Medal of Honor

A tribute to the exceptional courage of America's most decorated military heroes. This section highlights the personal stories of valor and self-sacrifice behind the Medal of Honor, examining the profound actions of those who earned the nation's highest military distinction and their lasting legacy.

"No Orders Needed: The Valor of Staff Sergeant Walter Ehlers"

While others looked to their leaders for direction, Staff Sergeant Walter Ehlers was the direction—charging headlong into fire, alone, again and again. Not because he was told to, but because it had to be done.

MOH

The Last Flight of Leon Vance – June 5, 1944

Clinging to life and nearly unconscious from blood loss, Vance tried to return to the sinking wreck to search for the missing crewman.

MOH

Cpl. Bennett: He Heard the Call and Gave Everything

Cpl. Bennett enlisted during the Vietnam War as a conscientious objector who was still willing to serve. Trained as a medic, he selflessly gave everything to aid his comrades in battle.

MOH

"Clifford C. Sims: A Soldier’s Sacrifice in Vietnam"

Staff Sergeant Clifford C. Sims of the 101st Airborne Division displayed extraordinary heroism on February 21, 1968, during the Vietnam War when he sacrificed himself by throwing his body onto a booby trap to save his squad.

MOH

"The Amazing Story of Archibald Mathies: A Legacy of Sacrifice and Heroism"

Attempting to land the aircraft, Mathies made two unsuccessful attempts before the bomber crashed in an open field on the third attempt, tragically killing him, the navigator, and the pilot.

MOH

Thomas Kinsman’s Heroic Act in Vinh Long, Vietnam

As his unit engaged in intense combat with a well-entrenched Viet Cong force, he and a small group of eight soldiers became separated from the main company.

MOH

Donald E. Ballard's Valor as a Medal of Honor Recipient

As they prepared to move, an enemy soldier emerged from concealment, hurled a hand grenade that landed near the group, and opened fire.