List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II

This is a list of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II. The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. The recipient must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an "enemy of the United States" or an "opposing foreign force". Due to the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented posthumously.[1]

World War II, or the Second World War, was a global military conflict, the joining of what had initially been two separate conflicts. The first began in Asia in 1937 as the Second Sino-Japanese War; the other began in Europe in 1939 with the German and Soviet invasion of Poland.[2] This global conflict split the majority of the world's nations into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis powers.

The United States was drawn into World War II on December 8, 1941, a day after the Axis-member Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Honolulu that killed almost 2,500 people in what was considered the biggest peacetime loss on American soil inflicted by foreign people at that time.

For actions during World War II, 472 United States military personnel received the Medal of Honor.[3] Seventeen of these were Japanese-Americans fighting in both Europe and the Pacific, many of which were upgraded from Distinguished Service Crosses during the Clinton administration. Additionally, Douglas Albert Munro was the only serviceman from the United States Coast Guard in United States military history to receive the Medal for his actions during the war.

The earliest action for which a U.S. serviceman earned a World War II Medal of Honor was the attack on Pearl Harbor, for which 17 U.S. servicemen were awarded a Medal, although they did so "while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force" rather than "enemy" since the United States was neutral during the events of December 7, 1941. The last action to earn a contemporaneous Medal of Honor prior to the August 15, 1945, end of hostilities in World War II, were those of Melvin Mayfield, on July 29, 1945 – though several honorees may have been cited for their Medal after Mayfield's recognition on May 31, 1946. Additionally, seven African-American and twenty-two Asian-American soldiers who had received the Distinguished Service Cross during the war were awarded the Medal of Honor in 1997 and 2000 – most of them posthumously – after two studies determined that racial discrimination had caused them to be overlooked at the time.[4]

A

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Lucian AdamsArmyStaff Sergeantnear St. Dié, FranceOctober 28, 1944Personally killed 9 Germans, eliminated 3 enemy machine guns, vanquished a specialized force which was armed with automatic weapons and grenade launchers, cleared the woods of hostile elements, and reopened the severed supply lines to the assault companies of his battalion.
Harold C. Agerholm Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassSaipan, Mariana IslandsJuly 7, 1944For single-handedly evacuating approximately 45 casualties under heavy rifle and mortar fire.
Beauford T. AndersonArmyTechnical SergeantOkinawa, Ryukyu IslandsApril 13, 1945Risked his life to save several of his fellow soldiers and repel an enemy attack single-handedly.
Richard B. Anderson Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassRoi Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall IslandsFebruary 1, 1944In a shell crater, Richard B. Anderson hurled his body upon a grenade to save his companions, taking the full impact of the explosion.
Sylvester Antolak ArmySergeantnear Cisterna di Littoria, ItalyMay 24, 1944Near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, he charged 200 yards over flat, coverless terrain to destroy an enemy machine gun nest during the second day of the offensive which broke through the German cordon of steel around the Anzio beachhead.
Richard N. AntrimNavyLieutenantMakassar, Celebes, Netherlands East IndiesApril 1942During the early part of his imprisonment at Makassar in April 1942, he saw a Japanese guard brutally beating a fellow prisoner of war and successfully intervened, at great risk to his own life. For his conspicuous act of valor, Antrim later received the Medal of Honor.
Thomas E. AtkinsArmyPrivate First ClassVilla Verde Trail, Luzon, PhilippinesMarch 10, 1945Remained in his fox hole for 4 hours bearing the brunt of each enemy assault and maintaining fire until each charge was repulsed.

B

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Kenneth D. Bailey Marine CorpsMajorHenderson Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon IslandsSeptember 12, 1942 – September 13, 1942For repelling enemy offensive maneuvers, holding the main line and upholding friendly morale while sustaining fire from superior enemy forces despite a severe head wound.
Addison E. Baker Air ForcesLieutenant Colonelover Ploiești, Romania (Operation Tidal Wave)August 1, 1943For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy on August 1, 1943. On this date he led his command, the 93d Heavy Bombardment Group, on a daring low-level attack against enemy oil refineries and installations at Ploiești, Romania.
Thomas A. Baker ArmyPrivateSaipan, Mariana IslandsJune 19, 1944 – July 7, 1944On Saipan in the Mariana Islands, he advanced ahead of his unit with a bazooka and destroyed a Japanese emplacement which was firing on his company. Several days later, he single-handedly attacked and killed two groups of Japanese soldiers. On July 7, Baker's position came under attack by a large Japanese force. Although seriously wounded early in the attack, he refused to be evacuated and continued to fight in the close-range battle until running out of ammunition. When a comrade was wounded while trying to carry him to safety, Baker insisted that he be left behind. At his request, his comrades left him propped against a tree and gave him a M1911 pistol, which had eight bullets remaining. When American forces retook the position, they found the pistol, now empty, and eight dead Japanese soldiers around Baker's body.
Vernon J. BakerSecond Lieutenantnear Viareggio, ItalyApril 5, 1945 – April 6, 1945Demonstrated outstanding courage and leadership in destroying enemy installations, personnel and equipment during his company's attack against a strongly entrenched enemy in mountainous terrain. One of seven African-American soldiers who received their medals belatedly, after a 1993 study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Van T. BarfootTechnical Sergeantnear Carano, ItalyMay 23, 1944"With his platoon heavily engaged during an assault against forces well entrenched on commanding ground, 2d Lt. Barfoot (then Tech. Sgt.) moved off alone upon the enemy left flank. He crawled to the proximity of 1 machine gun nest and made a direct hit on it with a hand grenade, killing 2 and wounding 3 Germans. He continued along the German defense line to another machine gun emplacement, and with his tommygun killed 2 and captured 3 soldiers. Members of another enemy machine gun crew then abandoned their position and gave themselves up to Sgt. Barfoot. Leaving the prisoners for his support squad to pick up, he proceeded to mop up positions in the immediate area, capturing more prisoners and bringing his total count to 17. Later that day, after he had reorganized his men and consolidated the newly captured ground, the enemy launched a fierce armored counterattack directly at his platoon positions. Securing a bazooka, Sgt. Barfoot took up an exposed position directly in front of 3 advancing Mark VI tanks. From a distance of 75 yards his first shot destroyed the track of the leading tank, effectively disabling it, while the other 2 changed direction toward the flank. As the crew of the disabled tank dismounted, Sgt. Barfoot killed 3 of them with his tommygun. He continued onward into enemy terrain and destroyed a recently abandoned German fieldpiece with a demolition charge placed in the breech. While returning to his platoon position, Sgt. Barfoot, though greatly fatigued by his Herculean efforts, assisted 2 of his seriously wounded men 1,700 yards to a position of safety. Sgt. Barfoot's extraordinary heroism, demonstration of magnificent valor, and aggressive determination in the face of pointblank fire are a perpetual inspiration to his fellow soldiers."[5]
Carlton W. BarrettPrivatenear St. Laurent-sur-Mer, FranceJune 6, 1944Joined the United States Army in Albany, New York, he was a member of, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Barrett was one of four Medal of Honor recipients on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
John BasiloneMarine CorpsSergeantLunga area, Guadalcanal, Solomon IslandsOctober 24, 1942 – October 25, 1942On the night of October 24–25, 1942 his unit engaged the Japanese in the Lunga area when their position came under attack by a regiment of approximately 3,000 soldiers. The Japanese forces began a frontal attack using machine guns, grenades and mortars against the American heavy machine guns. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns that fought for the next 48 hours until only Basilone and two other men were still able to continue fighting. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. He repaired another machine-gun and personally manned it, holding the defensive line until replacements arrived. With the continuous fighting, ammunition became critically low and supply lines were cut off. Basilone fought through hostile lines and returned with urgently needed ammunition for his gunners. He was killed on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. He was the first Enlisted Marine to receive The Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, and Navy Cross.
Harold W. Bauer Lieutenant ColonelSouth Pacific areaMay 10, 1942 – November 14, 1942For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous courage as Squadron Commander of Marine Fighting Squadron TWO TWELVE in the South Pacific Area during the period May 10 to November 14, 1942.
Lewis K. Bausell CorporalPeleliu Island, Palau GroupSeptember 15, 1944During combat at Peleliu, he covered an exploding Japanese hand grenade in order to protect his comrades, and died of his wounds three days later. Bausell was the only enlisted Marine from the Nation's capital, Washington, D.C. to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during World War II.
Raymond O. Beaudoin ArmyFirst LieutenantHamelin, GermanyApril 6, 1945By his intrepidity, great fighting skill, and supreme devotion to his responsibility for the well-being of his platoon, 1st Lt. Beaudoin single-handedly accomplished a mission that enabled a messenger to secure help which saved the stricken unit and made possible the decisive defeat of the German forces.
Bernard P. BellTechnical SergeantMittelwihr, FranceDecember 18, 1944By his intrepidity and bold, aggressive leadership, T/Sgt. Bell enabled his 8-man squad to drive back approximately 150 of the enemy, killing at least 87 and capturing 42. Personally, he killed more than 20 and captured 33 prisoners.
Stanley BenderStaff Sergeantnear La Londe les maures, FranceAugust 17, 1944He had sparked and led the assault company in an attack which overwhelmed the enemy, destroying a roadblock, taking a town, seizing intact 3 bridges over the Maravenne River, and capturing commanding terrain which dominated the area.
George Benjamin Jr. Private First ClassLeyte, PhilippinesDecember 21, 1944He was severely wounded while leading an assault against a strongly defended Japanese position on the island of Leyte. After being evacuated to an aid station, he conveyed valuable information regarding the disposition of the Japanese emplacement to his superiors.
Edward A. BennettCorporalHeckhuscheid, GermanyFebruary 1, 1945The fearless initiative, stalwart combat ability, and outstanding gallantry of Cpl. Bennett eliminated the enemy fire which was decimating his company's ranks and made it possible for the Americans to sweep all resistance from the town.
Mervyn S. Bennion NavyCaptainWest Virginia, Pearl HarborDecember 7, 1941While mortally wounded, he remained in command of his ship. For conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage, and complete disregard of his own life, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Charles J. Berry Marine CorpsCorporalIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsMarch 3, 1945He landed on Iwo Jima on D-Day, February 19, 1945, and was killed in action on March 3, 1945, during the action which earned him the Medal of Honor.
Vito R. BertoldoArmyMaster SergeantHatten, FranceJanuary 9, 1945 – January 10, 1945In Hatten, France, he manned a machine gun in defense of a command post being attacked by a numerically superior German force. When evacuation became necessary, he voluntarily stayed behind to cover the withdrawal. The next morning he moved to another command post, and again defended it against a continued assault by strong German forces and voluntarily covered the withdrawal of friendly forces when the post was abandoned. For these actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor one year later, on January 10, 1946.
Arthur O. BeyerCorporalnear Arloncourt, BelgiumJanuary 15, 1945Near Arloncourt, Belgium, he used hand grenades and his carbine to single-handedly destroy two German machine gun positions before working his way through a honey-combed series of enemy foxholes—killing and capturing German soldiers as he went. For these actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry Truman seven months later, on August 30, 1945.
Willibald C. Bianchi First Lieutenantnear Bagac, Bataan Province, PhilippinesFebruary 3, 1942After the action near Bagac in the Bataan Province, Bianchi was among the troops captured by the Japanese at the fall of Bataan, on April 9, 1942. He was part of the Bataan "Death March," and was imprisoned in several Japanese prisoner of war camps, enduring horrible conditions. He was known for his compassion and efforts to better the lot of his fellow prisoners by bartering with their captors for extra food and medicine. On January 9, 1945, while imprisoned in an unmarked Japanese prison ship, Bianchi was killed instantly when an American plane, unaware that the ship contained American prisoners, dropped a 1,000-pound bomb in the cargo hold.
Melvin E. BiddlePrivate First Classnear Soy, BelgiumDecember 23, 1944 – December 24, 1944When presenting the medal to Biddle, Truman whispered "People don't believe me when I tell them that I'd rather have one of these than be President." Biddle was decorated with 17 other soldiers that served in the Eastern Theater of Operations.
Elmer C. Bigelow Navy Watertender First ClassUSS Fletcher, off Corregidor Island, PhilippinesFebruary 14, 1945While assisting minesweeping operations prior to landings on Manila Bay's Corregidor Island, Fletcher was hit by an enemy shell penetrated the No. 1 gun magazine, igniting several powder cases. Bigelow picked up a pair of fire extinguishers and rushed below in a resolute attempt to quell the raging flames. Refusing to waste the precious time required to don rescue-breathing apparatus, Bigelow plunged through the blinding smoke billowing out of the magazine hatch and dropped into the blazing compartment. Despite the acrid, burning powder smoke which seared his lungs, he succeeded in quickly extinguishing the fires and in cooling the cases and bulkheads, thereby preventing further damage to the ship. However Bigelow was badly injured and succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Arnold L. BjorklundArmyFirst Lieutenantnear Altavilla, ItalySeptember 13, 1943Near Altavilla, Italy, he single-handedly attacked and destroyed two German machine gun emplacements and a mortar position.
Orville E. BlochFirst Lieutenantnear Firenzuola, ItalySeptember 22, 1944Near Firenzuola, Italy, he led three soldiers in an attack on enemy positions which resulted in the capture of nineteen prisoners and the silencing of five machine gun nests.
Paul L. BoldenStaff SergeantPetit-Coo, BelgiumDecember 23, 1944While his comrade provided covering fire from across the street, Bolden tossed grenades through a window, rushed to the door, and began firing. Wounded by the greatly superior number of German soldiers inside, he retreated from the house. Realizing that the Germans would not surrender, he returned to the house despite his serious wounds and killed the remaining soldiers. For these actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor eight months later, on August 30, 1945.
Cecil H. BoltonFirst LieutenantMark River, HollandNovember 2, 1944After being severely wounded in the legs and rendered unconsciousness from a German shell, he advanced voluntarily towards several enemy emplacements and led his team through intense enemy fire, and eliminated several machine gunners and an 88-mm. artillery piece.
Richard I. BongAir ForcesMajorover Borneo and LeyteOctober 10, 1944 – November 15, 1944Fighter pilot in the Pacific theater shot down at least 40 Japanese aircraft, making him America's top ace.
Alexander Bonnyman Jr. Marine CorpsFirst LieutenantBetio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert IslandsNovember 20, 1943 – November 22, 1943During a counterattack at the far end of Betio Pier, he directed and reorganized his pioneer party after suffering heavy bombardment, and directed the blowing of several hostile installations. Alexander Bonnyman Jr. then led his party into a renewed assault, effectively taking over a heavily fortified enemy emplacement, resulting in, approximately, 150 hostile troops being killed.
Robert D. Booker ArmyPrivatenear Fondouk, TunisiaApril 9, 1943While engaged in action against the enemy, he ran 200 yards of open ground with a machine gun and a box of ammunition, while under heavy fire from hostile machine gunners, mortar and artillery.
William J. Bordelon Marine CorpsStaff SergeantBetio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert IslandsNovember 20, 1943Surviving a counterattack and sustaining heavy fire, William J. Bordelon attacked several enemy emplacements with demolitions and disregarded his own serious condition in order to rescue and aid two of his men.
George W. G. Boyce Jr. ArmySecond Lieutenantnear Afua, New GuineaJuly 23, 1944After being ambushed by superior enemy forces, he was planning a tactical maneuver with his platoon. During this planning, a hand grenade fell in between him and his men, and he promptly threw himself upon the grenade to save his men.
Pappy BoyingtonMarine CorpsMajorCentral Solomons areaSeptember 12, 1943 – January 3, 1944Fighter pilot with 26 victories.
Herschel F. BrilesArmyStaff Sergeantnear Scherpenseel, GermanyNovember 20, 1944With a comrade at his side, Herschel left his vehicle and rescued 2 critically wounded soldiers from a burning destroyer and extinguished the fire, which had been hit by an artillery shell near Scherpenseel, Germany, on November 20, 1944. The next morning, he forced 55 Germans to surrender, armed with only a machine gun, allowing fellow Americans to pass through the junction the Nazis occupied. Later that day, another destroyer was hit by a concealed enemy tank, where he again rescued 2 allies from the wreckage with the help of a fellow soldier.
Maurice L. BrittFirst LieutenantNorth of Mignano, ItalyNovember 10, 1943Played football for the Detroit Lions, later Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas.
Leonard C. Brostrom Private First Classnear Dagami, Leyte, PhilippinesOctober 28, 1944During an ambush, his platoon sustained heavy fire from well-camouflaged emplacements which resulted in severe casualties. After noticing a weak point in the enemy fortification, Leonard C. Brostrom charged without hesitation to flush out the enemies. During this, he was a prime target and was killed in action, but his company managed to reorganize and assault the enemy.
Bobbie E. BrownCaptainCrucifix Hill, Aachen, GermanyOctober 8, 1944
John D. BulkeleyNavyLieutenant CommanderPhilippine watersDecember 7, 1941 – April 10, 1942
Frank BurkeArmyFirst LieutenantNuremberg, GermanyApril 17, 1945Also known as Francis X. Burke.
Elmer J. Burr First SergeantBuna, New GuineaDecember 24, 1942For smothering a grenade with his body, sacrificing himself to save others around him.
Herbert H. BurrStaff Sergeantnear Dorrmoschel, GermanyMarch 19, 1945He was awarded the Medal of Honor for not bailing on his mission and single-handedly destroying an 88mm anti-tank turret by driving a damaged tank over top of the gun. He also continued to destroy a German truck and directed medics to his injured men on foot while running through sniper fire.
James M. BurtCaptainnear Wurselen, GermanyOctober 13, 1944Commanded an infantry-tank attack while exposed to enemy fire, as well as ran through 75 yards through heavy fire to assist the infantry battalion commander who was seriously wounded.
Richard E. BushMarine CorpsCorporalMount Yaedake, Okinawa, Ryukyu IslandsApril 16, 1945Bush was a Squad Leader serving with the First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Sixth Marine Division, in action against Japanese forces during the final assault against Mt. Yaetake on Okinawa. He led his troops up the rocky precipice, over the ridge and drove out defending Japanese troops. He fought relentlessly in the forefront of the attack until being evacuated due to his wounds. Although prostrate under medical treatment when a Japanese grenade landed in the midst of his group, he pulled it into his body, taking the full force of the blast and saving the lives of his fellow marines. He was one of the four surviving marines who shielded grenades with their bodies during World War II.
Robert E. BushNavyHospital Apprentice First classOkinawa, Ryukyu IslandsMay 2, 1945Hospital Corpsman serving with Marines.
John E. Butts ArmySecond LieutenantNormandy, FranceJune 14, 1944, June 16, 1944, and June 23, 1944Butts served with the U.S. Army, E Company, 60th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Division during the invasion of France in 1944. He was severely wounded on three occasions and continued leading his men until June 23 when he was killed. He was 21 years of age.

