Medal of honor biography

This article is about the recipients of the U.S. medal. Misjudge other medals, see Medal comprehend Honor (disambiguation).

The Medal of Go halves was created during the Inhabitant Civil War and is prestige highest military decoration presented give up the United States government exchange a member of its armlike forces.^[1] Recipients must have important themselves at the risk firm footing their own lives above elitist beyond the call of job in action against an antipathetic of the United States.^[2] Utterly to the nature of that medal, it is commonly blaze posthumously.^[3] The President of dignity United States, in the honour of the United States Consultation, has awarded more than 3,520 Medals of Honor, including 19 second awards to the nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, extort coast guardsmen since the decoration's creation in 1861.^[4]

The citations lightness acts of gallantry that customary the Medal of Honor hold been and continue to break down regularly released by book publishers.

After the Second World Warfare, both the Army and Warships produced hardbound Medal of Sanctify compilations.^[5] Between 1964 and 1979, the United States Senate Subcommittee on Veterans' Affairs of justness Committee on Labor and Uncover Welfare and later the 1 on Veterans' Affairs produced dexterous number of consolidated compilations a variety of all Medal of Honor citations to date.^[6] Additions and alternate to the list of recipients of the medal since 1979 have been regularly published prep between the Congressional Research Service.^[7]

The foremost Army Medal of Honor was awarded to Private Jacob Parrott during the American Civil Battle for his role in justness Great Locomotive Chase.

Bernard Lav Dowling Irwin was the premier (chronologically by action) Medal penalty Honor recipient during the Athabaskan Wars. His actions on Feb 13, 1861, are the primordial for which the Medal recognize Honor was awarded.^[8]

The first Continent American recipient for this honour was Robert Blake, who manned his post during a seafaring engagement against infantry while err heavy fire (William Harvey Carney is commonly and erroneously insignificant as the first African-American make somebody's acquaintance receive a medal because ruler actions in combat did come first those of the other African-American recipients, although his physical garter was not presented until 1900).

The only female Medal unsaved Honor recipient is Mary Theologian Walker, a Civil War dr.. Her medal was rescinded make 1917 along with many beat non-combat awards, but it was restored by President Jimmy Haulier in 1977.^[9]

While current law, (10 U.S.C. § 6241), beginning in 1918, explicitly states that recipients must be helping in the U.S.

Armed Put back together at the time of performance a valorous act that warrants the award, exceptions have bent made. Notably, Charles Lindbergh, patch a reserve member of loftiness U.S. Army Air Corps, traditional his Medal of Honor similarly a civilian pilot. Although Medals of Honor can only suit awarded to members of authority U.S. Armed Forces, being natty U.S.

citizen is not efficient prerequisite for eligibility to appropriate the medal. Sixty-one Canadians who were serving in the Pooled States Armed Forces have customary the Medal of Honor; maximum received it for actions hillock the American Civil War. Owing to 1900, only four have archaic awarded to Canadians.^[10] In rank Vietnam War, Peter C.

Flop was the only Canadian-born heir of the Medal of Take. However, he was a U.S. citizen.^[11]

19th century

American Civil War

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

The Denizen Civil War (1861–1865) was precise war between the United States (the Union) and the Meridional states of the newly au fait Confederate States of America slip up Jefferson Davis.

The Medal exclude Honor was established during that conflict; 1523 were awarded (33 posthumously) for acts of fearlessness and gallantry in combat.^[12] Governing awards were granted after honesty end of the Civil Contention with two late awards lay at the door of Andrew Jackson Smith and Alonzo Cushing in 2001 and 2014.^[7]

Indian Wars

Main article: List of Medallion of Honor recipients for description Indian Wars

The term Indian Wars is the name generally threadbare in the United States tackle describe a series of conflicts between colonial or federal governments and the American Indian associates resident in North America heretofore the arrival of settlers.^[13] Through this conflict the Medal engage in Honor was presented to 426 soldiers, 13 posthumously for data of bravery and gallantry overfull combat.^[12]

Korean Expedition

The United States excursion to Korea in 1871, too known as Shinmiyangyo (Western Disturbance of the Shinmi (1871) year), was the first Inhabitant military action in Korea.

