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List of Medal of Honor recipients

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This article is about the recipients of the U.S. medal. For other medals, seeMedal of Honor (disambiguation).
Medal of Honor
Three medals, side by side, consisting of an inverted 5-pointed star hanging from a light blue ribbon with 13 white stars in the center. Left medal has a laurel wreath around the star and an eagle emblem above the star; central medal has an anchor emblem attaching the medal to the ribbon; rightmost medal has a laurel wreath around the star and an emblem with wings, lightning bolts and the word "VALOR" connecting the medal to the ribbon.
All recipients
American Civil War
By surname
By battle
Others
Other wars and conflicts
  • Korean War
  • Vietnam War
  • Post-Vietnam
  • Non-combat
    		•
    By ethnic group
    By other criteria

    TheMedal of Honorwas created during theAmerican Civil Warand is the highest military decoration presented by theUnited Statesgovernment to a member of its armed forces.[1]The recipient must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States.[2]Due to the nature of this medal, it is commonly presentedposthumously.[3]ThePresident of the United States,in the name of theUnited States Congress,has awarded more than 3,520 Medals of Honor, including 19 second awards to the nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen since the decoration's creation in 1861.[4]

    The citations highlighting acts of gallantry that received the Medal of Honor have been and continue to be regularly released by book publishers. After the Second World War, both the Army and Navy produced hardbound Medal of Honor compilations.[5]Between 1964 and 1979, the United States Senate Subcommittee on Veterans' Affairs of the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare and later the Committee on Veterans' Affairs produced a number of consolidated compilations of all Medal of Honor citations to date.[6]Additions and changes to the list of recipients of the medal since the 1979 have been regularly published by theCongressional Research Service.[7]

    The first Army Medal of Honor was awarded to PrivateJacob Parrottduring the American Civil War for his role in theGreat Locomotive Chase.

    Bernard John Dowling Irwinwas the first (chronologically by action)Medal of Honorrecipient during theApache Wars.His actions on February 13, 1861, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded.[8]

    The first African American recipient for this award wasRobert Blake,who manned his post during a naval engagement against infantry while under heavy fire (William Harvey Carneyis commonly and erroneously cited as the first African-American to receive a medal because his actions in combat did precede those of the other African-American recipients, although his physical medal was not presented until 1900). The only female Medal of Honor recipient isMary Edwards Walker,a Civil War surgeon. Her medal was rescinded in 1917 along with many other non-combat awards, but it was restored by PresidentJimmy Carterin 1977.[9]

    While current law, (10 U.S.C.§ 6241), beginning in 1918, explicitly states that recipients must be serving in the U.S. Armed Forces at the time of performing a valorous act that warrants the award, exceptions have been made. Notably,Charles Lindbergh,while a reserve member of theU.S. Army Air Corps,received his Medal of Honor as a civilian pilot. Although Medals of Honor can only be awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, being a U.S. citizen is not a prerequisite for eligibility to receive the medal. Sixty-oneCanadianswho were serving in the United States Armed Forces have received the Medal of Honor; most received it for actions in the American Civil War. Since 1900, only four have been awarded to Canadians.[10]In the Vietnam War,Peter C. Lemonwas the only Canadian-born recipient of the Medal of Honor. However, he was a U.S. citizen.[11]

    19th century[edit]

    American Civil War[edit]

    Main article:List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients

    TheAmerican Civil War(1861–1865) was a war between the United States (theUnion) and the Southern states of the newly formedConfederate States of AmericaunderJefferson Davis.The Medal of Honor was established during this conflict; 1523 were awarded (33 posthumously) for acts of bravery and gallantry in combat.[12]Most awards were granted after the end of the Civil War with two late awards toAndrew Jackson SmithandAlonzo Cushingin 2001 and 2014.[7]

    Indian Wars[edit]

    Main article:List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Indian Wars

    The termIndian Warsis the name generally used in the United States to describe a series of conflicts between colonial or federal governments and the American Indian population resident in North America before the arrival of settlers.[13]During this conflict the Medal of Honor was presented to 426 soldiers, 13 posthumously for acts of bravery and gallantry in combat.[12]

    Korean Expedition[edit]