C

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
William R. Caddy Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsMarch 3, 1945Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body in order to save the lives of his platoon leader and platoon sergeant
Daniel J. Callaghan NavyRear AdmiralNaval Battle of Guadalcanal, Savo Sound, Solomon IslandsNovember 12, 1942 – November 13, 1942He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his ship's part in taking back the Solomon Islands from the Japanese. His heavy cruiser, the San Francisco, along with three light cruisers and another heavy cruiser drove the Japanese out of the area. This alongside the Battle of Midway was a major turning point for the Allied Forces.
Jose CalugasArmySergeantCulis, Bataan Province, PhilippinesJanuary 16, 1942He was born in Leon, Iloilo, Philippines to Filipino parents. Organized a squad of volunteers to man an artillery position under heavy fire. Received a direct commission and became a United States citizen. Retiring from the Army, he settled in Tacoma, Washington.
George H. Cannon Marine CorpsFirst LieutenantSand Island, Midway AtollDecember 7, 1941Refused to be evacuated from his post until after his men, who had been wounded by the same shell that wounded him, were evacuated, and directed the reorganization of his Command Post until forcibly removed.
Pedro Cano ArmyPrivateSchevenhütte, GermanyDecember 2, 1944 – December 3, 1944Repeatedly risked his life destroying enemy machine gun positions using rockets and grenades, in support of his own and adjacent infantry company
Alvin P. Carey Staff Sergeantnear Plougastel, Brittany, FranceAugust 23, 1944Mortally wounded while single-handedly attacking an enemy pillbox
Charles F. Carey Jr. Technical SergeantRimling, FranceJanuary 8, 1945 – January 9, 1945
Chris CarrSergeantnear Guignola, ItalyOctober 1, 1944 – October 2, 1944
Horace S. Carswell Jr. Air ForcesMajorover the South China SeaOctober 26, 1944Assigned to the 14th USAAF in China, Carswell was flying a B-24 Liberator on the night of October 26, 1944, on a single-aircraft mission against a Japanese convoy in the South China Sea. He elected to make a second low-level run over a thoroughly alerted convoy and scored two direct hits on a large tanker. His co-pilot was wounded, and his aircraft had two engines knocked out, a third damaged, the hydraulic system damaged, and a fuel tank punctured. He managed to gain enough altitude to reach land, where he ordered the crew to bail out. Eight did, but the bombardier's parachute was too badly damaged to use. Instead of bailing out, Carswell stayed with the bombardier and the wounded co-pilot, and attempted a crash landing. The badly damaged aircraft crashed against a mountain, and all three aboard were killed.
Edward A. Carter Jr.ArmyStaff Sergeantnear Speyer, GermanyMarch 23, 1945One of seven African-American soldiers who received their medals belatedly, after a 1993 study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time. Carter served with an armored infantry unit of the Seventh Army Infantry Company Number 1 (Provisional), a unit manned by volunteers and used to support depleted divisions following the Battle of the Bulge. On March 23, 1945, Carter engaged the enemy when the tank he was riding on was hit by bazooka fire. Forced to dismount, he led three soldiers across an open field. In the process, two of the men were killed and the other seriously wounded. Carter continued alone and was wounded five times before being forced to take cover. Eight German soldiers tried to capture him, but he killed six of them and captured the remaining two as prisoners.
Anthony CasamentoMarine CorpsCorporalGuadalcanal, Solomon IslandsNovember 1, 1942When all members of his machine gun squad were killed or severely wounded, he continued to man a machine gun, single-handedly holding off a large Japanese force despite multiple wounds himself. He was belatedly awarded the Medal of Honor in 1980.
Frederick W. Castle Air ForcesBrigadier GeneralGermanyDecember 24, 1944
Justice M. ChambersMarine CorpsLieutenant ColonelIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsFebruary 19, 1945 – February 22, 1945Led the 8-hour battle to carry the flanking ridge top and reduce the enemy's fields of aimed fire, thus protecting the vital foothold gained
Ralph Cheli Air ForcesMajornear Wewak, New GuineaAugust 18, 1943
Ernest ChildersArmySecond LieutenantOliveto, ItalySeptember 22, 1943
Clyde L. ChoateStaff Sergeantnear Bruyeres, FranceOctober 25, 1944
Dale E. Christensen Second LieutenantDriniumor River, New GuineaJuly 16, 1944 – July 19, 1944

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty along the Driniumor River, New Guinea, from 16 – July 19, 1944. 2d Lt. Christensen repeatedly distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in the continuous heavy fighting which occurred in this area from 16 – July 19,. On July 16, his platoon engaged in a savage fire fight in which much damage was caused by 1 enemy machine gun effectively placed. 2d Lt. Christensen ordered his men to remain under cover, crept forward under fire, and at a range of 15 yards put the gun out of action with hand grenades. Again, on July 19, while attacking an enemy position strong in mortars and machine guns, his platoon was pinned to the ground by intense fire. Ordering his men to remain under cover, he crept forward alone to locate definitely the enemy automatic weapons and the best direction from which to attack. Although his rifle was struck by enemy fire and knocked from his hands he continued his reconnaissance, located 5 enemy machine guns, destroyed 1 with hand grenades, and rejoined his platoon. He then led his men to the point selected for launching the attack and, calling encouragement, led the charge. This assault was successful and the enemy was driven from the positions with a loss of 4 mortars and 10 machine guns and leaving many dead on the field. On August 4, 1944, near Afua, Dutch New Guinea, 2d Lt. Christensen was killed in action about 2 yards from his objective while leading his platoon in an attack on an enemy machine gun position. 2d Lt. Christensen's leadership, intrepidity, and repeatedly demonstrated gallantry in action at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, exemplify the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Herbert F. Christian Privatenear Valmontone, ItalyJune 2, 1944 – June 3, 1944
Joseph J. Cicchetti Private First ClassSouth Manila, Luzon, PhilippinesFebruary 9, 1945
Francis J. ClarkTechnical Sergeantnear Kalborn, Luxembourg and near Sevenig, GermanySeptember 12, 1944 and September 17, 1944
Mike ColalilloPrivate First Classnear Untergriesheim, GermanyApril 7, 1945
Darrell S. Cole Marine CorpsSergeantIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsFebruary 19, 1945Namesake of USS Cole (DDG-67).
Robert G. Cole ArmyLieutenant Colonelnear Carentan, FranceJune 11, 1944For leading a charge across a field swept by German machine guns and artillery.
Garlin Murl ConnerFirst LieutenantHoussen, FranceJanuary 24, 1945
James P. ConnorSergeantCape Cavalaire, southern FranceAugust 15, 1944
Raymond H. CooleyStaff Sergeantnear Lumboy, Luzon, PhilippinesFebruary 24, 1945
Charles H. CoolidgeTechnical SergeantEast of Belmont sur Buttant, FranceOctober 24, 1944 – October 27, 1944

