Medal of Honor Recipient Articles

Medal of Honor: James R. Hendrix – World War II – Belgium – December 1944

As the road to Bastogne burned under artillery fire, one infantryman left his armor and advanced alone. Through gunfire, explosions, and flames, he saved lives and broke the enemy’s grip.

MOH

Medal of Honor: Elmer E. Fryar – World War II – Leyte, Philippines – December 1944

Wounded but unbroken, a paratrooper stood his ground to cover the withdrawal of his unit. In his final act, he gave his life to save another.

MOH

Medal of Honor: John R. Fox – World War II – Italy – December 1944

Surrounded in a mountain village overrun by the enemy, an artillery observer chose sacrifice over surrender. Knowing the final fire mission would kill him, he ordered it anyway.

MOH

Medal of Honor: Paul J. Wiedorfer – World War II – Belgium – Christmas Day 1944

On a frozen Christmas afternoon in the Ardennes, one soldier rose from the snow and charged alone into machine-gun fire. His solitary assault broke the enemy line and carried his company forward.

MOH

Medal of Honor: Gus Kefurt – World War II – France – December 1944

In the shattered streets of an Alsatian town, a staff sergeant held the line while surrounded by enemy forces. Wounded again and again, he refused to leave his men and fought on until he was killed.

MOH

Medal of Honor: Kenneth E. Gruennert – World War II – New Guinea – December 1942

On Christmas Eve in the steaming jungles of Buna, one infantry sergeant advanced alone against fortified enemy positions. Gravely wounded, he refused to leave his men and pressed the attack until he fell.

MOH

Medal of Honor: Frederick W. Castle – World War II – Air Mission – Germany – December 1944

On Christmas Eve, high above enemy territory, a general chose duty over survival. He remained at the controls of a burning bomber so his crew could live.