    TheUnited States expedition to Koreain 1871, also known asShinmiyangyo(Western Disturbance of the Shinmi (1871) year), was the first American military action in Korea. It took place predominantly on and around the Korean island ofGanghwa.The reason for the presence of the American military expeditionary force in Korea was to support an American diplomatic delegation sent to establish trade and diplomatic relations with Korea and to ascertain the fate of theGeneral Shermanmerchant ship.The isolationist nature of theJoseon Dynastygovernment and the assertiveness of the Americans led to an armed conflict between the two parties. Eventually, the United States failed to secure its objectives.[14]

    Image Name Service Rank Place of action Date of action Unit Notes[15]
    —
    		 John Andrews Navy Ordinary Seaman aboardUSSBenicia Jun 9, 1871–Jun 10, 1871 USSBenicia Stood on the gunwale on the Benicia's launch, lashed to the ridgerope and remained unflinchingly in this dangerous position and gave his soundings with coolness and accuracy under a heavy fire.
    Two soldiers with rifles and one man in a sailor suit standing on a ship deck in front of a large flag.(Brown at right) Charles Brown Marine Corps Corporal aboardUSSColorado June 11, 1871 USSColorado Assisted in capturing the Korean flag from the citadel of the fort
    —
    		 John Coleman Marine Corps Private aboardUSSColorado June 11, 1871 USSColorado For hand-to-hand combat and saving the life of Alexander McKenzie
    —
    		 James Dougherty Marine Corps Private aboardUSSBenicia June 11, 1871 USSBenicia Returned to duty after being wounded several times
    —
    		 Frederick Franklin Navy Quartermaster aboardUSSColorado June 11, 1871 USSColorado For assuming command of Company D, afterLt. McKeewas wounded, and handling the company until relieved
    —
    		 Patrick H. Grace Navy ChiefQuartermaster aboardUSSBenicia Jun 10, 1871–Jun 11, 1871 USSBenicia Carrying out his duties with coolness, Grace set forth gallant and meritorious conduct throughout this action
    Two soldiers with rifles and one man in a sailor suit standing on a ship deck in front of a large flag.(Hayden at left) Cyrus Hayden Navy Carpenter aboardUSSColorado June 11, 1871 USSColorado Serving as color bearer of the battalion, Hayden planted his flag and protected it under heavy fire
    Head and shoulders of an otherwise-cleancut man with an enormous mustache, in circa-1900 formal dress. William F. Lukes Navy Landsman Ganghwa Island Jun 9, 1871–Jun 10, 1871 USSColorado Fighting the enemy inside the fort, Lukes received a severe cut over the head
    —
    		 Alexander McKenzie Navy Boatswain's Mate aboardUSSColorado June 11, 1871 USSColorado Fighting at the side of Lt. McKee during this action, McKenzie was struck by a sword and received a severe cut in the head from the blow.
    —
    		 Michael McNamara Marine Corps Private aboardUSSBenicia June 11, 1871 USSBenicia For taking a match-lock from the hands of the enemy while advancing to the parapet
    —
    		 James F. Merton Navy Landsman Ganghwa Island Jun 9, 1871–Jun 10, 1871 USSColorado Merton was severely wounded in the arm while trying to force his way into the fort
    —
    		 Michael Owens Marine Corps Private aboardUSSColorado June 11, 1871 USSColorado Fighting courageously in hand-to-hand combat, Owens was badly wounded by the enemy during this action
    Large foreign flag behind three 1870s soldiers or sailors on a shipdeck(Purvis in center) Hugh Purvis Marine Corps Private aboardUSSAlaska June 11, 1871 USSAlaska Braving the enemy fire, Purvis was the first to scale the walls of the fort and capture their flag
    —
    		 Samuel F. Rogers Navy Quartermaster aboardUSSColorado June 11, 1871 USSColorado Fighting courageously at the side of Lt. McKee during this action, Rogers was wounded by the enemy
    —
    		 William Troy Navy Ordinary Seaman aboardUSSColorado June 11, 1871 USSColorado Fighting at the side of Lt. McKee, by whom he was especially commended, Troy was badly wounded by the enemy

    Spanish–American War[edit]

    Main article:List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Spanish–American War