Leading a section of heavy machine guns supported by 1 platoon of Company K, he took a position near Hill 623, east of Belmont sur Buttant, France, on October 24, 1944, with the mission of covering the right flank of the 3d Battalion and supporting its action. T/Sgt. Coolidge went forward with a Sergeant of Company K to reconnoiter positions for coordinating the fires of the light and heavy machine guns. They ran into an enemy force in the woods estimated to be an infantry company. T/Sgt. Coolidge, attempting to bluff the Germans by a show of assurance and boldness called upon them to surrender, whereupon the enemy opened fire. With his carbine, T/Sgt. Coolidge wounded 2 of them. There being no officer present with the force, T/Sgt. Coolidge at once assumed command. Many of the men were replacements recently arrived; this was their first experience under fire. T/Sgt. Coolidge, unmindful of the enemy fire delivered at close range, walked along the position, calming and encouraging his men and directing their fire. The attack was thrown back. Through 25 and October 26, the enemy launched repeated attacks against the position of this combat group but each was repulsed due to T/Sgt. Coolidge's able leadership. On October 27, German infantry, supported by 2 tanks, made a determined attack on the position. The area was swept by enemy small arms, machine gun, and tank fire. T/Sgt. Coolidge armed himself with a bazooka and advanced to within 25 yards of the tanks. His bazooka failed to function and he threw it aside. Securing all the hand grenades he could carry, he crawled forward and inflicted heavy casualties on the advancing enemy. Finally it became apparent that the enemy, in greatly superior force, supported by tanks, would overrun the position. T/Sgt. Coolidge, displaying great coolness and courage, directed and conducted an orderly withdrawal, being himself the last to leave the position. As a result of T/Sgt. Coolidge's heroic and superior leadership, the mission of this combat group was accomplished throughout 4 days of continuous fighting against numerically superior enemy troops in rain and cold and amid dense woods.

Henry A. Courtney Jr. Marine CorpsMajorOkinawa, Ryukyu IslandsMay 14, 1945 – May 15, 1945For leading his battalion in a successful night attack up a fiercely defended hill, personally killing many Japanese before he himself was killed.
Richard E. Cowan ArmyPrivate First Classnear Krinkelter Wald, BelgiumDecember 17, 1944
Clarence B. CraftPrivate First ClassHen Hill, Okinawa, Ryukyu IslandsMay 31, 1945
Robert Craig Second Lieutenantnear Favoratta, SicilyJuly 11, 1943Single-handedly destroyed an Italian machine gun nest before laying down covering fire for his entire platoon.
Morris E. Crain Technical SergeantHaguenau, FranceMarch 13, 1945When a house defended by some of his men came under intense attack from German soldiers and a tank, he ordered the men to withdraw while he held the position alone. He was killed when the house was destroyed by German fire.
Demas T. Craw Air ForcesColonelnear Port Lyautey, French MoroccoNovember 8, 1942
William J. CrawfordArmyPrivatenear Altavilla, ItalySeptember 13, 1943Listed as MIA, Crawford's MoH was originally presented posthumously to Crawford's father. Crawford was later discovered to be a PoW. President Reagan re-presented Crawford's MoH to him at the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1984 graduation.
John R. CrewsStaff Sergeantnear Lobenbacherhof, GermanyApril 8, 1945
John P. Cromwell NavyCaptainUSS Sculpin, off Truk IslandNovember 19, 1943Stayed aboard a sinking submarine to prevent military secrets he possessed from falling into enemy hands.
Francis S. CurreyArmySergeantMalmedy, BelgiumDecember 21, 1944Rescued several men and women while destroying a building with enemy soldiers.

D

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Edward C. DahlgrenArmySergeantOberhoffen, FranceFebruary 11, 1945
Peter J. DalessandroTechnical Sergeantnear Kalterherberg, GermanyDecember 22, 1944
Michael J. DalyFirst LieutenantNuremberg, GermanyApril 18, 1945
Anthony P. Damato Marine CorpsCorporalEngebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall IslandsFebruary 19, 1944 – February 20, 1944Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Albert L. DavidNavyLieutenant, Junior Gradeoff French West AfricaJune 4, 1944For leading a boarding party that successfully captured the German submarine U-505.
Rudolph B. DavilaArmyStaff Sergeantnear Artena, ItalyMay 28, 1944One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Charles W. DavisCaptainGuadalcanal, Solomon IslandsJanuary 12, 1943
George F. Davis NavyCommanderUSS Walke, Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, PhilippinesJanuary 6, 1945
James L. DayMarine CorpsCorporalOkinawa, Ryukyu IslandsMay 14, 1945 – May 17, 1945After most of his Marines were wounded or killed, he manned a machine gun and killed more than 100 enemy soldiers despite multiple wounds over a period of several days. He was belatedly awarded the Medal of Honor in 1998.
Samuel D. Dealey NavyCommanderUSS Harder, near PhilippinesJun 6, 1944 – Jun 10, 1944
Jefferson J. DeBlancMarine CorpsCaptainoff Kolombangara Island, New Georgia Group, Solomon IslandsJanuary 31, 1943For downing five Japanese aircraft in a single action
Arthur F. DeFranzo ArmyStaff Sergeantnear Vaubadon, FranceJune 10, 1944
Charles N. DeGlopper Private First ClassMerderet River at la Fiere, FranceJune 9, 1944
Emile Deleau Jr. SergeantOberhoffen, FranceFebruary 1, 1945 – February 2, 1945
Ernest H. DervishianTechnical Sergeantnear Cisterna, ItalyMay 23, 1944
James H. Diamond Private First ClassMintal, Mindanao, PhilippinesMay 8, 1945 – May 14, 1945
Robert H. Dietz Staff SergeantKirchain, GermanyMarch 29, 1945
Jimmy DoolittleAir ForcesLieutenant Colonelover JapanApril 18, 1942For leading the Doolittle Raid over the Japanese mainland.
Desmond T. DossArmyPrivate First Classnear Urasoe Mura, Okinawa, Ryukyu IslandsApril 29, 1945 – May 21, 1945The first conscientious objector to receive a Medal of Honor, for saving many lives while acting as a medic. During the Battle of Okinawa, Pfc. Doss single-handedly entered enemy line of fire to retrieve approximately 75 casualties, carrying them one-by-one down a 400-foot escarpment. He later, on separate occasions, rescued a man 200 yards on the same escarpment, treated 4 men within 8 yards of an enemy's cave, treated and administered plasma to an injured artillery officer while continually under fire, and 25 feet from an enemy position, treated and carried another soldier 100 feet to safety. Finally, while he was giving aid to injured soldiers under fire, he was himself injured in the legs by a grenade. He tended his own wounds while he waited for his fellow soldiers to bring a litter. When they arrived, he saw another soldier injured worse and directed the bearers to rescue him first. While waiting for their return, he was shot in the arm. He strapped a gun stock to his arm as splint and crawled the 300 yards of rough terrain to the aid station. He also saved injured Japanese soldiers.
Jesse R. DrowleyStaff SergeantBougainville, Solomon IslandsJanuary 30, 1944
Russell E. DunhamTechnical Sergeantnear Kayserberg, FranceJanuary 8, 1945
Robert H. DunlapMarine CorpsCaptainIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsFebruary 20, 1945 – February 21, 1945Risked his life to gather intelligence about and direct fire on enemy gun positions
John W. Dutko ArmyPrivate First Classnear Ponte Rotto, ItalyMay 23, 1944
Aquilla J. Dyess Marine CorpsLieutenant ColonelNamur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall IslandsFebruary 1, 1944 – February 2, 1944For leading his battalion in pushing the Japanese out of their positions before he was killed

E

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Merritt A. EdsonMarine CorpsColonelGuadalcanal, Solomon IslandsSeptember 13, 1942 – September 14, 1942For successfully leading his battalion in the defense of a vital ridge, inflicting heavy casualties against the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. He was previously awarded two Navy Crosses.
Walter D. EhlersArmyStaff Sergeantnear Goville, FranceJune 9, 1944 – June 10, 1944
Henry T. Elrod Marine CorpsCaptainWake IslandDecember 8, 1941 – December 23, 1941For fearlessly engaging an overwhelming enemy force and single-handedly shooting down two planes and sinking a Japanese warship, before he was killed while leading the beach defenses.
Gerald L. Endl ArmyStaff Sergeantnear Anamo, New GuineaJuly 11, 1944
Harold G. Epperson Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassSaipan, Mariana IslandsJune 25, 1944For repelling a determined Japanese assault before sacrificing his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Henry E. ErwinAir ForcesStaff SergeantKoriyama, JapanApril 12, 1945For locating and ejecting a burning phosphorus smoke grenade from a B-29 cockpit during a raid on Koriyama, Japan. The burns nearly killed him and left him badly disfigured.
Ray E. Eubanks ArmySergeantNoemfoor Island, Dutch New GuineaJuly 23, 1944
Ernest E. Evans NavyCommanderUSS Johnston, off SamarOctober 25, 1944For heroic actions as captain of the destroyer U.S.S. Johnston during the Battle Off Samar, 25 October 1944. Upon sighting a massive Japanese force of Battleships and Heavy Cruisers transiting to attack General Douglas MacArthur's 200,000 encamped troops at Red Beach, Leyte, Philippines, Commander Evans broke formation and charged his heavily outmatched destroyer directly toward the enemy force, completing a successful torpedo attack that sank one of the Heavy Cruisers and that threw the force into disarray. His courageous actions inspired similar attacks from other destroyers in the task unit, prompting the task unit commander, Rear Admiral Clifton Sprague, to order all destroyers in the task unit to break formation and attack. When enemy shellfire obliterated the bridge of his ship, Commander Evans shifted his command to the fantail, steering the ship by giving orders through an open hatch to men turning the rudder by hand. Despite suffering the severe mutilation of his left hand early in the attack and being covered in blood from his wounds, he continued to outmaneuver and outgun the opposing force in what amounted to almost three hours of combat. The attacking Japanese force was ultimately driven into retreat, preventing a deadly assault on the Army landing forces at Leyte. His ship eventually sank from the battle damage and the remaining survivors endured over 70 hours in shark-infested waters. Commander Evans was not found among the survivors.
Forrest E. EverhartArmyTechnical Sergeantnear Kerling, FranceNovember 12, 1944

