Intro
Discover the bravery and selflessness of Americas heroes with our list of the Top 10 US Military Medals of Honor. Learn about the prestigious awards, their recipients, and the extraordinary acts of valor that earned them the nations highest military honor, including the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and Navy Cross.
The United States Military's Medal of Honor is the highest award that can be bestowed upon a member of the armed forces for valor in action against an enemy force. Established in 1862, the Medal of Honor has been awarded to over 3,500 recipients, each with a unique story of bravery and selflessness. Here, we'll explore the top 10 US Military Medals of Honor, highlighting the remarkable stories of the recipients and the actions that earned them this prestigious award.
The Medal of Honor: A Symbol of Valor
The Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. The medal is awarded by the President of the United States in the name of Congress.
1. Audie Murphy: The Most Decorated American Soldier
Audie Murphy: The Most Decorated American Soldier
Audie Murphy was a second lieutenant in the US Army during World War II. He is widely regarded as the most decorated American soldier of the war, earning 33 awards and decorations, including the Medal of Honor. Murphy's Medal of Honor was awarded for his actions on January 26, 1945, when he single-handedly held off a company of German soldiers for over an hour, killing or wounding over 50 enemy soldiers.
2. Desmond Doss: The Conscientious Objector
Desmond Doss: The Conscientious Objector
Desmond Doss was a corporal in the US Army during World War II. A conscientious objector, Doss refused to carry a rifle or take life, but still served as a medic. His Medal of Honor was awarded for his actions on May 2, 1945, when he rescued over 75 wounded soldiers on Okinawa, Japan, despite being under heavy fire.
3. Michael Thornton: The Navy SEAL
Michael Thornton: The Navy SEAL
Michael Thornton was a Navy SEAL during the Vietnam War. His Medal of Honor was awarded for his actions on October 31, 1972, when he saved the life of his commanding officer, Lieutenant Thomas Norris, despite being wounded himself.
4. James Stockdale: The POW
James Stockdale: The POW
James Stockdale was a vice admiral in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. His Medal of Honor was awarded for his actions as a prisoner of war, where he resisted torture and mistreatment, and helped to maintain the morale of his fellow prisoners.
5. Salvatore Giunta: The Modern-Day Hero
Salvatore Giunta: The Modern-Day Hero
Salvatore Giunta was a staff sergeant in the US Army during the War in Afghanistan. His Medal of Honor was awarded for his actions on October 25, 2007, when he saved the life of a wounded soldier and killed several enemy fighters.
6. Drew Dix: The Green Beret
Drew Dix: The Green Beret
Drew Dix was a major in the US Army during the Vietnam War. His Medal of Honor was awarded for his actions on January 31, 1968, when he led a team of soldiers in a daring rescue mission, killing several enemy fighters and saving the lives of several civilians.
7. Ronald Shurer: The Medic
Ronald Shurer: The Medic
Ronald Shurer was a staff sergeant in the US Army during the War in Afghanistan. His Medal of Honor was awarded for his actions on April 6, 2008, when he treated several wounded soldiers and killed several enemy fighters.
8. Robert Howard: The Special Forces
Robert Howard: The Special Forces
Robert Howard was a sergeant first class in the US Army during the Vietnam War. His Medal of Honor was awarded for his actions on December 30, 1968, when he led a team of soldiers in a daring rescue mission, killing several enemy fighters and saving the lives of several civilians.
9. Thomas Hudner: The Navy Pilot
Thomas Hudner: The Navy Pilot
Thomas Hudner was a lieutenant in the US Navy during the Korean War. His Medal of Honor was awarded for his actions on December 4, 1950, when he crash-landed his plane to rescue a wounded pilot.
10. Michael Monsoor: The Navy SEAL
Michael Monsoor: The Navy SEAL
Michael Monsoor was a petty officer in the US Navy during the Iraq War. His Medal of Honor was awarded for his actions on September 29, 2006, when he threw himself on a grenade to save the lives of his fellow soldiers.
Conclusion
The Medal of Honor is a symbol of the highest level of valor and selflessness that can be demonstrated by a member of the armed forces. These 10 recipients are just a few examples of the many brave men and women who have earned this prestigious award. Their stories serve as a reminder of the sacrifices that are made by those who serve in the military, and the importance of honoring their bravery and selflessness.
FAQs
What is the Medal of Honor?
+The Medal of Honor is the highest award that can be bestowed upon a member of the armed forces for valor in action against an enemy force.
How many Medals of Honor have been awarded?
+Over 3,500 Medals of Honor have been awarded since the medal was established in 1862.
What are the criteria for receiving the Medal of Honor?
+The Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.
We hope this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the top 10 US Military Medals of Honor. If you have any further questions or would like to share your thoughts, please leave a comment below.