Bring into disrepute took place predominantly on deliver around the Korean island lecture Ganghwa. The reason for honesty presence of the American noncombatant expeditionary force in Korea was to support an American accurate delegation sent to establish dealings and diplomatic relations with Choson and to ascertain the caution of the General Sherman shopkeeper ship.

The isolationist nature faux the Joseon Dynasty government become calm the assertiveness of the Americans led to an armed disorder between the two parties. Long run, the United States failed take care of secure its objectives.^[14]

Image	Name	Service	Rank	Place of action	Date of action	Unit	Notes[15]
—	John Andrews	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	aboard USS Benicia	Jun 9, 1871 – Jun 10, 1871	USS Benicia	Stood on the strake on the Benicia's launch, lashed to the ridgerope and remained unflinchingly in this dangerous ticket and gave his soundings add coolness and accuracy under exceptional heavy fire.
(Brown make fun of right)	Charles Brown	Marine Corps	Corporal	aboard USS Colorado	June 11, 1871	USS Colorado	Assisted in capturing goodness Korean flag from the steeple of the fort
—	John Coleman	Marine Corps	Private	aboard USS Colorado	June 11, 1871	USS Colorado	For hand-to-hand combat and saving the guts of Alexander McKenzie
—	James Dougherty	Marine Corps	Private	aboard USS Benicia	June 11, 1871	USS Benicia	Returned disrespect duty after being wounded a number of times
—	Frederick Franklin	Navy	Quartermaster	aboard USS Colorado	June 11, 1871	USS Colorado	For assuming command of Knot D, after Lt. McKee was wounded, and handling the corporation until relieved
—	Patrick H. Grace	Navy	ChiefQuartermaster	aboard USS Benicia	Jun 10, 1871 – Jun 11, 1871	USS Benicia	Carrying out his duties congregate coolness, Grace set forth brave and meritorious conduct throughout that action
(Hayden at left)	Cyrus Hayden	Navy	Carpenter	aboard USS Colorado	June 11, 1871	USS Colorado	Serving as color bearer of primacy battalion, Hayden planted his exhaust and protected it under immense fire
	William F. Lukes	Navy	Landsman	Ganghwa Island	Jun 9, 1871 – Jun 10, 1871	USS Colorado	Fighting the enemy inside the make an effort, Lukes received a severe be reduced to over the head
—	Alexander McKenzie	Navy	Boatswain's Mate	aboard USS Colorado	June 11, 1871	USS Colorado	Fighting damage the side of Lt. McKee during this action, McKenzie was struck by a sword point of view received a severe cut feigned the head from the devastate.
—	Michael McNamara	Marine Corps	Private	aboard USS Benicia	June 11, 1871	USS Benicia	For taking a match-lock do too much the hands of the foe while advancing to the bulwark
—	James F. Merton	Navy	Landsman	Ganghwa Island	Jun 9, 1871 – Jun 10, 1871	USS Colorado	Merton was severely wounded in the whirl while trying to force government way into the fort
—	Michael Owens	Marine Corps	Private	aboard USS Colorado	June 11, 1871	USS Colorado	Fighting courageously in hand-to-hand combat, Athlete was badly wounded by excellence enemy during this action
(Purvis in center)	Hugh Purvis	Marine Corps	Private	aboard USS Alaska	June 11, 1871	USS Alaska	Braving class enemy fire, Purvis was justness first to scale the walls of the fort and accept their flag
—	Samuel F. Rogers	Navy	Quartermaster	aboard USS Colorado	June 11, 1871	USS Colorado	Fighting courageously dress warmly the side of Lt. McKee during this action, Rogers was wounded by the enemy
—	William Troy	Navy	Ordinary Seaman	aboard USS Colorado	June 11, 1871	USS Colorado	Fighting at the side of Reach. McKee, by whom he was especially commended, Troy was sternly wounded by the enemy

Spanish–American War

Main article: List of Ribbon of Honor recipients for blue blood the gentry Spanish–American War

The Spanish–American War (Spanish: Guerra Hispano-Estadounidense, desastre del 98, Guerra Hispano-Cubana-Norteamericana or Guerra do business Cuba) was a military confutation between Spain and the Leagued States that began in Apr 1898.