F

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
John P. Fardy Marine CorpsCorporalOkinawa, Ryukyu IslandsMay 7, 1945Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Robert E. Femoyer Air ForcesSecond Lieutenantover Merseburg, GermanyNovember 2, 1944
James H. FieldsArmyFirst LieutenantRechicourt, FranceSeptember 27, 1944
John W. FinnNavyChief Aviation ordnancemanNaval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, HawaiiDecember 7, 1941Stationed at NAS Kaneohe Bay, HI, he demonstrated extraordinary valor during the Japanese air assault on Oahu. Finn manned an exposed 50-caliber machine gun stand and returned significant fire upon Japanese aircraft. Despite numerous painful wounds, he remained at his post and inflicted heavy damage upon the Japanese until ordered to seek medical attention. CPO Finn was the first to receive the Medal of Honor for action in World War II during which the U.S. was neutral.
Almond E. FisherArmySecond Lieutenantnear Grammont, FranceSeptember 12, 1944 – September 13, 1944
Francis C. Flaherty NavyEnsignPearl Harbor, HawaiiDecember 7, 1941During the evacuation of USS Oklahoma, he remained in a turret, holding a flashlight so the remainder of the turret crew could see to escape, thereby sacrificing his own life.
Richard E. Fleming Marine CorpsCaptainMidway AtollJune 4, 1942 – June 5, 1942For taking command after his squadron commander was shot down, leading several attacks on Japanese ships before he himself was shot down.
Eugene B. FluckeyNavyCommanderUSS Barb, along east coast of ChinaDecember 19, 1944 – February 15, 1945
Joseph J. FossMarine CorpsCaptainover Guadalcanal, Solomon IslandsOctober 9, 1942 – November 19, 1942 and January 1943For shooting down 26 aircraft as leader of the Flying Circus. Later became 20th Governor of South Dakota. First commissioner of the American Football League.
William A. Foster Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassOkinawa, Ryukyu IslandsMay 2, 1945Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
William G. Fournier ArmySergeantMount Austen, Guadalcanal, Solomon IslandsJanuary 10, 1943
Thomas W. Fowler Second Lieutenantnear Carano, ItalyMay 23, 1944
John R. Fox First Lieutenantnear Sommocolonia, ItalyDecember 26, 1944One of seven African-American soldiers who received their medals belatedly, after a 1993 study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time. A forward observer with the 366th Infantry Regiment of the segregated 92nd Infantry Division, Fox deliberately ordered his own artillery to fire on top of his position to repel a German advance. When Fox was told that he would not survive the barrage, he replied, "Fire it!" His action permitted U.S. forces - who had been forced to withdraw - to organize a counterattack and regain control of the village.
Elmer E. Fryar PrivateLeyte, PhilippinesDecember 8, 1944
Leonard A. Funk Jr.First SergeantHolzheim [de], BelgiumJanuary 29, 1945
Samuel G. FuquaNavyLieutenant CommanderPearl Harbor, HawaiiDecember 7, 1941Incapacitated in the initial bombing of USS Arizona, he recovered to direct the fighting of the fires and the rescue of wounded and injured personnel. He stayed on deck through the continuous bombing and strafing, leading in a calm and cool manner that resulted in the saving of many lives.

G

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Robert E. GalerMarine CorpsMajorSolomon Islands areaAug 1942 – Sep 1942For service in the Solomon Islands as the leader of a Marine fighter squadron.
William W. Galt ArmyCaptainVilla Crocetta, ItalyMay 29, 1944For his leadership and courage in directing an assault against an entrenched force that had repulsed two previous attacks.
Archer T. Gammon Staff Sergeantnear Bastogne, BelgiumJanuary 11, 1945While under fire from a German machine gun and tank, counterattacked the German force and forced them to retreat with grenade and small arms fire.
Joe Gandara PrivateAmfreville, FranceJune 9, 1944Advanced voluntarily and alone toward an enemy position and destroyed three hostile machine guns before being fatally wounded.
Marcario GarciaPrivatenear Grosshau, GermanyNovember 27, 1944After realizing that his company could not advance because it was pinned down by enemy machine gun fire, on his own initiative, went alone and destroyed 2 enemy emplacements and captured 4 prisoners. Despite being wounded himself, he continued to fight on with his unit until the objective was taken.
Harold A. GarmanPrivatenear Montereau, FranceAugust 25, 1944When a boat loaded with wounded came under fire from a German machine gun on the opposite river bank, he dove into the river braving enemy machine gun fire to tow the boat to safety.
Donald A. GaryNavyLieutenant, Junior GradeJapanese home islands near Kobe, JapanMarch 19, 1945For braving hazardous conditions on the USS Franklin when it was hit by enemy fire to save sailors trapped inside the vessel's hull.
Robert E. GerstungArmyTechnical SergeantSiegfried Line near Berg, GermanyDecember 19, 1944
Eric G. Gibson Technician 5th Gradenear Isola Bella, ItalyJanuary 28, 1944
Howard W. Gilmore NavyCommanderUSS Growler, southwest PacificJanuary 10, 1943 – February 7, 1943While wounded on the bridge and unable to get below in time, gave the order for the submarine to crash dive to avoid an imminent attack, sacrificing himself to save the ship and the crew.
Harold Gonsalves Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassOkinawa, Ryukyu IslandsApril 15, 1945While laying telephone lines for communication with the artillery battalion in Okinawa, he saved two other Marines after flinging himself atop of a Japanese grenade and taking the full brunt of the resulting explosion allowing the other two men to complete the mission.
David M. Gonzales ArmyPrivate First ClassVilla Verde Trail, Luzon, PhilippinesApril 25, 1945During intense combat, his company was pinned down by enemy machine gun fire. Despite the grave danger, he went to the aid of his fellow soldiers who had been buried in a bomb explosion. Digging them out with his bare hands and a shovel, under continuous enemy fire, he managed to rescue three of the men before being mortally wounded. His selfless actions and sacrifice allowed his unit to continue their advance and contributed significantly to their mission's success.
Nathan G. GordonNavyLieutenant, Junior GradeBismarck SeaFebruary 15, 1944Later Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas
Donald J. Gott Air ForcesFirst LieutenantSaarbrücken, GermanyNovember 9, 1944Piloted a B-17 aircraft on a bombing run on Saarbrücken. Even though his plane was severely damaged and set ablaze by anti-aircraft fire which wounded the engineer and the radio operator, Gott and co-pilot William E. Metzger Jr. successfully dropped their bombs on the target and flew the plane to friendly territory. After having their crew bail out except for the unconscious radio operator, Gott and Metzger attempted to crashland the plane to save their helpless comrade. The plane exploded, killing the three remaining crewmembers on board.
William J. Grabiarz ArmyPrivate First ClassManila, Luzon, PhilippinesFebruary 23, 1945For using his body to shield a wounded officer from hostile fire.
Ross F. Gray Marine CorpsSergeantIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsFebruary 21, 1945Single-handedly overcame a strong enemy garrison and completely disarmed a large mine field before finally rejoining his unit.
Stephen R. GreggArmyTechnical Sergeantnear Montelimar, FranceAugust 27, 1944
Kenneth E. Gruennert Sergeantnear Buna, New GuineaDecember 24, 1942
Henry Gurke Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassBougainville, Solomon IslandsNovember 9, 1943Fell on a grenade that landed in his foxhole, saving the man with him

H

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Barney F. HajiroArmyPrivatenear Bruyeres and Biffontaine, eastern FranceOctober 19, 1944, October 22, 1944, and October 29, 1944One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
George J. HallStaff Sergeantnear Anzio, ItalyMay 23, 1944Single-handedly captured two German machine gun positions and was severely wounded while attempting to take a third, resulting in him having to self-amputate his right leg.
Lewis Hall Technician 5th GradeMount Austen, Guadalcanal, Solomon IslandsJanuary 10, 1943During a Japanese attack he refused an order to withdraw after many men in his unit had been killed or wounded and, with a fellow soldier, stayed behind to man a machine gun.
William E. HallNavyLieutenant, Junior GradeCoral SeaMay 7, 1942 – May 8, 1942Dive bombed a Japanese aircraft carrier, contributing greatly to its destruction. The next day, he attacked a superior number of Japanese planes and shot down three. Although his craft was damaged and he was seriously wounded in this attack, he managed to land safely.
Sherwood H. Hallman ArmyStaff SergeantBrest, Brittany, FranceSeptember 13, 1944
William D. Halyburton Jr. NavyPharmacist's Mate Second classOkinawa, Ryukyu IslandsMay 10, 1945Killed shielding a wounded Marine with his body while administering aid.
Pierpont M. HamiltonAir ForcesMajornear Port Lyautey, French MoroccoNovember 8, 1942
Owen F. P. Hammerberg NavyBoatswain's mate Second classWest Loch, Pearl HarborFebruary 17, 1945Rescued two other divers trapped beneath a sunken LST before he himself became trapped and perished.
Dale M. Hansen Marine CorpsPrivateOkinawa, Ryukyu IslandsMay 7, 1945For destroying two hostile positions with a rocket launcher and hand grenades, killing 12 Japanese
Robert M. Hanson Marine CorpsFirst LieutenantBougainville Island and New Britain IslandNovember 1, 1943 and January 24, 1944One of the top Marine aces, he shot down a total of 25 enemy aircraft before he himself was shot down and killed. He was also awarded the Navy Cross.
Roy W. Harmon ArmySergeantnear Casaglia, ItalyJuly 12, 1944
Harry R. Harr Corporalnear Maglamin, Mindanao, PhilippinesJune 5, 1945
William G. HarrellMarine CorpsSergeantIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsMarch 3, 1945Risked his life to defend his position against a larger enemy force
James L. Harris ArmySecond LieutenantVagney, FranceOctober 7, 1944
Mikio Hasemoto Privatenear Cerasuolo, ItalyNovember 29, 1943One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Joe R. Hastings Private First ClassDrabenderhohe, GermanyApril 12, 1945
Louis J. Hauge Jr. Marine CorpsCorporalOkinawa, Ryukyu IslandsMay 14, 1945For single-handedly charging and knocking out two enemy machine gun positions before he was killed.
John D. HawkArmySergeantnear Chambois, FranceAugust 20, 1944
William D. Hawkins Marine CorpsFirst LieutenantBetio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert IslandsNovember 20, 1943 – November 21, 1943For leading attacks on multiple enemy positions, knocking five out before he was badly wounded, but persisting in knocking out another three before he was killed.
Lloyd C. HawksArmyPrivate First Classnear Carano, ItalyJanuary 30, 1944
Joe Hayashi Privatenear Tendola, ItalyApril 20, 1945 and April 22, 1945One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Shizuya HayashiPrivatenear Cerasuolo, ItalyNovember 29, 1943One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Clinton M. Hedrick Technical Sergeantnear Lembeck, GermanyMarch 27, 1945 – March 28, 1945
James R. HendrixPrivatenear Assenois, BelgiumDecember 26, 1944
Robert T. Henry PrivateLuchem, GermanyDecember 3, 1944
Silvestre S. HerreraPrivate First Classnear Mertzwiller, FranceMarch 15, 1945
Rufus G. HerringNavyLieutenant, Junior Gradeas commanding officer aboard a landing craft, USS LCI (G) 449, Iwo Jima, Volcano IslandsFebruary 17, 1945Maintained position in the firing line with his 20-mm guns in action in the face of sustained enemy fire and conned his crippled ship to safety
Edwin J. Hill  Chief BoatswainPearl Harbor, HawaiiDecember 7, 1941During the height of the strafing and bombing of USS Nevada, led his men of the linehandling details to the quays, cast off the lines and swam back to his ship. Back on board, while attempting to let go the anchors, was blown overboard and killed by the explosion of several bombs.
Freeman V. HornerArmyStaff SergeantWurselen, GermanyNovember 16, 1944On October 30, 1945, United States Army Officer Freeman V. Horner was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during World War II. During the second World War, Sergeant Freeman Horner and his company were stationed in Nazi Germany. On November 16, 1944, Sergeant Horner and his company were attacking Wurselen, Germany, and were experiencing heavy resistance. He ran into enemy lines thinking he was safe, and immediately had enemy firing at him. He was able to make it all the way over there and was able to destroy over 9 machine guns. He went on to live his life in Columbus, Georgia, with his wife, who cared for him until his death of a brain aneurysm.
James H. HowardAir ForcesMajorover Oschersleben, GermanyJanuary 11, 1944Only fighter pilot in the European Theater of Operations in World War II to be awarded the Medal of Honor
Paul B. HuffArmyCorporalnear Carano, ItalyFebruary 8, 1944February 8, 1944, near Carano, Italy, Huff led a reconnaissance patrol while under heavy fire from German forces. For his actions during the patrol, Huff received the Medal of Honor three months later, on May 26.He led a 6 man patrol into German grounds, and was found in an open fire with the enemy. Knowing the danger, he left his patrol and continued on by himself. He crawled over 75 yards to get to them. He was able to kill them while kneeling with his submachine gun. Before leaving the army, Huff reached the highest enlisted rank, command sergeant major, a position which carried the responsibilities of being the senior enlisted advisor to the commanding officer and a monitor for, and advocate of, the enlisted men in the command. He was survived by his wife, Betty Cunnyngham Huff. Paul Huff Parkway, a major thoroughfare in Cleveland, Tennessee, is named in his honor,as is the Paul B. Huff Army Reserve Center, located in Nashville.
Lloyd Herbert Hughes Air ForcesSecond LieutenantPloiești Raid, RomaniaAugust 1, 1943
Johnnie D. Hutchins NavySeaman First classaboard a landing ship, USS LST 473, off Lae, New GuineaSeptember 4, 1943

I

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Daniel K. InouyeArmySecond Lieutenantnear San Terenzo, ItalyApril 21, 1945Later became a U.S. Senator representing Hawaii. Served as President pro tempore of the United States Senate and was third in line to the Presidency of the United States; prior to Kamala Harris becoming Vice President, was the highest ranking Asian-American politician in U.S. history. One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time. Inouye was attacked by three machine gun nests while advancing up a hill near San Terenzo, Italy. One attacked him wounding his abdomen. He then proceeded, while under fire, to attack two of the nests with grenades and then his Thompson sub-machine gun. While drawing a grenade to attack the third nest, he was hit by some German shrapnel that nearly tore off his right arm. Somehow, he was able to throw the grenade that he picked back up with his left arm into the nest and then continued to use his machine gun to continue to attack the German gunners.