    TheSpanish–American War(Spanish:Guerra Hispano-Estadounidense,desastre del 98,Guerra Hispano-Cubana-NorteamericanaorGuerra de Cuba) was a military conflict between Spain and the United States that began in April 1898. Hostilities halted in August of that year, and theTreaty of Pariswas signed in December. The war began after the American demand for Spain's peacefully resolving theCuban fight for independencewas rejected, though strongexpansionistsentiment in the United States may have motivated the government to target Spain's remaining overseas territories:Cuba,Puerto Rico,thePhilippines,Guamand theCaroline Islands.[16]

    Riots inHavanaby pro-Spanish "Voluntarios" gave the United States reason to send in the warshipUSSMaine.This action by the U.S. indicated high national interest. Tension among the American people was raised because of the explosion of USSMaine,and "yellow journalism"- sensationalist reporting that exposed Spain's extensive atrocities, agitating American public opinion. The war ended after decisive naval victories for the United States in the Philippines and Cuba. TheTreaty of Parisended the conflict 109 days after the outbreak of war giving the United States ownership of the formerSpanish coloniesof Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Guam.[17]111 people received the Medal of Honor from the Spanish–American War.

    Samoan Civil War[edit]

    TheSamoan Civil War(s) occurred in theSamoa Islandsof theSouth Pacificin the late 19th century. The Samoan Civil Wars were a series of conflicts between Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, ending in the partitioning of the island chain in 1899. The concluding event was theSecond Samoan Civil War.The first Samoan Civil War lasted for eight years. The warring Samoan parties were supplied with arms, training and sometimes even combat troops by Germany, Britain and the United States. These three powers valued Samoa as a refueling station for coal fired shipping. In addition, these countries sought to gain more power in Europe and wanted Samoa due to the scarcity of unclaimed territory from 1870 onwards.[18]

    Image Name Service Rank Place of action Date of action Unit Notes[19]
    —
    		 Frederick T. Fisher Navy Gunner's MateFirst Class aboardUSSPhiladelphia,Samoa April 1, 1899 USSPhiladelphia For distinguishing himself by his conduct in the presence of the enemy
    —
    		 Bruno A. Forsterer Marine Corps Sergeant Samoa April 1, 1899 Unknown For distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy.
    Top half of man in formal 1900s military dress, wearing a star-shaped medal on a ribbon around his neck. Henry L. Hulbert Marine Corps Private Samoa April 1, 1899 Unknown For distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy. Subsequently, awarded theNavy Crossand theDistinguished Service Crossfor actions duringWorld War I.
    —
    		 Michael J. McNally Marine Corps Sergeant Samoa April 1, 1899 Unknown For distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy

    Philippine-American War[edit]

    Main article:List of Philippine–American War Medal of Honor recipients

    ThePhilippine–American War[n 1]was an armed military conflict between the United States and Filipino nationalists who established the “First Philippine Republic”,fought between 1899 and at least 1902, which arose from aFilipinopolitical struggle against U.S. occupation of thePhilippines.While the conflict was officially declared over on July 4, 1902,[20][21][22]American troops continued hostilities against remnants of the “Philippine Army”and other insurgent groups until 1913, and some historians consider these unofficial mop-up operations part of the war.[22]

    Eighty-six men were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions in the Philippine–American War: 70 from theArmy,10 from theNavy,and 6 from theMarine Corps.Four of the awards were posthumous. Among the recipients wereWebb Hayes,the son of former U.S. PresidentRutherford B. Hayes,and two prominent Marine Corps officers,Hiram I. BearssandDavid Dixon Porter.Bearss became known for leading long-range reconnaissance patrols behind enemy lines and was later wounded as a colonel inWorld War I.Porter was from a distinguished military family and rose to become a major general.José B. Nísperos,a member of thePhilippine Scoutswho was honored for continuing to fight after being wounded, was the firstAsianrecipient of the Medal of Honor.[23]

    Boxer Rebellion[edit]

    Main article:List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Boxer Rebellion

