels' brave service had earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor That changed when his grave at Cypress Lawn Cemetery was finally marked with a Medal of Honor headstone during a ceremony that featured full military burial rites. A second San Francisco Medal of Honor winner also got his marker, U.S. Army Sgt. Phillip Carl Katz. insidebayarea.com 26 Mar 06
Soldier David Bleak; Won Medal of Honor David B. Bleak, 74, an Army medical aidman during the Korean War who received the Medal of Honor for hand-to-hand combat and for blunting the effects of a grenade that fell near a comrade, died March 23 at Lost Rivers District Hospital in Arco, Idaho. He had emphysema, Parkinson's disease and complications from a broken hip. Mr. Bleak was a strapping Idaho youth -- more than six feet tall and 250 pounds -- who quit high school and worked in ranching and railroad jobs. After joining the military in 1950, he was selected for medical duty and shipped to Korea. On June 14, 1952, near Minari-gol, Mr. Bleak was serving in the 223rd Infantry Regiment of the 40th Infantry Division. He volunteered to join a reconnaissance patrol that left at dawn with the mission of finding an enemy prisoner for interrogation. washingtonpost.com 27 Mar 06
“Pappy” Boyington Protest Creates Medal of Honor Memorial Resolution A headline in the Seattle Post Intelligencer on April 5, 2006 read "UW Students Vote for Medal of Honor Memorial". The story below that banner announced that a vote had been taken and the student government had approved a resolution to honor all University of Washington alumni who had received the Medal of Honor. It also recounted an event in mid February that was the forerunner of the successful resolution. That was an attempt "by a UW student to create a memorial in recognition of Gregory 'Pappy' Boyington, a pilot with the Flying Tigers and later with the Marines in World War II." For those whose recall of history is becoming foggy, Colonel Boyington was awarded both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. americandaily.com 7 Apr 06
Michael Novosel, Medal of Honor holder, dies Michael J. Novosel Sr., a veteran of three wars, a Medal of Honor recipient and a major figure in Army aviation history, died April 2 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center after a long battle with cancer. The 83-year-old retired chief warrant officer 4 earned the Medal of Honor for actions on Oct. 2, 1969, when he completed 15 hazardous combat extractions in a UH-1 Huey helicopter, saving the lives of 29 South Vietnamese soldiers who had been surrounded by enemy forces along the Cambodian border. As a master army aviator and Air Force command pilot, Novosel is the only person to hold the top pilot ratings for the two services. After 42 years on flight status, he logged 12,400 flying hours, 2,038 of those in combat. During two tours in Vietnam, he rescued an astounding 5,589 wounded soldiers. armytimes.com 3 Apr 06
Carlson: Following rules on immigration means long wait Vernon Baker has spent all of his 86 years following the rules. Even when it's been humiliating and horribly unfair. Like when he was an honor student and star athlete at Clarinda High School, yet wasn't allowed to enter the town cafe.And when he left for Army basic training and was told to get in the back of the bus, where the driver said he belonged. And when he fought heroically in Italy in the last months of World War II, then returned home and was ordered to give up his lieutenant's bars and sew on sergeant's stripes. "I always did my best and did my duty," said Baker, who today lives with his wife, Heidy , in Idaho. "It did no good to become angry or too frustrated with things. I just moved forward and did what I knew was right. I still try do do what's right." Which is why Baker and his family are still following the rules, even when they make no sense. Like now, when politicians seem poised to approve legislation allowing more than 10 million illegal aliens to remain in the United States. And Baker — the only living African-American to be awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry in battle in World War II — is watching as his stepdaughter and stepgrandchild are told by federal officials they will have to wait at least three years to emigrate from Germany. Baker, who is suffering from brain cancer, doesn't have that kind of time. desmoinesregister.com 16 Apr 06
Above and beyond the call of duty Great deeds often go unrecognized. Others are simply forgotten with time. Richard DeWitt was an Oxford resident and Medal of Honor recipient during the Civil War. Jean DeWitt Grove, DeWitt’s granddaughter is doing her best to preserve the family history. Reflecting on her grandfather’s accomplishments, Grove glances at the display case where she lovingly keeps the decoration and letter of award. The five-point medal is unmistakable — age wearing the ribbon and yellowing the letter. Past the entrance to the Oxford Cemetery a small white gravestone stands as a fresh reminder of its host. Just last fall DeWitt’s achievement was recognized anew with a replacement gravestone acknowledging his status. This quiet hill is the final resting place of Medal of Honor winner Richard DeWitt. A soldier during the Civil War, he entered the service from Oxford in his early 20s as a simple farmer, but became one of Butler County’s five recipients of the highest honor for valor during the Civil War. oxfordpress.com 24 May 06
Medal
of Honor recipients with Twin Tiers ties
New York and Pennsylvania are the top two states in accredited Medals of
Honor, combining for more than 30 percent of all awards of the nation's
highest military decoration. Accreditation is established by the enlistment
location of the Medal of Honor recipient. Many immigrants joined the Union
forces in New York early in the Civil War, giving the state a
disproportionate number of Medals of Honor - 663. Nevertheless, 326 Medals
of Honor were awarded to New York-born troops. Another 141 New York-born
troops are accredited elsewhere because they moved or enlisted out of state.