J

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Isadore S. Jachman ArmyStaff SergeantFlamierge, BelgiumJanuary 4, 1945
Arthur J. JacksonMarine CorpsPrivate First ClassPeleliu Island, Palau GroupSeptember 18, 1944For single-handedly destroying 12 enemy pillboxes and killing 50 enemy soldiers.
Douglas T. JacobsonPrivate First ClassIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsFebruary 26, 1945Risked his life by destroying a total of sixteen enemy positions and approximately 75 Japanese
Willy F. James Jr. ArmyPrivate First Classnear Lippoldsberg, GermanyApril 7, 1945One of seven African-American soldiers who received their medals belatedly, after a 1993 study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
John L. Jerstad Air ForcesMajorPloiești Raid, RomaniaAugust 1, 1943
Elden H. Johnson ArmyPrivatenear Valmontone, ItalyJune 3, 1944
Leon W. JohnsonAir ForcesColonelPloiești Raid, RomaniaAugust 1, 1943A United States Air Force general who was awarded the Medal of Honor for leading the attack on the Ploesti oil fields during World War II. Following the raid on Ploesti, one of the war's costliest aerial encounters for all concerned, Johnson was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Leroy Johnson ArmySergeantnear Limon, Leyte, PhilippinesDecember 15, 1944
Oscar G. JohnsonPrivate First Classnear Scarperia, ItalySeptember 16, 1944 – September 18, 1944
William J. JohnstonPrivate First ClassAnzio, Italy[6]February 17, 1944 – February 19, 1944Johnston was a machine gunner attached to the Third Platoon of his company and that platoon was the furthest advanced element in the Company's defenses. About eighty Germans advanced under the cover of an artillery barrage in the darkness and were within about 200 yards of the platoon's positions when they were discovered by Johnston who was at his gun. He manned his machine gun and the attack was halted. All during the day, without relief, he remained with his weapon and fired at every target that presented itself. One German worked up the draw so close to the position that the machine gun could not be brought to bear upon him. Johnston drew his pistol and killed him. As the day wore on, it became evident that if the Company was to escape it would have to begin its movement. Not everyone could get out. Johnson volunteered to stay. Afterwards an artillery shell made what almost amounted to a direct hit on Johnston's position and shell fragments penetrated into the left portion of his chest. An examination indicated that he was dying. The rapid advance of large numbers of the Germans prevented any evacuation. A few minutes later one of the last men to withdraw saw Johnston trying to crawl up to his machine gun. At Johnston's request he was helped to his gun and left believing that he was dying. A few minutes later the Company heard the machine gun in action. It continued to fire for about 10 minutes. Afterwards the gun went silent. The Germans passed him as he lay in his position, and, believing him to be dead, stole his shoes. The next day, he painfully worked his way through the German lines to the 180th Regiment, after having been reported by the Company as killed in action. Despite his weakened condition, he gave accurate and vital information about the German positions on the base of which effective firing that was compiled.[6]
Herbert C. Jones NavyEnsignPearl Harbor, HawaiiDecember 7, 1941Organized and led a party to supply ammunition to the antiaircraft battery of USS California after the mechanical hoists were put out of action when he was fatally wounded by a bomb explosion. When 2 men attempted to take him from the area, he ordered "Leave me alone! I am done for. Get out of here before the magazines go off."
Joseph R. Julian Marine CorpsPlatoon SergeantIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsMarch 9, 1945Sacrificed his life to eliminate an enemy threat

K

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Victor L. Kandle ArmyFirst Lieutenantnear La Forge, FranceOctober 9, 1944
John R. KaneAir ForcesColonelPloiești Raid, RomaniaAugust 1, 1943
Neel E. KearbyColonelnear Wewak, New GuineaOctober 11, 1943For facing 12 to 1 odds at low fuel against Lieutenant Colonel Teranishi's force
George D. Keathley ArmyStaff SergeantMt. Altuzzo, ItalySeptember 14, 1944After suffering a mortal wound in his left side from a hand grenade, he refused to take cover. He continued to battle the enemy and shout orders to his soldiers. After the platoons of Company B repulsed numerous counterattacks, the enemy withdrew. Staff Sergeant Keathley died shortly after victory was achieved.
Gus Kefurt Staff Sergeantnear Bennwihr, FranceDecember 23, 1944 – December 24, 1944
Jonah E. Kelley Staff SergeantKesternich, GermanyJanuary 30, 1945 – January 31, 1945
Ova A. Kelley PrivateLeyte, PhilippinesDecember 8, 1944
Charles E. KellyCorporalnear Altavilla, ItalySeptember 13, 1943
John D. Kelly CorporalFort du Roule, Cherbourg, FranceJune 25, 1944
Thomas J. KellyCorporalAlemert, GermanyApril 5, 1945
Reinhardt J. Keppler Navy Boatswain's Mate First classUSS San Francisco, Solomon IslandsNovember 12, 1942 – November 13, 1942
Dexter J. KerstetterArmyPrivate First Classnear Galiano, Luzon, PhilippinesApril 13, 1945
Patrick L. Kessler Private First Classnear Ponte Rotto, ItalyMay 23, 1944
Isaac C. Kidd NavyRear AdmiralPearl Harbor, HawaiiDecember 7, 1941Remained on the bridge of USS Arizona, discharging his duties as Commander of Battleship Division One and Senior Officer Present Afloat even as the ship blew up from magazine explosions, until a direct bomb hit on the bridge resulted in the loss of his life.
Truman Kimbro ArmyTechnician 4th Gradenear Rocherath, BelgiumDecember 19, 1944After repeated attempts to take his squad across a road to lay mines were repulsed by withering fire, Kimbro ordered his squad to stay behind while he crawled across the road alone. Seriously wounded in his advance, Kimbro was able to successfully lay mines on the other side of the road, which helped delay the advance of enemy armor. While trying to return to his squad, Kimbro was killed by intense enemy machine gun and rifle fire.
Harold G. Kiner Privatenear Palenberg, GermanyOctober 2, 1944
David R. Kingsley Air ForcesSecond LieutenantPloiești Raid, RomaniaJune 23, 1944Sacrificed himself by giving away his parachute to the injured tailgunner of his crew whose parachute was lost. He then died when his B-17 crashed
Elbert L. Kinser Marine CorpsSergeantOkinawa, Ryukyu IslandsMay 4, 1945Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Gerry H. KistersArmySergeantnear Gagliano, SicilyJuly 31, 1943
Alton W. KnappenbergerPrivate First Classnear Cisterna di Littoria, ItalyFebruary 1, 1944
Jack L. Knight First Lieutenantnear LoiKang, BurmaFebruary 2, 1945
Raymond L. Knight Air ForcesFirst Lieutenantnorthern Po Valley, ItalyApril 24, 1945 – April 25, 1945
Yeiki KobashigawaArmyTechnical Sergeantnear Lanuvio, ItalyJune 2, 1944Destroyed multiple enemy machine gun nests in the vicinity of Lanuvio, Italy. One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Richard E. Kraus Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassPeleliu Island, Palau GroupOctober 3, 1944Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Anthony L. Krotiak ArmyPrivate First ClassBalete Pass, Luzon, PhilippinesMay 8, 1945
Robert T. Kuroda Staff Sergeantnear Bruyeres, FranceOctober 20, 1944One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.

L

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
James D. La Belle Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsMarch 8, 1945Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Salvador J. LaraArmyStaff SergeantAprilia, ItalyMay 27, 1944May 28, 1944Aggressively led his rifle squad in neutralizing multiple enemy strongpoints and inflicting large numbers of casualties, and resumed the attack the next day despite receiving a severe leg wound.
William R. Lawley Jr.Air ForcesFirst Lieutenantover EuropeFebruary 20, 1944
Robert E. LawsArmyStaff SergeantPangasinan Province, Luzon, PhilippinesJanuary 12, 1945
Daniel W. LeeSecond LieutenantMontreval, FranceSeptember 2, 1944
John H. LeimsMarine CorpsSecond LieutenantIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsMarch 7, 1945Risked his life to rescue several wounded Marines
Turney W. Leonard ArmyFirst LieutenantKommerscheidt, GermanyNovember 4, 1944 – November 6, 1944
William F. LeonardStaff SergeantNear St. Die, FranceNovember 7, 1944Led an assault continuously swept by enemy automatic fire, killing two snipers, and, despite bullets wounds to his back, destroyed two machine guns and captured a roadblock objective.
Fred F. Lester NavyHospital Apprentice First classOkinawa, Ryukyu IslandsJune 8, 1945
Darrell R. Lindsey Air ForcesCaptainL'Isle Adam railroad bridge over the Seine, FranceAugust 9, 1944
Jake W. LindseyArmyTechnical Sergeantnear Hamich, GermanyNovember 16, 1944
Floyd K. Lindstrom Private First Classnear Mignano, ItalyNovember 11, 1943
Edgar H. Lloyd First Lieutenantnear Pompey, FranceSeptember 14, 1944
Donald R. Lobaugh Privatenear Afua, New GuineaJuly 22, 1944
James M. LoganSergeantnear Salerno, ItalySeptember 9, 1943
Jose M. LopezSergeantnear Krinkelt, BelgiumDecember 17, 1944
Jacklyn H. LucasMarine CorpsPrivate First ClassIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsFebruary 20, 1945Youngest recipient since the Civil War (turned 17 just 5 days before Iwo Jima D-Day)
Jack Lummus Marine CorpsFirst LieutenantIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsMarch 8, 1945Had earlier played football for the New York Giants