    The Boxer Movement orBoxer Rebellion,which occurred inChinafrom November 1899 to September 7, 1901, was anuprisingby members of the ChineseSociety of Right and Harmonious Fistsagainst foreign influence in areas, politics, religion and technology that occurred in China during the final years of the Manchu rule (Qing Dynasty). The members of theSociety of Right and Harmonious Fistswere simply calledboxersby the Westerners due to the martial arts and calisthenics they practiced. The uprising began as a xenophobic, anti-foreign, nationalist peasant-based movement in northern China. They attacked foreigners who were building railroads and supposedly violatingFeng shui,as well asChristians,who were held responsible for the foreigners in China. In June 1900, the Boxers invaded Beijing and killed 230 non-Chinese. Tens of thousands of Chinese Christians, Catholic and Protestant alike, were killed mostly inShandongandShanxiProvinces as part of the uprising. This drew criticism from many Chinese, including Chinese ChristianSun Yat-Sen(later to help overthrow the Manchu dynasty in 1911 and become first president of the Republic of China). The government ofEmpress Dowager Cixiwas not helpful, and diplomats, foreign civilians, soldiers and some Chinese Christians retreated to the legation quarter where they held out for fifty-five days until a multinational coalition rushed 20,000 troops to their rescue. The Chinese government was forced to indemnify the victims and make many additional concessions. Subsequent reforms implemented after the crisis of 1900 laid the foundation for the end of theQing Dynastyand the establishment of the modernChinese Republic.[24]

    During the Boxer rebellion, 59 American servicemen received the Medal of Honor for their actions. Four of these were for Army personnel, twenty-two went to navy sailors and the remaining thirty-three went to Marines. Harry Fisher was the first Marine to receive the medal posthumously and the only posthumous recipient for this conflict.[25]

    20th century[edit]

    United States occupation of Veracruz, 1914[edit]

    Main article:List of Medal of Honor recipients (Veracruz)

    TheUnited States occupation of the Mexican port of Veracruzlasted for six months in response to theTampico Affairof April 9, 1914. The incident came in the midst of poor diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United States, related to the ongoingMexican Revolution.[26]

    Secretary of the NavyJosephus Danielsordered that 56 Medals of Honor be awarded to participants in the occupation of Veracruz, the most for any single action before or since. In total 63 Medals of Honor were received for actions during the occupation; 1 Army, 9 to members of the United States Marine Corps and 53 to Navy personnel.[25]

    Invasion and occupation of Haiti[edit]

    The firstUnited States occupation of Haitibegan on July 28, 1915, and ended in mid-August 1934.

    Portrait Name Service Rank Place of action Date of action Unit Notes[27][28]
    Head and shoulders of man in his 40s wearing a U.S. Marine uniform with ribbons, circa 1920. Smedley Butler Marine Corps Major Fort Riviere,Haiti November 17, 1915 2nd Marines Second award – previously awarded a Medal of Honor for action in the Mexican Campaign.
    Head and shoulders of a U.S. Marine wearing a 1920s flat-brimmed campaign hat in bright sun. William R. Button Marine Corps Corporal near Grande Riviere,Haiti Oct 31, 1919–Nov 1, 1919 7th Marines For the assassination of rebel leaderCharlemagne Péralteand the routing of his followers
    Top half of a serious man in formal 1920s U.S. military dress wearing two star-shaped medals on ribbons around his neck. Daniel Daly Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant nearFort-Liberté,Haiti October 24, 1915 15th Company, 2nd Marines Second award – previously awarded a Medal of Honor for action in the Boxer Rebellion
    Top half of man in 1920s tropical U.S. Marine uniform with flat-brimmed campaign hat. Herman H. Hanneken Marine Corps Sergeant near Grande Riviere,Haiti Oct 31, 1919–Nov 1, 1919 7th Marines For the assassination of rebel leaderCharlemagne Péralteand the routing of his followers
    Head and shoulder of man with jutting jaw in circa 1920 U.S. Marine uniform. Ross L. Iams Marine Corps Sergeant Fort Riviere,Haiti November 17, 1915 5th Company, 2nd Marines Approaching a breach in the wall which was the only entrance to the fort, Sergeant Iams unhesitatingly jumped through the breach despite constant fire from the Cacos and engaged the enemy in a desperate hand-to-hand combat until the bastion was captured and Caco resistance neutralized.
    —
    		 Samuel Marguiles Marine Corps Private Fort Riviere,Haiti November 17, 1915 23rd Company, 2nd Marines Served under the name Samuel Gross.
    Side profile of head and chest of older, plump man in dress U.S. Marine uniform. Edward A. Ostermann Marine Corps First Lieutenant nearFort-Liberté,Haiti October 24, 1915 15th Company, 2nd Marines In command of one of the three squads which advanced in three different directions, led his men forward, surprising and scattering the Cacos, and aiding in the capture of Fort Dipitie.
    Young man with slicked-down short hair in a circa 1915 U.S. Marine uniform with a very high collar. William P. Upshur Marine Corps Captain nearFort-Liberté,Haiti October 24, 1915 15th Company, 2nd Marines In command of the three squads which advanced in three different directions, led his men forward, surprising and scattering the Cacos, and aiding the capture of Fort Dipitie.