Pennsylvania is credited with 377 Medals of Honor. In addition to Benjamin
F. Tracy, Stephen Rought and Thomas P. Gere, several Medal of Honor
recipients have Twin Tier connections. Here are their stories. New York
•ARCHIE PECK - Born in Tyrone on Nov. 22, 1894, Peck enlisted at Hornell
and is the lone area recipient of a Medal of Honor for World War I. On Oct.
6, 1918, while assigned to Company A, 307th Infantry Regiment, 77th
Division, Pvt. Peck and two comrades came under intense machine gun fire
while on patrol in France's Argonne Forest. Peck returned to his company and
sought the help of another soldier to rescue the two trapped infantrymen.
Although enemy fire killed the soldier, Peck persevered and made two trips
under enemy fire to rescue the two wounded men. Peck was ultimately promoted
to first sergeant and died Sept. 15, 1978. He is buried in Evergreen
Cemetery in Sinclairville, Chautauqua County.
•DAVID L. SMITH - Born in Cameron in 1835, Smith enlisted at Bath and
served with Battery E., 1st New York Light Artillery. During the Battle of
Warwick Courthouse, Va., on April 6, 1862, a Confederate shell struck an
ammunition chest, causing several cartridges to explode and setting fire to
packing material. Sgt. Smith immediately found a water supply and put out
the fire, preventing the explosion of remaining ammunition. Smith died in
1916 and is buried in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Olean.
•WILLIAM WALLACE BURRITT - Born in 1831 in Campbell, Burritt enlisted in
Chicago with Company G, 113th Illinois Infantry. He earned the Medal of
Honor April 27, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss. He volunteered as a crewman aboard
a steam tug and served as a fireman as the vessel ran a Confederate blockade
under heavy fire. Burritt died Oct. 18, 1901, and is buried in Leavenworth
(Kan.) National Cemetery.
•HARVEY MAY MUNSELL - Born Jan. 5, 1843 at Painted Post, he served with
Company A, 99th Pennsylvania Infantry. Sgt. Munsell carried the regimental
colors through 13 battles and is one of 63 soldiers awarded the Medal of
Honor for heroism at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1-3, 1863. Munsell was the
regiment's lone color bearer to escape unhurt after numerous Confederate
attacks. As Munsell carried the American flag during a subsequent Union
charge, a shell exploded nearby and knocked him to the ground. He hid the
flag under his body as enemy troops stormed the fallen Union soldiers. The
regiment retreated, believing its color bearer dead and its flag captured.
Munsell lay motionless near the southern lines. When the Pennsylvanians
counterattacked, Munsell rushed to his feet and joined the charge.
Confederate forces captured Munsell a year later at Deep Bottom, Va.
Following a prisoner exchange, he was promoted to captain. Munsell died Feb.
19, 1913, and is buried in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Mass.
•MORRIS BROWN JR. -- Born in August 1842 in Hammondsport, Brown was killed
in action June 22, 1864, from a musket shot to the head at Petersburg, Va.
He enlisted at Penn Yan, where his father, a former state assemblyman from
Steuben County, moved the family in 1856. Brown joined the 126th New York
Infantry, was captured at Harpers Ferry, one of nearly 12,500 Union soldiers
who surrendered on promise of parole. He was promoted to captain following
release. As commander of the 126th's Company A at Gettysburg, Brown led a
charge at Ziegler's Grove and captured the flag of the 14th North Carolina
Infantry - the same unit that took him prisoner at Harpers Ferry. He is
buried in Penn Yan's Lake View Cemetery.