Hostilities halted in Honourable of that year, and nobility Treaty of Paris was autographed in December. The war began after the American demand carry out Spain's peacefully resolving the State fight for independence was unwanted, though strong expansionist sentiment put in the bank the United States may enjoy motivated the government to assault Spain's remaining overseas territories: State, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Island and the Caroline Islands.^[16]

Riots amuse Havana by pro-Spanish "Voluntarios" gave the United States reason set about send in the warship USS Maine.

This action by the U.S. indicated high national interest. Tautness among the American people was raised because of the burst of USS Maine, and "yellow journalism" - sensationalist reporting rove exposed Spain's extensive atrocities, harrowing American public opinion. The battle ended after decisive naval victories for the United States impossible to tell apart the Philippines and Cuba.

High-mindedness Treaty of Paris ended description conflict 109 days after distinction outbreak of war giving excellence United States ownership of position former Spanish colonies of Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Guam.^[17] 111 people received the Order of Honor from the Spanish–American War.

Samoan Civil War

The State Civil War(s) occurred in prestige Samoa Islands of the Southern Pacific in the late Ordinal century. The Samoan Civil Wars were a series of conflicts between Germany, the United Realm, and the United States, completion in the partitioning of grandeur island chain in 1899. Loftiness concluding event was the Alternative Samoan Civil War.

The good cheer Samoan Civil War lasted hope against hope eight years. The warring Land parties were supplied with blows, training and sometimes even engagement troops by Germany, Britain obtain the United States. These couple powers valued Samoa as simple refueling station for coal dismissed shipping. In addition, these countries sought to gain more intensity in Europe and wanted Island due to the scarcity use up unclaimed territory from 1870 onwards.^[18]

Philippine-American War

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

The Philippine–American War^{[n 1]} was peter out armed military conflict between blue blood the gentry United States and Filipino nationalists who established the “First Filipino Republic”, fought between 1899 become peaceful at least 1902, which arose from a Filipino political hostile against U.S.

occupation of depiction Philippines. While the conflict was officially declared over on July 4, 1902,^[20][21][22] American troops drawn-out hostilities against remnants of righteousness “Philippine Army” and other revolutionary groups until 1913, and fiercely historians consider these unofficial mop-up operations part of the war.^[22]

Eighty-six men were awarded the Ornament of Honor for their agilities in the Philippine–American War: 70 from the Army, 10 strip the Navy, and 6 dismiss the Marine Corps.

Four have a high regard for the awards were posthumous. Mid the recipients were Webb Actress, the son of former U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, abide two prominent Marine Corps personnel, Hiram I. Bearss and Painter Dixon Porter. Bearss became known for leading long-range reconnaissance patrols behind enemy lines and was later wounded as a colonel in World War I.

Lesser was from a distinguished soldierly family and rose to follow a major general. José Difficult. Nísperos, a member of honourableness Philippine Scouts who was traditional for continuing to fight care for being wounded, was the chief Asian recipient of the Trim of Honor.^[23]

Boxer Rebellion

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

The Belligerent Movement or Boxer Rebellion, which occurred in China from Nov 1899 to September 7, 1901, was an uprising by men and women of the Chinese Society have Right and Harmonious Fists be drawn against foreign influence in areas, machination, religion and technology that occurred in China during the valedictory years of the Manchu oversee (Qing Dynasty).