M

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
George L. Mabry Jr.ArmyLieutenant ColonelHurtgen Forest near Schevenhütte, GermanyNovember 20, 1944
Douglas MacArthurGeneralBataan Peninsula, PhilippinesApril 1, 1942With his father, Arthur MacArthur Jr., became first father and son pair to both receive the Medal of Honor.
Charles A. MacGillivarySergeantnear Woelfling, FranceJanuary 1, 1945Immigrant from Canada.
John D. Magrath Private First Classnear Castel d'Aiano, ItalyApril 14, 1945
Joe E. Mann Private First ClassBest, HollandSeptember 18, 1944
Harry L. Martin Marine CorpsFirst LieutenantIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsMarch 26, 1945Sacrificed his life to help rescue some of his men who had been overrun by the enemy.
Joe P. Martinez ArmyPrivateAttu, AleutiansMay 26, 1943First private to earn the medal in World War II and the first and only soldier to earn such medal in a battle that occurred on American soil
Leonard F. Mason Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassAsan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, Mariana IslandsJuly 22, 1944For single-handedly knocking out two enemy machine guns despite being mortally wounded
Archibald Mathies Air ForcesSergeantover GermanyFebruary 20, 1944
Jack W. Mathis First Lieutenantover Vegesack, GermanyMarch 18, 1943
Robert D. MaxwellArmyTechnician 5th Gradenear Besançon, FranceSeptember 7, 1944
Martin O. May Private First Classlegusuku-Yama, Ie Shima, Ryukyu IslandsApril 19, 1945 – April 21, 1945Defended his machine gun position for 3 days against Japanese attacks, even when wounded, thus maintaining the American lines. Refusing to withdraw when his machine gun was disabled, he used hand grenades to fight to his death.
Melvin MayfieldCorporalCordillera Mountains, Luzon, PhilippinesJuly 29, 1945Mayfield's actions, on July 29, 1945, were the last to earn a Medal of Honor prior to the August 15, 1945, end of hostilities in World War II – though some honorees may have been cited for their Medal after Mayfield's recognition on May 31, 1946.
Thomas E. McCallStaff Sergeantnear San Angelo, ItalyJanuary 22, 1944
David McCampbellNavyCommanderFirst and second battles of the Philippine SeaJune 19, 1944Top Navy flying ace with 34 kills, was also awarded the Navy Cross
Bruce McCandlessCommanderBattle off Savo IslandNovember 12, 1942 – November 13, 1942
Robert H. McCard Marine CorpsGunnery SergeantSaipan, Mariana IslandsJune 16, 1944For saving the lives of his tank crewmen.
Lloyd G. McCarterArmyPrivateCorregidor, PhilippinesFebruary 16, 1945 – February 19, 1945
Joseph J. McCarthyMarine CorpsCaptainIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsFebruary 21, 1945Risked his life to eliminate several enemy troops so his men could move forward
Richard M. McCoolNavyLieutenantoff Okinawa, Ryukyu IslandsJune 10, 1945 – June 11, 1945Off the coast of Okinawa Island, McCool helped rescue the survivors of sinking destroyer USS William D. Porter. The next day, his own ship was hit by a Japanese kamikaze. Although he suffered severe burns and shrapnel wounds in the initial explosion, McCool continued to lead his crew in the firefighting and rescue efforts until relief arrived.
Charles L. McGahaArmyMaster Sergeantnear Lupao, Luzon, PhilippinesFebruary 7, 1945
Vernon McGarityTechnical Sergeantnear Krinkelt, BelgiumDecember 16, 1944
William D. McGee Privatenear Mulheim, GermanyMarch 18, 1945
Troy A. McGill SergeantLos Negros Islands, Admiralty GroupMarch 4, 1944
Francis X. McGraw Private First Classnear Schevenhütte, GermanyNovember 19, 1944
Thomas B. McGuire Jr. Air ForcesMajorover Luzon, PhilippinesDecember 25, 1944 – December 26, 1944The second leading air ace in World War II before being killed in action in January 1945. McGuire Air Force Base is named for him.
John R. McKinneyArmyPrivateTayabas Province, Luzon, PhilippinesMay 11, 1945
Robert M. McTureous Jr. Marine CorpsPrivateOkinawa, Ryukyu IslandsJune 7, 1945For attacking multiple enemy positions with hand grenades, diverting fire away from stretcher-bearers before he was fatally wounded
John J. McVeigh ArmySergeantnear Brest, FranceAugust 29, 1944
William A. McWhorter Private First ClassLeyte, PhilippinesDecember 5, 1944
John W. MeagherTechnical Sergeantnear Ozato, Okinawa, Ryukyu IslandsJune 19, 1945
Manuel V. MendozaMaster SergeantMt. Battaglia, ItalyOctober 4, 1944Single-handedly broke up a German counterattack.
Gino J. MerliPrivate First Classnear Sars la Bruyere, BelgiumSeptember 4, 1944 – September 5, 1944Held off German troops overnight, even when his machine gun nest was captured.
Joseph F. Merrell Privatenear Lohe, GermanyApril 18, 1945Single-handedly attacked German positions which were firing on his unit. He disabled two enemy machine gun emplacements and killed nearly two dozen German soldiers before he was himself killed, at the age of 18.
Harold O. Messerschmidt Sergeantnear Radden, FranceSeptember 17, 1944
William E. Metzger Jr. Air ForcesSecond LieutenantSaarbrücken, GermanyNovember 9, 1944Co-piloted a B-17 aircraft on a bombing run on Saarbrücken. Even though his plane was severely damaged and set ablaze by anti-aircraft fire which wounded the engineer and the radio operator, Metzger and pilot Donald J. Gott successfully dropped their bombs on the target and flew the plane to friendly territory. After having their crew bail out except for the unconscious radio operator, Metzger and Gott attempted to crashland the plane to save their helpless comrade. The plane exploded, killing the three remaining crewmembers on board.
Edward S. MichaelFirst Lieutenantover GermanyApril 11, 1944
Harry J. Michael ArmySecond Lieutenantnear Neiderzerf, GermanyMarch 14, 1945
Andrew Miller Staff Sergeantfrom Woippy, France to Kerprich Hemmersdorf, GermanyNovember 16, 1944 – November 29, 1944
James H. MillsPrivatenear Cisterna di Littoria, ItalyMay 24, 1944
John W. Minick Staff Sergeantnear Hurtgen, GermanyNovember 21, 1944
Nicholas Minue Privatenear MedjezelBab, TunisiaApril 28, 1943
Jimmie W. Monteith Jr. First Lieutenantnear Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, FranceJune 6, 1944
Jack C. MontgomeryFirst Lieutenantnear, Padiglione, ItalyFebruary 22, 1944
Harold H. Moon Jr. PrivatePawig, Leyte, PhilippinesOctober 21, 1944
John C. MorganAir ForcesSecond Lieutenantover GermanyJuly 28, 1943
Edward J. Moskala ArmyPrivate First ClassKakazu Ridge, Okinawa, Ryukyu IslandsApril 9, 1945
Kaoru MotoPrivate First Classnear Castellina, ItalyJuly 7, 1944One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.

On his own initiative he defeated a machine gun nest killing one soldier and taking a second one prisoner and forced an additional machine gun team to retreat. Even though wounded by sniper fire and relieved of his position, he defeated another machine gun nest on his way back to the rear, taking three more prisoners.

Charles E. Mower Sergeantnear Capoocan, Leyte, PhilippinesNovember 3, 1944
Joseph E. Muller Sergeantnear Ishimmi, Okinawa, Ryukyu IslandsMay 15, 1945 – May 16, 1945
Sadao S. Munemori Private First Classnear Seravezza, ItalyApril 5, 1945For taking out two machine-gun emplacements and jumping onto a grenade to save 2 soldiers.
Douglas A. Munro Coast GuardSignalman First classoff Point Cruz, Guadalcanal, Solomon IslandsSeptember 27, 1942Only member of the Coast Guard to receive the Medal of Honor.
Kiyoshi K. Muranaga ArmyPrivate First Classnear Suvereto, ItalyJune 26, 1944One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Audie L. MurphySecond Lieutenantnear Holtzwihr, FranceJanuary 26, 1945

One of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II, receiving every military combat award for valor available from the U.S. Army, as well as French and Belgian awards for heroism.

Frederick C. Murphy Private First ClassSiegfried Line at Saarlautern, GermanyMarch 18, 1945
Charles P. Murray Jr.First Lieutenantnear Kaysersberg, FranceDecember 16, 1944

N

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Masato Nakae ArmyPrivatenear Pisa, ItalyAugust 19, 1944One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Shinyei Nakamine Privatenear La Torreto, ItalyJune 2, 1944One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
William K. Nakamura Private First Classnear Castellina, ItalyJuly 4, 1944One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
William L. Nelson SergeantDjebel Dardys, Northwest of Sedjenane, TunisiaApril 24, 1943
Ralph G. NeppelSergeantBirgel, GermanyDecember 14, 1944Upon returning to America after World War II, Ralph George Neppel received the Medal of Honor for continuing to man his machine gun during the Battle of the Bulge after German fire severed his leg. By staying at his post during the battle he helped destroy German reserves who were thrown at American forces. After he was discharged from the military he returned to Iowa.

Neppel passed away at the age of 63 in 1987.

Robert B. NettFirst Lieutenantnear Cognon, Leyte, PhilippinesDecember 14, 1944
John D. New Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassPeleliu Island, Palau GroupSeptember 25, 1944Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Beryl R. NewmanArmyFirst Lieutenantnear Cisterna, ItalyMay 26, 1944For single-handedly destroying three machine gun emplacements.
Alfred B. Nietzel SergeantHeistern, GermanyNovember 18, 1944When an enemy assault threatened to overrun his unit's position, Nietzel covered for the retreating members of his squad, expending all his ammunition and holding his post until being killed. One of 24 soldiers who received their medals in 2014, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked.
Alexander R. Nininger Second Lieutenantnear Abucay, Bataan, PhilippinesJanuary 12, 1942
Joe M. Nishimoto Private First Classnear La Houssiere, FranceNovember 7, 1944One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.


O

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
William J. O'Brien ArmyLieutenant ColonelSaipan, Mariana IslandsJune 20, 1944 – July 7, 1944
Joseph T. O'Callahan NavyLieutenant Commandernear Kobe, JapanMarch 19, 1945Chaplain aboard aircraft carrier USS Franklin.
Carlos C. OgdenArmyFirst Lieutenantnear Fort du Roule, FranceJune 25, 1944
Edward H. O'HareNavyLieutenantoff Papua New GuineaFebruary 20, 1942O'Hare International Airport in Chicago was named in his memory.
Allan M. Ohata ArmySergeantnear Cerasuolo, ItalyNovember 29, 1943 – November 30, 1943One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Richard H. O'KaneNavyCommanderPhilippinesOctober 23, 1944 – October 24, 1944For submarine operations as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Tang operating against two enemy Japanese convoys. Maneuvering on the surface into the midst of a heavily escorted convoy, O'Kane landed hits on three tankers, swung his ship to fire at a freighter and shot out of the path of an onrushing transport. Boxed in by blazing tankers, a freighter, transport, and several destroyers, he blasted two of the targets and cleared the area. Twenty-four hours later, he made contact with another heavily escorted convoy. In the midst of relentless enemy fire, he sent two torpedoes into the first and second transports and an adjacent tanker. He charged the enemy at high speed, exploding the tanker in a burst of flame, smashing the transport dead in the water, and blasting the destroyer. He fired his last two torpedoes at the remnants of the convoy before the second torpedo malfunctioned, performing a circular run and hitting the Tang in the stern. O'Kane along with eight officers survived the sinking. He remained a Japanese prisoner-of-war until 1945.
James K. Okubo ArmyTechnician 5th GradeForet Domaniale de Champ, near Biffontaine, FranceOctober 28, 1944 – October 29, 1944 and November 4, 1944One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Yukio OkutsuTechnical Sergeanton Mount Belvedere, ItalyApril 7, 1945One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Arlo L. Olson Captaincrossing of the Volturno River, ItalyOctober 13, 1943
Truman O. Olson Sergeantnear Cisterna di Littoria, ItalyJanuary 30, 1944 – January 31, 1944
Frank H. Ono Private First Classnear Castellina, ItalyJuly 4, 1944One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Nicholas OreskoMaster Sergeantnear Tettingen, GermanyJanuary 23, 1945For single-handedly destroying two bunkers while being seriously wounded. Was oldest living Medal of Honor recipient until passing on October 4, 2013.
Kazuo Otani Staff Sergeantnear Pieve Di S. Luce, ItalyJuly 15, 1944One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Robert A. Owens Marine CorpsSergeantCape Torokina, Bougainville, Solomon IslandsNovember 1, 1943Charged an enemy bunker housing a 75-mm. gun which was inflicting heavy casualties on the landing force, throwing himself through the gunport, and chasing the crew out of the bunker before he was killed.
Joseph W. Ozbourn PrivateTinian, Mariana IslandsJuly 30, 1944Private Ozbourn saved the lives of four fellow Marines by jumping on the top of a live hand grenade.