•REUBEN SMALLEY - Born April 29, 1839 in Reading Center, he enlisted at
Holton, Ind., and joined Company F, 83rd Indiana Infantry. On May 22, 1863,
during the three-month campaign at Vicksburg, Miss., Gen. Ulysses S. Grant
ordered an assault against the Confederate lines. Union forces retreated
after suffering more than 3,000 casualties. Pvt. Smalley and 79 others were
cited for "gallantry in the charge of the volunteer storming
party," describing his place at the head of the attacking force against
withering enemy fire. Smalley died July 9, 1926, and is buried in South Park
Cemetery, Greensburg, Ind.
•JOHN TRIBE - Born in Tioga County, N.Y., Tribe served with Company G, 5th
New York Cavalry. During an Aug. 25, 1862, engagement at Waterloo Bridge, Va.,
Tribe was cited for volunteering to take part in a mission to burn and
destroy a key bridge under heavy enemy fire.
•EDWARD JOHNSTON - Born Feb. 8, 1844, in Penn Yan, Cpl. Johnston received
the Medal of Honor for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 5th
Infantry during a series of actions in Montana Territory from October 1876
to January 1877.
Pennsylvania
•ALBERT D. WRIGHT - Born Dec. 10, 1842 in Elkland, he enlisted at
Wellsboro. As a captain with Company G, 43rd U.S. Colored Troops, Wright
fought in the Battle of the Crater at Petersburg, Va. On July 30, 1864, he
advanced behind Confederate lines, capturing the enemy's colors and color
guard despite suffering serious wounds. Wright became a prominent citrus
grower in Eustis, Fla., and died there Feb. 15, 1926. He is buried in
Greenwood Cemetery, Eustis.
•PHILIP PETTY - Born May 7, 1940 in Tingswich, England, Petty came to the
United States and settled in Jackson Township. He enlisted Aug. 1, 1861, in
the 12th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Discharged because of illness, Petty
recovered and later joined Company A, 136th Pennsylvania Infantry. At
Fredericksburg, Va., on Dec. 13, 1862, Sgt. Petty rescued the Union colors
as they fell from a wounded color bearer and carried them in the charge
against enemy lines. He died Dec. 22, 1917, and is buried in Daggett
Cemetery.
•ORREN BENNETT - He entered the Army Aug. 22, 1862, at Towanda. As a
private with Company D, 141st Pennsylvania Infantry, Bennett captured a
Confederate flag on April 6, 1865, at Saylor's Creek, Va. He was discharged
May 28, 1865. Possibly buried in Old Luthers Mills Cemetery in Bradford
County. However, a recent search of the cemetery did not find any Bennett
gravestones.
•CHARLES DAY - Born in West Laurens, N.Y. (near Cooperstown) on May 28,
1844, Day enlisted at Richmond Township, Pa., near Mansfield and served with
Co K, 210 Pennsylvania Infantry. At Hatcher's Run, Va., on Feb. 6, 1865, Day
rescued the colors of another regiment whose color bearer had been killed.
By saving the colors and carrying them for the remainder of the engagement,
Day rallied the men of the disorganized and confused regiment. He died July
19, 1901, and is buried in Mansfield's Prospect Cemetery.
•FRANCIS A. BISHOP - The Bradford County-born Bishop joined the Union
forces Sept. 15, 1861. A private assigned to Company D, 57th Pennsylvania
Infantry, Bennett received the Medal of Honor for capturing an enemy flag at
Spotsylvania, Va., May 12, 1864. Discharged June 29, 1865, Blanchard moved
to Michigan and then Port Angeles, Wash., where he lived for 30 years. In
1937, as the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient and probably the last
Civil War recipient, he was invited to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's
inauguration. There is no record of him attending the ceremony. Bishop died
Oct. 11, 1937, and is buried in Blanchard, Mich.
•JOSIAH PHILLIPS - Born in 1830 in Wyoming County, N.Y., he enlisted at
Ulysses, Pa., and was assigned to Company E, 148th Pennsylvania Infantry.
Pvt. Phillips received the Medal of Honor for capturing an enemy flag April
2, 1865, at Sutherland Station, Va. He died Dec. 11, 1894, in DePere, Wis.,
and is buried there in South Lawrence Cemetery.