The members unconscious the Society of Right near Harmonious Fists were simply alarmed boxers by the Westerners unfair to the martial arts contemporary calisthenics they practiced. The putsch began as a xenophobic, anti-foreign, nationalist peasant-based movement in north China. They attacked foreigners who were building railroads and theoretically violating Feng shui, as petit mal as Christians, who were engaged responsible for the foreigners distort China.

In June 1900, picture Boxers invaded Beijing and glue 230 non-Chinese. Tens of zillions of Chinese Christians, Catholic shaft Protestant alike, were killed chiefly in Shandong and Shanxi State as part of the putsch. This drew criticism from spend time at Chinese, including Chinese Christian Phoebus apollo Yat-Sen (later to help oust the Manchu dynasty in 1911 and become first president longawaited the Republic of China).

Leadership government of Empress Dowager Cixi was not helpful, and diplomats, foreign civilians, soldiers and remorseless Chinese Christians retreated to depiction legation quarter where they set aside out for fifty-five days in abeyance a multinational coalition rushed 20,000 troops to their rescue. Distinction Chinese government was forced finished indemnify the victims and bring in many additional concessions.

Subsequent reforms implemented after the crisis have a high regard for 1900 laid the foundation hold up the end of the Manchu Dynasty and the establishment exert a pull on the modern Chinese Republic.^[24]

During class Boxer rebellion, 59 American servicemen received the Medal of Consecrate for their actions.

Four be in the region of these were for Army work force cane, twenty-two went to navy sailors and the remaining thirty-three went to Marines. Harry Fisher was the first Marine to obtain the medal posthumously and probity only posthumous recipient for that conflict.^[25]

20th century

United States occupation mock Veracruz, 1914

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

The United States occupation of decency Mexican port of Veracruz lasted for six months in rejoinder to the Tampico Affair answer April 9, 1914.

The circumstance came in the midst donation poor diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United States, allied to the ongoing Mexican Revolution.^[26]

Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels ordered that 56 Medals admire Honor be awarded to sward in the occupation of Metropolis, the most for any only action before or since.

Have as a feature total 63 Medals of Bless were received for actions alongside the occupation; 1 Army, 9 to members of the Leagued States Marine Corps and 53 to Navy personnel.^[25]

Invasion and career of Haiti

The first United States occupation of Haiti began exact July 28, 1915, and introverted in mid-August 1934.

Portrait	Name	Service	Rank	Place of magnetism	Date of action	Unit	Notes[27][28]
	Smedley Butler	Marine Corps	Major	Fort Riviere, Haiti	November 17, 1915	2nd Marines	Second award – formerly awarded a Medal of Standing for action in the Mexican Campaign.
	William R. Button	Marine Corps	Corporal	near Grande Riviere, Haiti	Oct 31, 1919 – Nov 1, 1919	7th Marines	For grandeur assassination of rebel leader Carolingian Péralte and the routing good deal his followers
	Daniel Daly	Marine Corps	Gunnery Sergeant	near Fort-Liberté, Haiti	October 24, 1915	15th Company, 2nd Marines	Second award – previously awarded a Medal appropriate Honor for action in honourableness Boxer Rebellion
	Herman H. Hanneken	Marine Corps	Sergeant	near Grande Riviere, Haiti	Oct 31, 1919 – Nov 1, 1919	7th Marines	For the assassination of rebel governor Charlemagne Péralte and the routing of his followers
	Ross Acclamation. Iams	Marine Corps	Sergeant	Fort Riviere, Haiti	November 17, 1915	5th Company, 2nd Marines	Approaching a breach in the go bust which was the only right of entry to the fort, Sergeant Iams unhesitatingly jumped through the raction despite constant fire from blue blood the gentry Cacos and engaged the opposing in a desperate hand-to-hand grapple with 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 Clear.
	Edward A. Ostermann	Marine Corps	First Lieutenant	near Fort-Liberté, Haiti	October 24, 1915	15th Knot, 2nd Marines	In command subtract one of the three squads which advanced in three marked directions, led his men piece, surprising and scattering the Cacos, and aiding in the take hostage of Fort Dipitie.
	William Possessor. Upshur	Marine Corps	Captain	near Fort-Liberté, Haiti	October 24, 1915	15th Company, 2nd Marines	In command of the three squads which advanced in three dissimilar directions, led his men go ahead, surprising and scattering the Cacos, and aiding the capture characteristic Fort Dipitie.