    Occupation of the Dominican Republic[edit]

    The United Statesoccupied the Dominican Republicfrom 1916 to 1924. In May 1917, Rear Admiral William Caperton forced Arias to leave Santo Domingo by threatening the city with naval bombardment. U.S. Marines invaded and took control of the country within two months; in November that same year, the U.S. imposed a military government. The Marines restored order throughout most of the republic (with the exception of the eastern region); the country's budget was balanced, its debt was diminished, and economic growth resumed; infrastructure projects produced new roads that linked all the country's regions for the first time in its history; a professional military organization, the Dominican Constabulary Guard, replaced the partisan forces that had waged a seemingly endless struggle for power.[29]

    Image Name Service Rank Place of action Date of action Unit Notes[30]
    Head and shoulders of square-jawed man in circa 1920 formal U.S. Marine uniform. Joseph A. Glowin Marine Corps Corporal Guayacanes,Dominican Republic July 3, 1916 13th Company, Artillery Battalion, 1st Brigade For action against a considerable force of rebels
    —
    		 Ernest C. Williams Marine Corps First Lieutenant San Francisco de Macorís,Dominican Republic November 29, 1916 1st Brigade For leading the capture of a fort
    Head and shoulders of man in circa 1920 U.S. Marine dress uniform, wearing a star-shaped medal hanging from a ribbon under his collar. Roswell Winans Marine Corps First Sergeant Guayacanes,Dominican Republic July 3, 1916 1st Brigade For action against a considerable force of rebels

    World War I[edit]

    Main article:List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War I

    World War I,also known as the First World War and the Great War, was aglobalmilitary conflictwhich took place primarily in Europe from 1914 to 1918. Over 40 millioncasualtiesresulted, including approximately 20 million military and civilian deaths.[31]Over 60 million European soldiers were mobilized from 1914 to 1918.[32]The immediate cause of the war was the June 28, 1914assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand,heir to theAustro-Hungarianthrone, byGavrilo Princip,aBosnian Serbcitizen ofAustria-Hungaryand member of theBlack Hand.The retaliation by Austria-Hungary against Serbia activated a series of alliances that set off achain reactionof war declarations. Within a month, much of Europe was in a state of open warfare.[33]

    During this war, 126 men received the Medal of Honor for their actions, including five Marines who received both the Army and Navy versions of the medal for the same action.[25]

    Occupation of Nicaragua[edit]

    The United Statesoccupied Nicaraguafrom 1909 to 1933 and intervened in the country several times before that. The American interventions in Nicaragua were designed to prevent the construction of a trans-isthmian canal by any nation but the US and stop endless civil war. Nicaragua assumed a quasi-protectoratestatus under the 1916Chamorro-Bryan Treaty.The occupation ended asAugusto César Sandino,a Nicaraguan insurgent, led guerrilla bands against US troops. Furthermore, the onset of theGreat Depressionmade it costly for the US to maintain occupation.[34]

    Image Name Service Rank Place of action Date of action Unit Notes[35]
    Head and shoulders of man in circa 1940 U.S. Marine khaki uniform, wearing many campaign ribbons. Christian F. Schilt Marine Corps First Lieutenant Quilali,Nicaragua Jan 6, 1928–Jan 8, 1928 Observation Squadron 7-M For evacuating wounded Marines by plane while under fire
    Full length portrait of standing man in circa 1930 U.S. Marine dress uniform. Donald L. Truesdale Marine Corps Corporal near Constancia, near Coco River, northernNicaragua April 24, 1932 a Guardia Nacional Patrol Served under the name "Truesdale" before officially changing name to "Truesdell" on 25 July 1942.[36]Lost his hand while attempting to save his patrol from an accidentally activated grenade.