•OF NOTE: Although none are Twin Tiers natives, five Medal of Honor
recipients are buried in the Bath National Cemetery. All Civil War veterans,
they are Sgt. Charles E. Morse and Cpl. George M. Grueb, both of New York
City; Sgt. John Kiggins, Syracuse; Pvt. George Ladd, Camillus; and Seaman
James Roberts of Virginia. stargazettenews.com
21 May 06
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WWII Hero Donald Rudolph Sr. Dies at 85 Donald E. Rudolph Sr., who received a Medal of Honor for bravery for destroying two Japanese machine gun nests during World War II, has died. He was 85. Rudolph died of complications from Alzheimer's disease. He had been ill for several years. washingtonpost.com 27 May 06 |
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An unknown hero to be honored Madison County pays tribute to Civil War Medal of Honor recipient. For more than 100 years, a hero lay buried in St. Louis unknown to his family and unknown to his community. Although a stone at Mount Lebanon Cemetery on St. Charles Rock Road marks his grave site, no one is really sure the remains of Henry Frizzell are there. mydjconnection.com 27 May 06 |
Navy to Present Medal of Honor to Family of World War II Vet The Croatian family of a U.S. Navy enlisted man will accept a posthumous Medal of Honor for the man's heroism during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Adm. Harry Ulrich, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, will present a posthumously-awarded Medal of Honor to the family of Chief Watertender Peter Tomich. Retired Croatian army Lt. Col. Srecko Herceg Tonic will receive the U.S. military's highest award on behalf of the Tomich family. Tomich, a U.S. citizen of Croatian heritage, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was born in 1893 in Prolog, in what is now Bosnia-Herzegovina, on the Croatian border. After coming to the United States, Tomich enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Slocum, in New Rochelle, N.Y., June 6, 1917. After service in World War I, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, Jan. 23, 1919, rising to the rank of chief watertender, equivalent to today's chief petty officer. Tomich was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions aboard the battleship USS Utah (BB 31), Dec. 7, 1941, during the surprise Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. news.navy.mil 11 May 06
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Medal of Honor Presented to Family of Pearl Harbor Vet Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Admiral Harry Ulrich, presents the Medal of Honor to retired Croation Army Lt. Col. Srecko Herceg on behalf of U.S. Navy Chief Watertender Peter Tomich on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Peter Tomich, a U.S. citizen of Croation heritage, gave his life to save his shipmates aboard the USS Utah during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. This is the last Medal of Honor from the 20th century to be presented to a next-of-kin. news.navy.mil 19 May 06 |
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Teen Pleads Guilty to Vandalizing Medal of Honor Memorial When someone vandalized the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial in downtown Indianapolis last year, the community was outraged. Joshua Miner, 19, pleaded guilty to throwing rocks at the memorial last March and shattering the glass. As part of the plea agreement, Miner will not go to jail. A judge sentenced miner to forty hours of community service and one year of probation. Miner also had to pay $5,000 to the foundation that funds the memorial. William Roberts has some thoughts about where miner should do his community service. "Do some service at our [Veterans Affairs] hospitals or do some service with the people he showed disrespect to," he said. wishtv.com 21 Mar 06 |
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Conscientious objector who received U.S. Medal of Honour dies Desmond T. Doss Sr., the only conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honour for non-combatant achievements in World War II, died March 23. He was 87. Doss, who refused to carry a weapon during his wartime service as a medic, was the subject of a 2004 documentary, "The Conscientious Objector" and a previously published book, "The Unlikeliest Hero." On October 12, 1945, Doss was invited to the White House to receive the Medal of Honour from President Harry S. Truman for his bravery on May 5, 1945. As a 24-year-old medic from Lynchburg, Va., Doss stayed atop a cliff on the island of Okinawa, lowering down wounded soldiers under Japanese attack. stanet.ch 24 Mar 06 |
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Woman's husband received the Medal of Honor For 38 years Joan Jacobson was the wife of Medal of Honor recipient Maj. Douglas T. Jacobson USMC. "I had no idea what the Medal of Honor was; I had never heard of it. I came from this little town in northern California. I was pretty naive," Joan said. On Oct. 5, 1945, Joan's husband-to-be received an engraved invitation to take part in a White House ceremony. President Harry Truman was going to present him this country's highest medal for bravery under enemy fire. As a 19-year-old Marine, Pfc. Jacobson, a member of Company L, 23rd Regiment, 4th Marine Division, stormed ashore on Iwo Jima. On Feb. 26, 1945, 61 years ago today, he knocked out a couple of Japanese machine-gun nests with a bazooka, blew up an enemy blockhouse, killed the soldiers in a third pillbox and destroyed a Japanese tank for good measure. What was Maj. Douglas T. Jacobson's view on being a Medal of Honor recipient? "Doug told me, 'I didn't even think about it at the time because your adrenalin is pumping so hard. It's kill or be killed. You charge ahead and do what you have to do.' Doug used to say, 'There were so many others who deserved the medal, but were not observed. '" sun-herald.com 4 Mar 06 |
