Medal of Honor Recipient Articles

Medal of Honor: Michael Valente, World War I, September 29, 1918

When the Hindenburg Line stalled the American advance, Michael Valente charged straight into machine gun fire. By day’s end, he had destroyed two nests, cleared a trench, and captured 21 Germans.

MOH

Medal of Honor: Fred E. Smith, World War I, September 29, 1918

Cut down by machine gun fire, Fred Smith rose to his feet and fought on. Mortally wounded, he refused aid—choosing instead to return under fire, pistol in hand, until the last.

MOH

Medal of Honor: Thomas E. O’Shea, World War I, September 29, 1918

Charging to rescue wounded men from a disabled tank, Thomas O’Shea was struck down in the open. Mortally wounded, he gave his life so his comrades could press on and save others.

MOH

Medal of Honor: Frank Luke Jr., World War I, September 29, 1918

Surrounded, outnumbered, and mortally wounded, Frank Luke Jr. refused surrender. He fought to his last breath—flaming balloons, strafing troops, and drawing his pistol against the enemy who closed in.

MOH

Medal of Honor: Milo Lemert, World War I, September 29, 1918

One by one, Milo Lemert silenced four enemy machine guns with grenades. He fell at the last emplacement—but not before saving his company and securing their advance.

MOH

Medal of Honor: John Cridland Latham, World War I, September 29, 1918

Cut off behind enemy lines, John Latham refused to hide. With two comrades, he braved fire to rescue the wounded, then held off the Germans all day with a captured gun.

MOH

Medal of Honor: Sydney G. Gumpertz, World War I, September 29, 1918

When his men were pinned by machine gun fire, Sydney Gumpertz charged through the barrage. Alone, he leapt into the nest, silenced the gun, and captured nine Germans.