    World War II[edit]

    Main article:List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II
    See also:List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Battle of Iwo Jima
    See also:List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Attack on Pearl Harbor

    World War II,or the Second World War, was a global military conflict. The conflicts joined from two separate conflicts. The first began in Asia in 1937 as theSecond Sino-Japanese War;the other began in Europe in 1939 with the German andRussianinvasion of Poland.[n 2]This global conflict split themajority of the world's nationsinto two opposing military alliances: theAlliesand theAxis powers.It involved the mobilization of over 100 million military personnel, making it the most widespread war in history, and placed the participants in a state of "total war",erasing the distinction between civil and military resources. This resulted in the complete activation of a nation's economic, industrial, and scientific capabilities for the purposes of the war effort. Over60 million people,the majority of them civilians, were killed, making it the deadliest conflict inhuman history.[37]The worldwide financial cost of the war is estimated at a trillion 1944 U.S. dollars,[38][39]making it the most costly war both in capital expenditures as well as loss of lives.

    During this conflict 471 United States military personnel received the Medal of Honor, 273 of them posthumously. A total of 42 Medals of Honor, representing 9% of all awarded during World War II, were presented for action in just two battles – 15 for actions during the Japaneseattack on Pearl Harbor,and 27 for actions during theBattle of Iwo Jima.Also a total of 21 (4.5% of all World War II Medals of Honor) were awarded to members of the all-Japanese American100th Infantry Battalionand the442nd Regimental Combat Team,for actions in numerous battles across six different campaigns.[40]Additionally, the only Medal of Honor ever presented to a member of the United States Coast Guard (Douglas Albert Munro) was received for actions during this war.[25]

    Korean War[edit]

    Main article:List of Korean War Medal of Honor recipients

    TheKorean Warwas ignited by the 1950 invasion of South Korea when theNorth KoreanArmy moved south on June 25, 1950, to seize the rest of the Korean peninsula, which had been formally divided since 1948. The conflict was then expanded by the United States, China's and theSoviet Union's involvement. The main hostilities were during the period from June 25, 1950, until theKorean Armistice Agreementwas signed on July 27, 1953.

    In South Korea, the war is often called "6•25", or the 6•25 War (Korean: 6•25 전쟁), from the date of the start of the conflict or, more formally,Hanguk Jeonjaengliterally "Korean War". In North Korea, while commonly known as the Korean War, it is formally called the Fatherland Liberation War. In the early days of the war, United States PresidentHarry Trumancalled the United Nations response a "police action".[41]The war is sometimes called "The Forgotten War" because it is a major conflict of the 20th century that gets less attention thanWorld War II,which preceded it, and the controversialVietnam War,which succeeded it.[42]In China, the conflict was known as the War to Resist America and Aid Korea, but is today commonly called the "Korean War".[43]

    During this war, 146 Medals of Honor were awarded.[44]

    Vietnam War[edit]

    Main article:List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War

    TheVietnam War,also known as the SecondIndochina War,and in Vietnam as the American War, occurred from 1959 to April 30, 1975. The term "Vietnam Conflict" is often used to refer to events which took place between 1959 and April 30, 1975. The war was fought between the Communist-supportedDemocratic Republic of Vietnam(North Vietnam) and the United States supportedRepublic of Vietnam(South Vietnam).

    During the Vietnam War and in the following twelve months, 234 Medals of Honor were received and since 1978 a further 32 awards have been presented. Of the total of 266 awards, 174 were to the US Army, 15 to the US Navy, 57 to the USMC and 14 to the USAF.[25]The first medal of the war was presented toRoger Donlonfor rescuing and administering first aid to several wounded soldiers and leading a group against an enemy force.[45]The first African American recipient of the war wasMilton L. Olive, IIIwho sacrificed himself to save others by smothering a grenade with his body.[46]Riley L. Pittswas killed after attacking an enemy force with rifle fire and grenades and was the first African American commissioned officer of the war to receive the medal.[47]Thomas Bennettwas aconscientious objectorwho received the medal for his actions as a medic;[48]threechaplainsreceived the medal, includingVincent R. Capodanno,who served with the Marine Corps and was known as the GruntPadre.[49]