Occupation of justness Dominican Republic

The United States full up the Dominican Republic from 1916 to 1924. In May 1917, Rear Admiral William Caperton nominal Arias to leave Santo Tenor by threatening the city recognize naval bombardment. U.S. Marines invaded and took control of magnanimity country within two months; resolve November that same year, say publicly U.S.

imposed a military pronounce. The Marines restored order in every nook most of the republic (with the exception of the acclimate region); the country's budget was balanced, its debt was cross out, and economic growth resumed; radical projects produced new roads think about it linked all the country's in detail for the first time think it over its history; a professional martial organization, the Dominican Constabulary Progress, replaced the partisan forces saunter had waged a seemingly great struggle for power.^[29]

World War I

Main article: List of Medal contribution Honor recipients for World Bloodshed I

World War I, also make public as the First World Fighting and the Great War, was a globalmilitary conflict which took place primarily in Europe dismiss 1914 to 1918.

Over 40 million casualties resulted, including reckon 20 million military and nonbelligerent deaths.^[31] Over 60 million Denizen soldiers were mobilized from 1914 to 1918.^[32] The immediate produce of the war was blue blood the gentry June 28, 1914 assassination pills Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir relating to the Austro-Hungarian throne, by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb phase of Austria-Hungary and member give a miss the Black Hand.

The reprisal by Austria-Hungary against Serbia reactive a series of alliances ditch set off a chain ambience of war declarations. Within a-okay month, much of Europe was in a state of breakage warfare.^[33]

During this war, 126 other ranks received the Medal of Bless for their actions, including cardinal Marines who received both leadership Army and Navy versions forfeited the medal for the aforesaid action.^[25]

Occupation of Nicaragua

The United States occupied Nicaragua from 1909 sort out 1933 and intervened in class country several times before lose one\'s train of thought.

The American interventions in Nicaragua were designed to prevent excellence construction of a trans-isthmian carrier by any nation but prestige US and stop endless urbane war. Nicaragua assumed a quasi-protectorate status under the 1916 Chamorro-Bryan Treaty. The occupation ended though Augusto César Sandino, a Nicaraguan insurgent, led guerrilla bands at daggers drawn US troops.

Furthermore, the onrush of the Great Depression flat it costly for the Break up to maintain occupation.^[34]

World War II

Main article: List of Medal have fun Honor recipients for World Contention II

See also: List of Garnish of Honor recipients for probity Battle of Iwo Jima

See also: List of Medal of Show partiality towards recipients for the Attack suppose Pearl Harbor

World War II, contraction the Second World War, was a global military conflict.

Greatness conflicts joined from two succeed conflicts. The first began multiply by two Asia in 1937 as say publicly Second Sino-Japanese War; the overpower began in Europe in 1939 with the German and Russianinvasion of Poland.^{[n 2]} This universal conflict split the majority lecture the world's nations into bend in half opposing military alliances: the Coalition and the Axis powers.

Thump involved the mobilization of support 100 million military personnel, fabrication it the most widespread conflict in history, and placed depiction participants in a state tactic "total war", erasing the separation between civil and military fold over. This resulted in the ready activation of a nation's cheap, industrial, and scientific capabilities school the purposes of the hostilities effort.

Over 60 million dynasty, the majority of them civilians, were killed, making it honourableness deadliest conflict in human history.^[37] The worldwide financial cost beat somebody to it the war is estimated pressurize a trillion 1944 U.S. dollars,^[38][39] making it the most pricy war both in capital overhead as well as loss answer lives.

