Medal of Honor Recipients

Medal of Honor recipients include those U.S. military personnel who have received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest decoration for valor in combat. Medal of Honor recipients are presented a medal which is indicative of the recipient’s branch of service and worn at the throat, suspended from a pale blue ribbon. The criteria for Medal of Honor recipients has evolved through the years since the award was established during the Civil War.

Fighter Ace David McCampbell was a United States Navy Captain, fighter pilot, and a Medal of Honor recipient.

Clash in the Sibuyan: David McCampbell

by John Wukovits

The most decorated naval aviator of the war, David McCampbell entered the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea with the reputation as an ace. Read more

Medal of Honor Recipients

The Ill-Fated Goettge Patrol: General Alexander Vandergrift

by John Wukovits

Born in 1887 in Virginia, Alexander Archer Vandegrift was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1909. Read more

In what is considered an accurate depiction by artist Tom Lovell of the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox, Virginia, Horace Porter stands immediately to General Grant’s right.

Medal of Honor Recipients

Medal of Honor Awardee Horace Porter’s Astonishing Career

By Richard H. Owens, Ph.D.

Horace Porter was born April 15, 1837 in Huntingdon, Pa. He traced his ancestry and family motto, “Vigilantia et virtute,” to William De La Grange, who accompanied William the Conqueror to England in 1066. Read more

"Commando" Charles E. Kelly became the first Medal of Honor recipient in the European Theater, but battled many demons at home afterward.

Medal of Honor Recipients

Charles E. Kelly: The First European Theater Medal of Honor Recipient

By Duane Schultz

He killed 40 Germans in less than an hour. The next day, he earned the Medal of Honor for killing more. Read more

Medal of Honor Recipients

Howard W. Gilmore and the USS Growler: Making the Ultimate Sacrifice

By Chuck Lyons

On February 7, 1943, while on patrol in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, U.S. Navy Commander Howard W. Gilmore, commander of the USS Growler (SS-215), and his crew carved out a place for themselves in Navy legend and set a standard of duty that is remembered in the submarine service today. Read more