Medal of Honor Recipient Articles

Medal of Honor, Masato Nakae, World War II, August 19, 1944

“In the hills near Pisa, Italy, one soldier stood alone against overwhelming odds. Though wounded and outnumbered, Private Masato Nakae refused to yield, holding his position with grenades, rifle fire, and sheer determination until the enemy broke."

MOH

Medal of Honor, Joe C. Paul, Vietnam War, August 18, 1965

“Pinned down in a rice paddy near Chu Lai, five wounded Marines lay exposed under brutal enemy fire. Lance Corporal Joe C. Paul charged forward alone, shielding his comrades and laying down fire until he collapsed, mortally wounded."

MOH

Medal of Honor, Robert E. O’Malley, Vietnam War, August 18, 1965

“At An Cu’ong 2, Sgt. Robert O’Malley led his squad through withering fire, personally killing eight Viet Cong and refusing evacuation despite three wounds. His courage and leadership set the tone for Marines."

MOH

Medal of Honor, Clyde Thomason, World War II, August 17–18, 1942

“At Makin Island, Sgt. Clyde Thomason led from the front, inspiring his fellow Raiders with fearless action until he fell in the assault. His sacrifice helped secure one of the first blows against the Japanese in the Pacific War.”

MOH

Medal of Honor, Ralph Cheli, World War II, August 18, 1943

“With his aircraft in flames and escape still possible, Maj. Ralph Cheli chose instead to lead his squadron straight into the teeth of enemy fire. His final act of leadership ensured the success of the mission, even as it cost him his life.”

MOH

Medal of Honor, Robert E. Simanek, Korean War, August 17, 1952

“In the face of sudden ambush on a Korean hillside, Pfc. Robert E. Simanek made a split-second choice that saved his patrol. Throwing himself onto a grenade, he absorbed the blast with his own body, sparing the lives of his fellow Marines.”

MOH

Medal of Honor, Stanley Bender, World War II, August 17, 1944

“Pinned down by murderous German machine gun fire, Staff Sergeant Stanley Bender stood tall on the turret of a tank, bullets ricocheting at his feet. His fearless charge shattered an enemy strongpoint, broke open the roadblock'