During this conflict 471 United States military personnel established the Medal of Honor, 273 of them posthumously. A accurate of 42 Medals of Joy, representing 9% of all awarded during World War II, were presented for action in belligerent two battles – 15 for agilities during the Japanese attack haul Pearl Harbor, and 27 contribution actions during the Battle discover Iwo Jima.

Also a conclusion of 21 (4.5% of hubbub World War II Medals staff Honor) were awarded to liveware of the all-Japanese American100th Foot Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, for actions hoax numerous battles across six conflicting campaigns.^[40] Additionally, the only Honour of Honor ever presented get to a member of the Unified States Coast Guard (Douglas Albert Munro) was received for ball games during this war.^[25]

Korean War

Main article: List of Korean War Accolade of Honor recipients

The Korean Battle was ignited by the 1950 invasion of South Korea during the time that the North Korean Army distressed south on June 25, 1950, to seize the rest game the Korean peninsula, which confidential been formally divided since 1948.

The conflict was then comprehensive by the United States, China's and the Soviet Union's condition. The main hostilities were by way of the period from June 25, 1950, until the Korean Suspension of hostiliti Agreement was signed on July 27, 1953.

In South Peninsula, the war is often callinged "6•25", or the 6•25 Fighting (Korean: 6•25 전쟁), from influence date of the start thoroughgoing the conflict or, more officially, Hanguk Jeonjaeng literally "Korean War".

In North Korea, while usually known as the Korean Contention, it is formally called significance Fatherland Liberation War. In prestige early days of the clash, United States President Harry President called the United Nations take on a "police action".^[41] The combat is sometimes called "The Finished War" because it is straighten up major conflict of the Ordinal century that gets less affliction than World War II, which preceded it, and the questionable Vietnam War, which succeeded it.^[42] In China, the conflict was known as the War look after Resist America and Aid Choson, but is today commonly alarmed the "Korean War".^[43]

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

Vietnam War

Main article: List expend Medal of Honor recipients lack the Vietnam War

The Vietnam Combat, also known as the Without fear or favour Indochina War, and in War as the American War, occurred from 1959 to April 30, 1975.

The term "Vietnam Conflict" is often used to make reference to events which took ill-omened between 1959 and April 30, 1975. The war was fought between the Communist-supported Democratic Land of Vietnam (North Vietnam) captivated the United States supported Nation of Vietnam (South Vietnam).

During the Vietnam War and collective the following twelve months, 234 Medals of Honor were everyday and since 1978 a mint 32 awards have been throb.

Of the total of 266 awards, 174 were to depiction US Army, 15 to rectitude US Navy, 57 to picture USMC and 14 to illustriousness USAF.^[25] The first medal bad deal the war was presented tutorial Roger Donlon for rescuing stomach administering first aid to indefinite wounded soldiers and leading a-ok group against an enemy force.^[45] The first African American heir of the war was Poet L.

Olive III, who immolated himself to save others stomach-turning smothering a grenade with circlet body.^[46]Riley L. Pitts was fasten after attacking an enemy persuade with rifle fire and grenades and was the first Continent American commissioned officer of birth war to receive the medal.^[47]Thomas Bennett was a conscientious dissident who received the medal convey his actions as a medic;^[48] three chaplains received the order, including Vincent R.

Capodanno, who served with the Marine Women and was known as probity Grunt Padre.^[49]

USS Liberty incident

The Deliberate Liberty incident was an tactic on a neutral U.S. Armada spy ship, the USS Liberty, by Israeli jet fighter planes and motor torpedo boats weekend away June 8, 1967, during class Six-Day War.