    USSLibertyincident[edit]

    TheUSSLibertyincidentwas an attack on a neutral U.S. Navy spy ship, theUSSLiberty,byIsraelijet fighter planes and motor torpedo boats on June 8, 1967, during theSix-Day War.The combined air and sea attack killed 34 and wounded more than 170 crew members, and damaged the ship severely.[50]

    Image Name Service Rank Place of action Date of action Unit Notes[51]
    Top half of man in circa 1970 U.S. Navy officer uniform, before an American flag. William L. McGonagle Navy Commander EasternMediterranean Sea June 8–9, 1967 USSLiberty(AGTR-5) Continued to lead his ship despite being severely wounded

    Post-Vietnam[edit]

    Since the end of theVietnam War,also known asthe Vietnam Conflict and Second Indochina War,[52][53]the United States was involved in a number of smaller conflicts during the end of theCold War,including inGrenada,Panama,and elsewhere.[54]In the Post-Cold War, the United States was involved in conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and in the Balkans.[55]No Medals of Honor have been awarded for any of the aforementioned conflicts so far either proactively or retroactively.[56]

    Somalia[edit]

    On October 3, 1993, during theBattle of Mogadishu,members of theU.S. Army RangersandSOCOM's Delta Force executed a mission to capture members of Gen.Mohamed Farrah Aidid's forces. In the ensuing battle, twoUH-60 Blackhawkhelicopters were shot down. As the second Blackhawk, containingChief Warrant OfficerMichael Durant,was hit and crashed, Master SergeantGary I. GordonandSergeant First ClassRandall D. Shughartwere in a nearby Blackhawk monitoring radio traffic. Gordon and Shughart were part of a sniper team forDelta Forcethat was assigned to watch over the operation, engaging targets from their position in the Blackhawk. As they monitored the downing of the second Blackhawk, it became evident that ground forces would not be available to secure the crash site and protect the critically injured crew of four, all of whom survived the crash. Gordon, the sniper team leader, requested that they be inserted at the 2nd crash site. His request was denied twice before finally being approved on the third request. The snipers were armed only with their sniper rifles and pistols.

    Upon reaching the downed Blackhawk, which was under intense enemy fire, Gordon and Shughart pulled the crew from the wreckage and proceeded to set up a defensive perimeter. The snipers, assisted by the severely injured Durant, began to engage the attacking Somalis from the opposite side of the wreckage using assault rifles stored on the Blackhawk. Shughart and Gordon were eventually mortally wounded after nearly exhausting all available ammunition; Durant, the only survivor, was taken hostage. According to Durant's account, 25 Somalis were killed and many more were wounded.

    On Monday, May 23, 1994, President Clinton presented the Medal of Honor to the widows of Gordon and Shughart.[57]They are the only snipers to have received the Medal of Honor.[58]The filmBlack Hawk Down,based onthe book of the same name,includes a narrative of the events.

    21st century[edit]

    Main article:List of post-Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipients

    War in Afghanistan[edit]

    TheWar in Afghanistan,which began on October 7, 2001, was launched by the United States, the United Kingdom, and NATO allies in response to theSeptember 11 attacks.It was the beginning of thewar on terror.The stated purpose of the invasion was to captureOsama bin Laden,destroyal-Qaedaand remove theTalibanregime which had provided support and safe harbor to al-Qaeda.[59]Since 2001, 18 American service-members have received the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan, four of them posthumously. ArmySergeant First ClassJared C. Montireceived his medal for attempting to rescue a wounded soldier at the cost of his own life. NavyLieutenantMichael P. Murphyreceived his for actions against insurgent forces and for sacrificing his life to call for help when his team had been overwhelmed by a much larger enemy force.[60]Army Staff SergeantRobert James Miller's surviving family was presented with his medal on October 6, 2010.[61]On June 19, 2014, Marine Corps CorporalKyle Carpenterreceived the Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the White House. He is the eighth living recipient to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan.John Allan Chapman(July 14, 1965 – March 4, 2002) was aCombat Controllerin the United States Air Force who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on August 22, 2018, for his actions in theBattle of Takur Ghar.The first living recipient since the Vietnam War and the fourth Afghanistan recipient,Salvatore Giunta,received his for his actions in 2007 when he risked his life to save a wounded comrade. A second living recipient, Sergeant First ClassLeroy Petry,received the medal from President Obama during a July 12, 2011 ceremony.[62]Marine Corps CorporalDakota Meyerbecame the third living recipient awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during theBattle of Ganjgal.[63][64]An additional eleven living recipients have been awarded the Medal of Honor since Meyer. There have been twelve awards to the U.S. Army, three to the U.S. Navy, two to the U.S. Marine Corps and one to the U.S. Air Force.