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Man Without Honor By the time the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Greg Boyington was a Flying Tiger squadron commander who had already shot down six Japanese planes over China. Gregory "Pappy" Boyington became a legend fast. He was dubbed Pappy by the younger pilots of his famed "Black Sheep" fighter squadron because of his "advanced" age. In March 1944, Boyington was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. A move is afoot to honor Boyington at his alma mater, the University of Washington. A resolution comes before the august Student Senate for a statue honoring the Medal of Honor winner. Not "a large statue, but rather something on a small scale" (according to the minutes of the senate). A distinguished "Senator," Jill Edwards moves to table the matter. Discussion ensues on who this Boyington is and why he should be honored. One student says he had read about Boyington and thought the university should be proud of him. Distinguished Senator Jill Edwards questions "whether it was appropriate to honor a person who killed other people." She further wonders whether "a member of the Marine Corps was an example of the sort of person UW wanted to produce." We will spare you the rest of the deliberations and ruminations of the UW student legislative body, filled as it is with pious parsing and handwringing and ahistorical thumbsucking over how to mention that embarrassing Medal of Honor in some way that would leave no trail back to the fact that it was won in a war, where killing took place, to stop an aggressor bent on subjugating at least one half of the globe. tcsdaily.com 17 Feb 06 |
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Project Hero: CPL Jason Dunham, nominee, Medal of Honor Today we honor the sacrifice of one of the Marine Corp's finest, Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, who, on day in April 2004, laid down his life. "I deeply believe that given the facts and evidence presented he clearly understood the situation and attempted to block the blast of the grenade from his squad members," Lt. Col. Lopez wrote in a May 13 letter recommending Cpl. Dunham for the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for military valor. "His personal action was far beyond the call of duty and saved the lives of his fellow Marines." Cpl. Dunham has been nominated for the nation's highest honor: the Medal of Honor. qando.net 11 Feb 06 |
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Medal of Honor exhibit unveiled at Pentagon In a tribute to those who have gallantly served the country, the Pentagon recently unveiled a photographic exhibit titled "Visions of Valor." The exhibit features dramatic portraits of 101 Medal of Honor recipients, and is on display in the Pentagon's "A" ring on all five floors. Seven Medal of Honor recipients were on hand for the opening ceremony, joining Defense Department and military leaders. "We could think of no better place to have this set of photographs than in the Pentagon," said David J. McIntyre Jr., president and chief executive officer of TriWest, the company that purchased the exhibit from photographer Nick Del Calzo. dcmilitary.com 9 Feb 06 |
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Immigrant served with honor during Civil War Thomas Timothy Fallon, who was born in County Galway, Ireland, on Aug. 12, 1837, compiled one of the most brilliant records of the Civil War. Fallon, who died in Freehold on Aug. 29, 1916, is buried in the St. Rose of Lima Cemetery just outside the borough on Freehold-Englishtown Road in Freehold Township. Fallon was one of the first recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest honor bestowed to American war veterans, which was created to honor special heroes of the Civil War. Fallon was cited three times during the Battle of Williamsburg, Va., (May 5, 1862) by order of Gen. Philip Kearney, each of which would have qualified him for the Medal of Honor, a rare distinction indeed. In all, Fallon took part in 21 Civil War battles. His Medal of Honor heroics took place on May 5, 1862, May 30-31, 1862, and June 14-15, 1864. newstranscript.gmnews.com 21 Dec 05 |
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Submarine Force Medal of Honor Recipients ussnautilus.org |
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Medal of Honor Recipients Visit Troops Medal of Honor recipients Gary Littrell and John McGinty III, visit soldiers of the 1/10th Mountain Division to tell of their heroic actions in an attempt to boost the soldiers’ morale. Here, soldiers study the design of the Medal of Honor, after recipient Littrell takes his medal off of his neck and passes it around to the soldiers in the room. defendamerica.mil 7 Nov 05 |