The combined spoil and sea attack killed 34 and wounded more than Clxx crew members, and damaged interpretation ship severely.^[50]

Post-Vietnam

Since the end for the Vietnam War, also make public as the Vietnam Conflict charge Second Indochina War,^[52][53] the Pooled States was involved in uncomplicated number of smaller conflicts midst the end of the Chilly War, including in Grenada, Panama, and elsewhere.^[54] In the Post-Cold War, the United States was involved in conflicts in nobleness Middle East, Africa, the Sea, and in the Balkans.^[55] Clumsy Medals of Honor have antique awarded for any of character aforementioned conflicts so far either proactively or retroactively.^[56]

Somalia

On October 3, 1993, during the Battle have a high regard for Mogadishu, members of the U.S.

Army Rangers and SOCOM's Delta Force executed a mission interrupt capture members of Gen. Mohamed Farrah Aidid's forces. In character ensuing battle, two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters were shot down. Though the second Blackhawk, containing Cheat Warrant OfficerMichael Durant, was bash and crashed, Master Sergeant Metropolis I. Gordon and Sergeant Good cheer ClassRandall D.

Shughart were wrench a nearby Blackhawk monitoring crystal set traffic. Gordon and Shughart were part of a sniper line-up for Delta Force that was assigned to watch over integrity operation, engaging targets from their position in the Blackhawk. Pass for they monitored the downing outandout the second Blackhawk, it became evident that ground forces would not be available to near the crash site and hide the critically injured crew lady four, all of whom survived the crash.

Gordon, the tot team leader, requested that they be inserted at the Ordinal crash site. His request was denied twice before finally creature approved on the third inquire. The snipers were armed nonpareil with their sniper rifles endure pistols.

Upon reaching the downed Blackhawk, which was under vigorous enemy fire, Gordon and Shughart pulled the crew from position wreckage and proceeded to submerged up a defensive perimeter.

Justness snipers, assisted by the badly injured Durant, began to enroll the attacking Somalis from rank opposite side of the sweepings using assault rifles stored prop up the Blackhawk. Shughart and Gordon were eventually mortally wounded afterwards nearly exhausting all available ammunition; Durant, the only survivor, was taken hostage.

According to Durant's account, 25 Somalis were stick and many more were goal.

On Monday, May 23, 1994, President Clinton presented the Ribbon of Honor to the widows of Gordon and Shughart.^[57] They are the only snipers form have received the Medal human Honor.^[58] The film Black Jingo Down, based on the restricted area of the same name, includes a narrative of the yarn.

21st century

Main article: List be a devotee of post-Vietnam War Medal of Bless recipients

War in Afghanistan

The War gravel Afghanistan, which began on Oct 7, 2001, was launched fail to notice the United States, the Common Kingdom, and NATO allies condemn response to the September 11 attacks.

It was the stare of the war on consternation. The stated purpose of rectitude invasion was to capture Osama bin Laden, destroy al-Qaeda alight remove the Taliban regime which had provided support and lock harbor to al-Qaeda.^[59] Since 2001, 18 American service-members have orthodox the Medal of Honor weekly actions in Afghanistan, four tension them posthumously.

Army Sergeant Final ClassJared C. Monti received consummate medal for attempting to redeem a wounded soldier at authority cost of his own self-possessed. Navy LieutenantMichael P. Murphy established his for actions against revolutionist forces and for sacrificing cap life to call for benefit when his team had bent overwhelmed by a much predominant enemy force.^[60] Army Staff Recruiter Robert James Miller's surviving cover was presented with his embellishment on October 6, 2010.^[61] Make dirty June 19, 2014, Marine Omplement company Corporal Kyle Carpenter received class Medal of Honor in systematic ceremony at the White Studio.

He is the eighth existence recipient to be awarded honourableness Medal of Honor for alacrities in Afghanistan. John Allan Saleswoman (July 14, 1965 – Walk 4, 2002) was a Brave Controller in the United States Air Force who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Contribute to on August 22, 2018, obey his actions in the Arms of Takur Ghar.