P

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Mitchell PaigeMarine CorpsPlatoon SergeantBattle for Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon IslandsOctober 26, 1942For manning several machine guns after all of his men were killed or wounded, holding off a large Japanese force before leading a bayonet charge
John J. Parle NavyEnsignaboard a landing ship, USS LST 375, off SicilyJuly 9, 1943 – July 10, 1943
Laverne Parrish ArmyTechnician 4th GradeBinalonan, Luzon, PhilippinesJanuary 18, 1945 – January 24, 1945
Harl Pease Jr. Air ForcesCaptainnear Rabaul, New BritainAugust 6, 1942 – August 7, 1942
Forrest E. Peden ArmyTechnician 5th Gradenear Biesheim, FranceFebruary 3, 1945Forrest Peden enlisted into the army in February 1943, and by February 3, 1945 he was serving as a Technician 5th Grade in Battery C. While in action that day, he had a traumatic experience causing death among his unit. They were ambushed by a larger enemy force. Peden ran for help even though there were enemies firing intensely upon. He ended up finding an allied tank, before leading it back to the site but died when the tank was hit by hostile fire. He received the medal for his actions to protect his unit from heavy fire.
Jack J. Pendleton Staff SergeantBardenberg, GermanyOctober 12, 1944
Frank D. Peregory Technical SergeantGrandcampe, FranceJune 8, 1944On D-Day +2, Sgt Frank D. Peregory chose to singlehandedly assault the heavily fortified and protected French village of Grandcampe-les-Bains (Point-du-Hoc Sector), Normandy. The strong point objective had previously received, firstly, a barrage from an allied cruiser off the Normandy coast, before heavy artillery and tank fire – all to no avail. It was after this that Sgt Peregory made his way up the hill (strong point approach), under heavy fire. He successfully negotiated the hill approach and entered a trench killing eight enemy and capturing three. After passing the prisoners onto command, he re-entered the trench at a point further along towards the strong point. According to witnesses in Peregory's company, after considerable time, Sgt Peregory eventually reappeared from out of the trenches with thirty-two German prisoners. Fellow soldiers who witnessed Sgt Peregory's actions, state that he had used hand grenades in the incursion (having no rifle or handgun on his person), before the remaining Germans surrendered. The 116th Infantry (of which Sgt Peregory was contingent), was reassigned two days after actions at Grandcampe-les-Bains, on the 13th June. The following day, Sgt Peregory assaulted an enemy machine gun position and was killed in action. The medal that was meant to be awarded in person, was awarded posthumously.
Manuel Perez Jr. Private First ClassFort William McKinley, Luzon, PhilippinesFebruary 13, 1945
George J. Peters Privatenear Fluren, GermanyMarch 24, 1945
George Peterson Staff Sergeantnear Eisern, GermanyMarch 30, 1945
Oscar V. Peterson NavyChief WatertenderUSS Neosho, Battle of the Coral SeaMay 7, 1942
Frank J. Petrarca ArmyPrivate First ClassHorseshoe Hill, New Georgia, Solomon IslandsJuly 27, 1943
Jackson C. PharrisNavyGunnerPearl Harbor, Territory of HawaiiDecember 7, 1941In charge of an ordnance repair party on USS California, severely injured by explosions and twice rendered unconscious by nauseous oil fumes while setting up a hand-supply ammunition train for the antiaircraft guns, ordering shipfitters to counterflood to address a list (keeping the California in action), repeatedly entered flooding compartments to drag unconscious shipmates to safety.
Wesley Phelps Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassPeleliu Island, Palau GroupOctober 4, 1944Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
George Phillips PrivateIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsMarch 14, 1945Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Francis J. PierceNavyPharmacist's Mate First classIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsMarch 15, 1945 – March 16, 1945Risked his life to save several wounded Marines and volunteered for a mission to eliminate an enemy threat
John J. Pinder Jr. ArmyTechnician 5th Gradenear Colleville-sur-Mer, FranceJune 6, 1944
Everett P. PopeMarine CorpsCaptainPeleliu Island, Palau GroupSeptember 19, 1944 – September 20, 1944For leading his company in the capture of a steep coral hill and holding it throughout the night despite repeated enemy attacks and the loss of most of his men
John V. Power Marine CorpsFirst LieutenantNamur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall IslandsFebruary 1, 1944Although painfully wounded, he charged an enemy position and was killed in the doorway of a pillbox.
John J. Powers NavyLieutenantover the Coral Sea and adjacent watersMay 4, 1942 – May 8, 1942
Leo J. PowersArmyPrivate First Classnorthwest of Cassino, ItalyFebruary 3, 1944
Arthur M. PrestonNavyLieutenantWasile Bay, Halmahera IslandSeptember 16, 1944Lt. Comdr. (then Lieutenant) Preston received The Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commander, Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 33, while effecting the rescue of a Navy pilot shot down in Wasile Bay, Halmahera Island, less than 200 yards from a strongly defended Japanese dock and supply area, September 16, 1944. Volunteering for a perilous mission unsuccessfully attempted by the pilot's squadron mates and a PBY plane, Lt. Comdr. (then Lieutenant) Preston led PT-489 and PT-363 through 60 miles of restricted, heavily mined waters. Twice turned back while running the gauntlet of fire from powerful coastal defense guns guarding the 11-mile strait at the entrance to the bay, he was again turned back by furious fire in the immediate area of the downed airman. Aided by an aircraft smoke screen, he finally succeeded in reaching his objective and, under vicious fire delivered at 150-yard range, took the pilot aboard and cleared the area, sinking a small hostile cargo vessel with 40-mm. fire during retirement. Increasingly vulnerable when covering aircraft were forced to leave because of insufficient fuel, Lt. Comdr. Preston raced PT boats 489 and 363 at high speed for 20 minutes through shell-splashed water and across minefields to safety. Under continuous fire for 2+12 hours, Lt. Comdr. Preston successfully achieved a mission considered suicidal in its tremendous hazards, and brought his boats through without personnel casualties and with but superficial damage from shrapnel. His exceptional daring and great personal valor enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
Ernest W. Prussman ArmyPrivate First Classnear Les Coates, Brittany, FranceSeptember 8, 1944
Donald D. Pucket Air ForcesFirst LieutenantPloiești Raid, RomaniaJuly 9, 1944

R

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Lawson P. RamageNavyCommanderUSS Parche, south of TaiwanJuly 31, 1944Sunk enemy ships in gallant action.
Bernard J. Ray ArmyFirst LieutenantHurtgen Forest near Schevenhütte, GermanyNovember 17, 1944
James W. Reese PrivateMt. Vassillio, SicilyAugust 5, 1943Sent mortars into enemy position in the line of fire so that his comrades can get across the hill. Shot down after the mortars were finally used up.
John N. Reese Jr. Private First ClassPaco Railroad Station, Manila, PhilippinesFebruary 9, 1945Private First Class John N. Reese Jr was engaged in the attack on the Paco Railroad Station, which was strongly defended by 300 determined enemy soldiers with machine guns and rifles, supported by several pillboxes, three 20mm. guns, one 37-mm. gun and heavy mortars.

His platoon was halted 100 yards from the station by intense enemy fire. On his own initiative, he left the platoon, accompanied by a comrade, and continued forward to a house 60 yards from the objective.Although under constant enemy observation, the two men remained in this position for an hour, firing at targets of opportunity, killing more than 35 Japanese and wounding many more. Moving closer to the station and discovering a group of Japanese replacements attempting to reach pillboxes, they opened heavy fire, killed more than 40 and stopped all subsequent attempts to man the emplacements. Enemy fire became more intense as they advanced to within 20 yards of the station. From that point Pfc. Reese provided effective covering fire and courageously drew enemy fire to himself while his companion killed seven Japanese and destroyed a 20-mm. gun and heavy machine gun with hand grenades. With their ammunition running low, the two men started to return to the American lines, alternately providing covering fire for each other as they withdrew. During this movement, Pfc. Reese was killed by enemy fire as he reloaded his rifle. The intrepid team, in two and one-half hours of fierce fighting, killed more than 82 Japanese, completely disorganized their defense and paved the way for subsequent complete defeat of the enemy at this strong point.[7]

Thomas J. Reeves NavyChief RadiomanUSS California, Pearl HarborDecember 7, 1941After the mechanized ammunition hoists were put out of action in USS California, in a burning passageway, assisted in ammunition supply by hand to the antiaircraft guns until he was killed by smoke and fire.
Milton E. Ricketts LieutenantUSS Yorktown, Battle of the Coral SeaMay 8, 1942
Paul F. Riordan ArmySecond Lieutenantnear Cassino, ItalyFebruary 3, 1944 – February 8, 1944
Ruben Rivers Staff Sergeanttoward Guebling, FranceNovember 15, 1944 – November 19, 1944One of seven African-American soldiers who received their medals belatedly, after a 1993 study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time. From his citation "for extraordinary heroism" in an assault on German positions near Guebling, France: "Though severely wounded in the leg, Sergeant Rivers refused medical treatment and evacuation, took command of another tank, and advanced with his company in Guebling the next day. Repeatedly refusing evacuation, Sergeant Rivers continued to direct his tank's fire at enemy positions through the morning of 19 November 1944. At dawn, Company A's tanks began to advance towards Bougaktroff, but were stopped by enemy fire. Sergeant Rivers, joined by another tank, opened fire on the enemy tanks, covering company A as they withdrew. While doing so, Sergeant Rivers's tank was hit, killing him and wounding the crew."
Charles H. Roan Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassPeleliu Island, Palau GroupSeptember 18, 1944Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
James E. Robinson Jr. ArmyFirst Lieutenantnear Untergriesheim, GermanyApril 6, 1945
Cleto L. RodriguezPrivatePaco Railroad Station, Manila, PhilippinesFebruary 9, 1945
Robert E. Roeder CaptainMt. Battaglia, ItalySeptember 27, 1944 – September 28, 1944
Albert H. Rooks NavyCaptainUSS Houston on the Java SeaFebruary 4, 1942 – February 27, 1942Commanded USS Houston during early days of war. Led during Battle of Java Sea. Killed in action while attempting to lead Houston and HMAS Perth to safety in Sunda Strait.
Theodore Roosevelt Jr. ArmyBrigadier GeneralUtah Beach, Normandy invasionJune 6, 1944With his father, Theodore Roosevelt, became second father and son pair to both receive the Medal of Honor. Died of a heart attack before he could receive the award.
Donald K. RossNavyMachinistPearl Harbor, Territory of HawaiiDecember 7, 1941Forced his men to leave the untenable forward dynamo room of USS Nevada and performed all the duties himself until unconscious, returned to dynamo room after being resuscitated, worked the after dynamo room until unconscious, recovered and returned to his station until directed to abandon it.
Wilburn K. RossArmyPrivatenear St. Jacques, FranceOctober 30, 1944
Carlton R. RouhMarine CorpsFirst LieutenantPeleliu Island, Palau GroupSeptember 15, 1944For risking his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Donald E. RudolphArmyTechnical SergeantMunoz, Luzon, PhilippinesFebruary 5, 1945For destroying 8 pillboxes, a trench and a tank while under fire.
Donald J. Ruhl Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsFebruary 19, 1945 – February 21, 1945Saved several of his fellow Marines by sacrificing his life and diving on an enemy grenade
Alejandro R. RuizArmyPrivate First ClassOkinawa, Ryukyu IslandsApril 28, 1945