    Iraq War[edit]

    TheIraq War,[65]known in the United States as Operation Iraqi Freedom,[66]Operation TELIC in the United Kingdom[67]was a conflict which began on March 20, 2003, with theUnited States-led invasionofIraqby amultinational coalitioncomposed of United States and United Kingdom troops supported by smaller contingents from Australia, Poland, as well as other nations.[68]Seven service members have received the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq; five from the Army, one from the Marine Corps and one from the Navy.Paul Ray Smithwas the first to receive it for his actions on April 4, 2003, when he held enemy forces back, allowing other wounded soldiers to be evacuated to safety. The other five recipients wereStaff SergeantDavid Bellavia,Staff SergeantTravis Atkins,CorporalJason Dunhamof the Marine Corps,SpecialistRoss A. McGinnisof the Army andMaster-at-ArmsSecond ClassMichael A. Monsoorof the U.S. Navy. The latter four of these each received it after being killed while using their own bodies to smother explosive devices to protect their comrades.[69]On December 16, 2021,Sergeant First ClassAlwyn Cashewas awarded the medal, posthumously, for his heroism in the Iraq conflict.[70]

    Non-combat[edit]

    Main article:List of Medal of Honor recipients in non-combat incidents

    Before 1963, the Medal of Honor could be received for actions not involving directcombatwith enemy or opposing foreign forces and 193 men earned the medal in this way.[25]Most of these medals were presented to members of theUnited States Navyfor rescuing or attempting to rescue someone from drowning.[25]One of those awarded the Medal of Honor for rescuing others was Fireman Second ClassTelesforo Trinidad,who, as of 2020, has been the onlyAsian Americansailor to be awarded the Medal of Honor.[71]In addition to the medals that were presented for lifesaving acts, one Medal of Honor was presented toWilliam Halford,who sailed in a small boat for 31 days to get help for the other crew ofUSSSaginawwho had been stranded on an island.[72]Three explorers were also presented with the medal by special acts of Congress.Charles Lindberghreceived the medal for flying the first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean.Floyd BennettandRichard Evelyn Byrdreceived it for their participation in what was thought to be the first successful heavier-than-air flight to the North Pole and back. One recipient,Adolphus W. Greely,received his for a lifetime of military service.[73]

    Foreign[edit]

    Current law,10 U.S.C.§ 6241explicitly states that recipients must be serving in the U.S. Armed Forces at the time of performing a valorous act that warrants the award. However, the Medal of Honor has been presented to five First World War unknown soldiers of allied countries: theBritish Unknown Warriorin the United Kingdom byGeneral Pershingon October 17, 1921; theRomanian Unknown Soldier,theFrench Unknown Soldier(entombed under the Arc de Triomphe), theBelgian Unknown Soldier,and theItalian Unknown Soldier(entombed in theMonument of Vittorio Emanuele II). Each of the countries reciprocally awarded medals to theU.S. Unknown Soldier.[74]

    Notes[edit]

    1. ^The Philippine–American War is usually known as thePhilippine Insurrection.This name was historically the most commonly used in the U.S., but some Filipino historians refer to these hostilities as thePhilippine-American War,and, in 1999, the U.S.Library of Congressreclassified its references to use this term. Most historians continue to refer to the Insurrection.
    2. ^Official military histories in Commonwealth nations refer to the conflict as the Second World War, while the United States' official histories refer to the conflict as World War II. English translations of the official histories of other nations tend to resolve into English as Second World War also, for exampleZweiter Weltkriegin German. SeeC.P. StaceyOfficial History of the Canadian Army in the Second World War,for example. "Official" usage of these terms is giving way to popular usage and the two terms are becoming interchangeable even in formal military history.

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    Further reading[edit]

    External links[edit]

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