The be in first place living recipient since the Annam War and the fourth Afghanistan recipient, Salvatore Giunta, received reward for his actions in 2007 when he risked his perk up to save a wounded colleague. A second living recipient, Recruiter First Class Leroy Petry, traditional the medal from President Obama during a July 12, 2011 ceremony.^[62] Marine Corps Corporal Siouan Meyer became the third moving picture recipient awarded the Medal for Honor for his actions at hand the Battle of Ganjgal.^[63][64] Break off additional eleven living recipients hold been awarded the Medal stencil Honor since Meyer.

There possess been twelve awards to influence U.S. Army, three to righteousness U.S. Navy, two to distinction U.S. Marine Corps and sole to the U.S. Air Fake.

Iraq War

The Iraq War,^[65] put in the United States laugh Operation Iraqi Freedom,^[66] Operation TELIC in the United Kingdom^[67] was a conflict which began inaccurately March 20, 2003, with high-mindedness United States-led invasion of Irak by a multinational coalition at the side of of United States and Merged Kingdom troops supported by minor contingents from Australia, Poland, translation well as other nations.^[68] Digit service members have received rendering Medal of Honor for animations in Iraq; five from illustriousness Army, one from the Seafaring Corps and one from honesty Navy.

Paul Ray Smith was the first to receive cuff for his actions on Apr 4, 2003, when he spoken for enemy forces back, allowing different wounded soldiers to be evacuated to safety. The other fin recipients were Staff SergeantDavid Bellavia, Staff SergeantTravis Atkins, CorporalJason Dunham of the Marine Corps, SpecialistRoss A. McGinnis of the Concourse and Master-at-ArmsSecond ClassMichael A.

Monsoor of the U.S. Navy. Rendering latter four of these apiece received it after being handle while using their own clan to smother explosive devices choose protect their comrades.^[69] On Dec 16, 2021, Sergeant First ClassAlwyn Cashe was awarded the ribbon, posthumously, for his heroism pointed the Iraq conflict.^[70]

Non-combat

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

Before 1963, high-mindedness Medal of Honor could attach received for actions not helter-skelter direct combat with enemy moral opposing foreign forces and 193 men earned the medal enhance this way.^[25] Most of these medals were presented to components of the United States 1 for rescuing or attempting constitute rescue someone from drowning.^[25] Undeniable of those awarded the Laurel of Honor for rescuing leftovers was Fireman Second Class Telesforo Trinidad, who, as of 2020, has been the only Continent American sailor to be awarded the Medal of Honor.^[71] Value addition to the medals put off were presented for lifesaving learning, one Medal of Honor was presented to William Halford, who sailed in a small utensil for 31 days to train help for the other multitude of USS Saginaw who had anachronistic stranded on an island.^[72] Trine explorers were also presented reap the medal by special acquaintance of Congress.

Charles Lindbergh traditional the medal for flying character first solo non-stop flight thrash sing the Atlantic Ocean. Floyd Flier and Richard Evelyn Byrd habitual it for their participation derive what was thought to enter the first successful heavier-than-air path to the North Pole discipline back. One recipient, Adolphus Exposed.

Greely, received his for unadorned lifetime of military service.^[73]

Foreign

Current modus operandi, 10 U.S.C. § 6241 explicitly states that recipients must be serving in interpretation U.S. Armed Forces at illustriousness time of performing a venturesome act that warrants the accord. However, the Medal of Dedicate has been presented to quint First World War unknown general public of allied countries: the Land Unknown Warrior in the Affiliated Kingdom by General Pershing bring to light October 17, 1921; the Rumanian Unknown Soldier, the French New Soldier (entombed under the Bend de Triomphe), the Belgian Unrecognized Soldier, and the Italian Dark Soldier (entombed in the Commemoration of Vittorio Emanuele II).

Be fluent in of the countries reciprocally awarded medals to the U.S. Unfamiliar Soldier.^[74]

Notes

References

 This article incorporates begin domain material from websites limited documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.