Medal of Honor Recipient Articles

Medal of Honor: Thomas James Reeves – World War II – December 7, 1941

When USS California’s ammunition hoists failed under fire, one warrant officer carried shells by hand through burning passageways — continuing until smoke and flames overcame him, giving his life to keep the ship’s guns firing.

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Medal of Honor: Jackson Charles Pharris – World War II – December 7, 1941

Trapped deep inside USS California as torpedoes tore open her hull, one officer fought through oil fumes, flooding compartments, and his own injuries , organizing ammunition supply, saving shipmates from drowning, and keeping his battleship in the fight.

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Medal of Honor: Isaac Campbell Kidd – World War II – December 7, 1941

As bombs and torpedoes tore into Battleship Row, one admiral climbed to the bridge of USS Arizona and remained at his post, commanding the battle until a magazine explosion destroyed the ship beneath him.

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Medal of Honor: Herbert Charpoit Jones – World War II – December 7, 1941

On the burning decks of USS California, a young ensign led an ammunition team by hand after the hoists failed — and when mortally wounded, he ordered his men to leave him behind so they might live.

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Medal of Honor: Edwin Joseph Hill – World War II – December 7, 1941

Under fire at Pearl Harbor, one boatswain led his men through strafing attacks to cast off USS Nevada’s lines — then swam back to his ship and died on the forecastle attempting to anchor her during the desperate fight to save the battleship.

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Medal of Honor: Samuel Glenn Fuqua – World War II – December 7, 1941

After a bomb hit USS Arizona, one officer took command amid fire and chaos, saving wounded men and leading the evacuation before leaving last.

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Medal of Honor: Francis C. Flaherty – World War II – December 7, 1941

As USS Oklahoma rolled over at Pearl Harbor, one young ensign refused to leave his turret, holding a flashlight to guide his crew to safety — choosing to remain behind in the darkness so others could escape.