Medal of Honor Recipient Articles

Medal of Honor: Ernest Childers, World War II, September 22, 1943

Despite a fractured foot, Second Lieutenant Ernest Childers led his men up a hill under fire at Oliveto, Italy. Alone, he killed snipers, silenced machine-gun nests, and captured an enemy observer—his courage inspiring all who followed.

MOH

Medal of Honor: Orville Emil Bloch, World War II, September 22, 1944

Alone under fire, First Lieutenant Orville E. Bloch stormed five enemy nests, captured 19 Germans, and reignited his battalion’s stalled advance in Italy.

MOH

Medal of Honor: Charles C. Lauffer, Vietnam War, September 21, 1966

When his squad was pinned down by deadly crossfire, Private First Class Charles C. Lauffer rose alone and charged two enemy bunkers. His one-man assault drew the fire, allowing his comrades and wounded soldiers to escape—at the cost of his own life.

MOH

Medal of Honor: Jedh Colby Barker, Vietnam War, September 21, 1967

Wounded twice and under withering fire, Lance Corporal Jedh C. Barker kept his machine gun blazing until an enemy grenade landed among his squad. He threw himself upon it, shielding his comrades from the blast.

MOH

Medal of Honor: Miguel A. Vera, Korean War, September 21, 1952

Pinned down under relentless fire at “Old Baldy,” Private Miguel A. Vera refused to fall back with his comrades. Choosing instead to stay behind and cover their withdrawal, he gave his life so that others might escape.

MOH

Medal of Honor: Jack A. Davenport, Korean War, September 21, 1951

In the darkness of a Korean battlefield, Corporal Jack A. Davenport found a live grenade inside his foxhole. Without hesitation, he covered it with his body, saving his fellow Marine at the cost of his own life.

MOH

Medal of Honor: John R. Towle, World War II, September 21, 1944

Braving withering fire near Nijmegen’s bridgehead, Private John R. Towle left cover with his rocket launcher and charged into the open. He disabled two tanks, wiped out a German strongpoint, and died preparing to fire again—breaking the enemy.