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Union officer leads a suicide attack Bliss' decision to attack with a few hundred against thousands of well-positioned Confederates was suicidal. Yet, there is a fine line between suicide and gallantry. Bliss was recommended for promotion to brigadier general by all his superiors, but the promotion was denied. In 1898, Bliss received the Medal of Honor for his actions at Fredericksburg. fredericksburg.com 8 Oct 05 |
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Historical society honors Medal of Honor recipient The Command Museum Historical Society presented the museum with a portrait of Col. Wesley L. Fox. Fox was the 48th Marine recipient of the Medal of Honor for outstanding heroism while serving as a Company Officer in 1969 during the Vietnam War. Fox wrote "Marine Rifleman," an autobiography on his 43 years of dedicated service to the Marine Corps, from the enlisted ranks of private to first sergeant, then to colonel. Painted by Alvis Grant, a Texas native and former Marine, the picture was originally painted as a gift for the retired Marine to be presented during his book signing at McDougal Hall. usmc.mil 30 Sep 05 |
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President Presents Medal of Honor to Corporal Tibor "Ted" Rubin Corporal Tibor "Ted" Rubin's many acts of courage during the Korean War saved the lives of hundreds of his fellow soldiers. In the heat of battle, he inspired his comrades with his fearlessness. And amid the inhumanity of a Chinese prisoner of war camp, he gave them hope. Some of those soldiers are here today, and they have never forgotten what they owe this man. And by awarding the Medal of Honor to Corporal Rubin, the United States acknowledges a debt that time has not diminished. whitehouse.gov 23 Sep 05 |
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War Hero’s Medal Wait Finally Ends As Tibor Rubin enters the White House, generals will stand at rigid attention. The president of the United States also will rise and then drape the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for gallantry in combat, around the neck of the 76-year-old Holocaust survivor and Korean War veteran. All told, his commanding officers and fellow soldiers recommended him for the Medal of Honor for his deeds performed on no less than four occasions. He also was recommended two times for the Distinguished Service Cross and twice for the Silver Star. Had he received all these awards, he would have become the most decorated American veteran of the Korean War. What he actually got were two Purple Hearts for combat wounds and a 100 percent disability rating. In the mid-90s, the U.S. military, now a model equal-opportunity employer, finally responded to persistent criticism that it had consistently squelched recommendations for high medal awards to minority soldiers who served during World War II and the Korean War. In 1996, the Pentagon belatedly awarded Medals of Honor to 21 Japanese American and other Asian American veterans, and eight to former African American servicemen, who were institutionally segregated during World War II. In 2001, Congress passed a bill providing for a review of selected Jewish veterans, known as the Leonard Kravitz Jewish War Veterans Act. Kravitz, the uncle and namesake of rock musician Lenny Kravitz, was killed manning his lone machine gun against attacking Chinese troops during the Korean War, allowing the rest of his platoon to retreat in safety. Years ago, Kravitz was recommended for a Medal of Honor, but the award was downgraded to a Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest decoration.Under the terms of the Kravitz Act, a list containing the names and wartime records of 138 Jewish veterans was sent to the Pentagon. All the men listed had received the Service Cross from one of the military branches. The exception was Rubin, though his file was the thickest of all. He becomes the 15th Jewish recipient of the Medal of Honor since it was instituted during the Civil War by an act of Congress and signed by President Abraham Lincoln, according to archivist Pamela Elbe of the National Museum of American Jewish Military History. jewishjournal.com 16 Sep 05 |
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Valiant Spirit of Self-Sacrifice: Charles G. Abrell Charles G. Abrell, U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine, 1st Marine Division Medal of Honor Winner Hangnyong, Korea, 10 June 1951. military.com 7 Sep 05 |
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Medal Of Honor Winner Dies In Texas World War II Congressional Medal of Honor winner Robert E. Galer has died in a Dallas hospital of a stroke at the age of 91. The retired Marine brigadier general won the medal as an aerial combat squadron leader in the South Pacific where he shot down 11 enemy planes during a 29-day period. He also received the Navy Cross, the Legion of Merit with Combat V, the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Gold Star, a Purple Heart, an Air Medal with ten Gold Stars and the British Distinguished Flying Cross. kwtx.com 1 Jul 05 |
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Perot running mate Stockdale dies at 81 Retired Vice Adm. James Stockdale, a former prisoner of war and Ross Perot's running mate for president in 1992, died Tuesday at 81, the Navy announced. Stockdale received the Medal of Honor for resisting his North Vietnamese captors. Stockdale, who had battled Alzheimer's disease for several years, died at his home in Coronado, California, a statement from the Navy Department said. cnn.com 7 Jul 05 |
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