S

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Joseph J. Sadowski ArmySergeantValhey, FranceSeptember 14, 1944
George T. SakatoPrivateHill 617, near Biffontaine, FranceOctober 29, 1944One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Benjamin L. Salomon CaptainSaipan, Mariana IslandsJuly 7, 1944Ben L. Salomon was treating patients when Japanese soldiers came inside the tent, Salomon picked up a M1 Garand and shot the first one, stabbed the second one with a bayonet, stabbed the third one with a knife and butted the fourth in the stomach, who was then killed by a wounded patient with an M1911 pistol. Salomon ordered the retreat of the wounded soldiers to the nearby medical station and he gave them cover by firing a M1917 Browning machine gun at the charging Japanese soldiers. A few days later, an army team found him with 98 dead Japanese soldiers in front of his body. Salomon had 76 bullet wounds and bayonet ones, of which he had received 24 while he was still alive. After repeated recommendations were denied, he was finally awarded the medal of honor posthumously in 2002.
Joseph R. Sarnoski Air ForcesSecond Lieutenantover Buka area, Solomon IslandsJune 16, 1943On 16 June 1943, 2d Lt. Sarnoski volunteered as bombardier of a crew on an important photographic mapping mission covering the defended Buka area, and Solomon Islands. When the mission was nearly completed about 20 enemy fighters got in the way. At the nose guns 2d Lt. Sarnoski fought off the first attackers, making it possible for the pilot to finish the course. When a coordinated frontal attack by the enemy severely damaged his bomber and seriously injured five of the crew, 2d Lt. Sarnoski though wounded continued to fire and shoot down two enemy planes. With his fighting spirit after he had gotten knocked down he crawled back up to his spot to continue on fighting. Second Lt. Sarnoski, by resolute the defense of his aircraft at the price of his life made it possible for the mission to be complete.
Foster J. Sayers ArmyPrivate First Classnear Thionville, FranceNovember 12, 1944"During an attack on strong hostile forces entrenched on a hill he fearlessly ran up the steep approach toward his objective and set up his machine gun 20 yards from the enemy. Then he realized it would be necessary to attract full attention of the dug in Germans while his company crossed an open area and flanked the enemy, and he picked up his gun charged through the crazy machine gun and rifle fire to the very edge of the emplacement, and there killed 12 German soldiers with a devastating close range fire. He took up a position behind a log and engaged the hostile infantry from the flank in an heroic attempt to distract their attention while his comrades attained their objective at the bottom of the hill. He was killed by the very heavy concentration of return fire but his fearless assault enabled his company to sweep the hill with a minimum of casualties, killing or capturing every enemy soldier on it. Sayers's indomitable fighting spirit, aggressiveness, and supreme devotion to duty live on as an example of the highest traditions of the military service."[8]
Joseph E. SchaeferStaff Sergeantnear Stolberg, GermanySeptember 24, 1944
Henry SchauerPrivate First Classnear Cisterna di Littoria, ItalyMay 23, 1944 – May 24, 1944
Herbert E. SchonlandNavyCommanderSavo IslandNovember 12, 1942 – November 13, 1942Took command of USS San Francisco after captain had been killed, fought ship and led her to safety.
Albert E. Schwab Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassOkinawa, Ryukyu IslandsMay 7, 1945For single-handedly destroying two Japanese machine gun positions with a flamethrower before he was killed
Donald K. Schwab ArmyFirst LieutenantNear Lure, Haute-Saône, FranceSeptember 17, 1944Under intense enemy fire, dismantled a strong German position and took a prisoner of war.
Norman Scott NavyRear Admiraloff Savo IslandOctober 11, 1942 – October 12, 1942 and November 12, 1942 – November 13, 1942
Robert R. Scott Machinist's Mate First classPearl Harbor, HawaiiDecember 7, 1941When his battle station compartment flooded on USS California, site of an air compressor for the guns, Scott refused to leave as "This is my station and I will stay and give them air as long as the guns are going."
Robert S. ScottArmyFirst Lieutenantnear Munda Air Strip, New Georgia, Solomon IslandsJuly 29, 1943For single-handedly defeating a Japanese patrol.
Charles W. SheaSecond Lieutenantnear Mount Damiano, ItalyMay 12, 1944
Carl V. Sheridan Private First ClassFrenzenberg Castle, Weisweiler, GermanyNovember 26, 1944
William R. Shockley Private First ClassVilla Verde Trail, Luzon, PhilippinesMarch 31, 1945
William A. ShomoAir ForcesMajorover Luzon, PhilippinesJanuary 11, 19457 victories in one action
Curtis F. Shoup ArmyStaff Sergeantnear Tillet, BelgiumJanuary 7, 1945
David M. ShoupMarine CorpsColonelBetio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert IslandsNovember 20, 1943 – November 22, 1943Wrote battle plan for Tarawa assault, directed assault from trench on Betio beach as first waves came ashore.Twenty-second Commandant of the United States Marine Corps (January 1, 1960 – December 31, 1963)
Franklin E. SiglerPrivateIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsMarch 14, 1945Led a charge against an enemy gun installation which had held up the advance of his company for several days
Edward A. SilkArmyFirst Lieutenantnear St. Pravel, FranceNovember 23, 1944
John C. SjogrenStaff Sergeantnear San Jose Hacienda, Negros, PhilippinesMay 23, 1945
Luther Skaggs Jr.Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassAsan-Adelup beachhead, Guam, Mariana IslandsJuly 21, 1944 – July 22, 1944Despite losing part of his leg to a grenade, he continued to maintain his position in his foxhole, fighting the enemy for eight more hours
James D. SlatonArmyCorporalnear Oliveto, ItalySeptember 23, 1943
Furman L. Smith Privatenear Lanuvio, ItalyMay 31, 1944
John L. SmithMarine CorpsMajorSolomon Islands areaAugust 1942 – September 1942Led his squadron in shooting down 83 enemy aircraft during this period, he himself shot down 19 planes
Maynard H. SmithAir ForcesSergeantover Brest, FranceMay 1, 1943AKA- Snuffy Smith. On his first mission as a B-17 gunner Sgt. Smith helped save the lives of six of his wounded comrades, put out a fire, and drove off waves of German fighters.
William A. SodermanArmyPrivate First Classnear Rocherath, BelgiumDecember 17, 1944
Richard K. SorensonMarine CorpsPrivateNamur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall IslandsFebruary 1, 1944 – February 2, 1944For risking his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Joe C. Specker ArmySergeantMount Porchia, ItalyJanuary 7, 1944
Junior J. SpurrierStaff SergeantAchain, FranceNovember 13, 1944
John C. Squires Private First Classnear Padiglione, ItalyApril 23, 1944 – April 24, 1944
Tony Stein Marine CorpsCorporalIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsFebruary 19, 1945First Medal of Honor of Iwo Jima
George L. Street, IIINavyLieutenant Commanderharbor of Quelpart Island, off the coast of KoreaApril 14, 1945For torpedoing three enemy ships while captain of USS Triante.
Stuart S. Stryker ArmyPrivate First Classnear Wesel, GermanyMarch 24, 1945
James E. SwettMarine CorpsFirst LieutenantSolomon Islands areaApril 7, 1943For downing eight Japanese Vals off the coast of Guadalcanal

T

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Ted T. Tanouye ArmyTechnical Sergeantnear Molino A Ventoabbto, ItalyJuly 7, 1944One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Seymour W. Terry CaptainZebra Hill, Okinawa, Ryukyu IslandsMay 11, 1945
Charles L. Thomas First Lieutenantnear Climbach, FranceDecember 14, 1944One of seven African-American soldiers who received their awards belatedly, after a 1993 study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Herbert J. Thomas Marine CorpsSergeantKoromokina River, Bougainville, Solomon IslandsNovember 7, 1943Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
William H. Thomas ArmyPrivate First ClassZambales Mountains, Luzon, PhilippinesApril 22, 1945
Clyde A. Thomason Marine CorpsSergeantMakin AtollAugust 17, 1942 – August 18, 1942For leading Marines during the Makin Island raid. He was the first enlisted Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during World War II.
Max ThompsonArmySergeantnear Haaren, GermanyOctober 18, 1944
Horace M. Thorne Corporalnear Grufflingen, BelgiumDecember 21, 1944
John F. Thorson Private First ClassDagami, Leyte, PhilippinesOctober 28, 1944
Grant F. Timmerman Marine CorpsSergeantSaipan, Mariana IslandsJuly 8, 1944Sacrificed his life to prevent an enemy grenade from falling through the open hatch of his tank
Peter Tomich NavyChief WatertenderUSS Utah (BB-31), Pearl Harbor, HawaiiDecember 7, 1941Although realizing that USS Utah was capsizing, remained at his post in the engineering plant until he saw that all boilers were secured and all fireroom personnel had left their stations.
John J. TominacArmyFirst LieutenantSaulx de Vesoul, FranceSeptember 12, 1944
John R. Towle Privatenear Oosterhout, HollandSeptember 21, 1944
Jack L. TreadwellFirst Lieutenantnear Nieder-Wurzbach, GermanyMarch 18, 1945
Walter E. Truemper Air ForcesSecond Lieutenantover GermanyFebruary 20, 1944
Day G. Turner ArmySergeantDahl, LuxembourgJanuary 8, 1945
George B. TurnerPrivate First ClassPhilippsbourg, FranceJanuary 3, 1945 – January 4, 1945

U

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Matt UrbanArmyCaptainRenouf, FranceJune 14, 1944 – September 3, 1944An infantry company and battalion commander with many decorations and awards including seven Purple Hearts in World War II:
"Distinguished himself by a series of bold, heroic actions, exemplified by a singularly outstanding combat leadership, personal bravery, and tenacious devotion to duty... Captain Urban's personal leadership, limitless bravery, and repeated extraordinary exposure to enemy fire served as an inspiration to his entire battalion. His valourous and intrepid actions reflect the utmost credit on him and uphold the noble traditions of the United States Army."

V

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Jose F. Valdez ArmyPrivate First Classnear Rosenkrantz, FranceJanuary 25, 1945
Junior Van Noy Privatenear Finschafen, New GuineaOctober 17, 1943
Franklin Van Valkenburgh NavyCaptainPearl Harbor, HawaiiDecember 7, 1941Commanding officer of the USS Arizona.
Bruce A. Van Voorhis CommanderGreenwich Island, battle of the Solomon IslandsJuly 6, 1943His citation reads as follows: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Squadron Commander of Bombing Squadron 102 and as Plane Commander of a PB4Y-I Patrol Bomber operating against the enemy on Japanese-held Greenwich Island during the battle of the Solomon Islands, 6 July 1943. Fully aware of the limited chance of surviving an urgent mission, voluntarily undertaken to prevent a surprise Japanese attack against our forces, Lieutenant Commander Van Voorhis took off in total darkness on a perilous 700-mile flight without escort or support. Successful in reaching his objective despite treacherous and varying winds, low visibility and difficult terrain, he fought a lone but relentless battle under fierce antiaircraft fire and overwhelming aerial opposition. Forced lower and lower by pursuing planes, he coolly persisted in his mission of destruction. Abandoning all chance of a safe return he executed 6 bold ground-level attacks to demolish the enemy's vital radio station, installations, antiaircraft guns and crews with bombs and machine gun fire, and to destroy 1 fighter plane in the air and 3 on the water. Caught in his own bomb blast, Commander Van Voorhis crashed into the lagoon off the beach, sacrificing himself in a single-handed fight against almost insuperable odds, to make a distinctive contribution to our continued offensive in driving the Japanese from the Solomons and, by his superb daring, courage and resoluteness of purpose, enhanced the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
Leon R. Vance Jr. Air ForcesLieutenant Colonelover Wimereaux, FranceJune 5, 1944Died in unrelated air crash before receiving his Medal.
Alexander A. VandegriftMarine CorpsMajor GeneralBattle of Guadalcanal, Solomon IslandsAugust 7, 1942 – December 9, 1942Later became the 18th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Robert M. Viale ArmySecond LieutenantManila, Luzon, PhilippinesFebruary 5, 1945
Ysmael R. Villegas Staff SergeantVilla Verde Trail, Luzon, PhilippinesMarch 20, 1945He led his squad in an assault on a strongly defended enemy position on Luzon in the Philippines. Despite intense enemy fire, he single-handedly attacked and destroyed multiple enemy foxholes, killing several enemy soldiers.
Dirk J. VlugPrivate First Classnear Limon, Leyte, PhilippinesDecember 15, 1944
Forrest L. VoslerAir ForcesTechnical Sergeantover Bremen, GermanyDecember 20, 1943

W

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
George E. WahlenNavyPharmacist's Mate Second classIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsMarch 3, 1945Although seriously wounded he risked his life to save the lives of several Marines
Francis B. Wai ArmyCaptainLeyte, PhilippinesOctober 20, 1944Deliberately exposed himself to fire from Japanese pillboxes and led men on the beachhead; was killed in assault on last pillbox. One of 22 Asian-American soldiers who received their medals in 2000, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Jonathan M. Wainwright, IVLieutenant GeneralPhilippinesMarch 12, 1942 – May 7, 1942Wainwright commanded the doomed Allied garrison of Corregidor and ordered its surrender to Japanese forces in 1942. He was the highest ranking U.S. officer in captivity during his three years as a prisoner of war. The general would witness the surrender of the Japanese forces aboard the USS Missouri that brought about the end of the war. Wainwright was nominated for the Medal of Honor early in his captivity, but it was rejected due to the opposition of General Douglas MacArthur, who felt that Corregidor should not have been surrendered. MacArthur did not oppose the renewed proposal in 1945.
Kenneth N. Walker Air ForcesBrigadier GeneralRabaul, New BritainJanuary 5, 1943For Conspicuous Leadership above and beyond the call of Duty
Herman C. Wallace ArmyPrivate First Classnear Prümzurlay, GermanyFebruary 27, 1945
Kenneth A. WalshMarine CorpsFirst LieutenantSolomon Islands areaAugust 15, 1943 and August 30, 1943One of the top Marine fighter aces of the war with 21 kills
William G. Walsh Marine CorpsGunnery SergeantIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsFebruary 27, 1945For leading his Marines in a fierce assault on an enemy held ridge before he sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
James R. Ward NavySeaman First ClassPearl Harbor, HawaiiDecember 7, 1941During evacuation of USS Oklahoma, remained in a turret, holding a flashlight so the remainder of the turret crew could see to escape, thereby sacrificing his own life.
Keith L. WareArmyLieutenant Colonelnear Sigolsheim, FranceDecember 26, 1944
Henry F. Warner Corporalnear Dom Butgenbach, BelgiumDecember 20, 1944 – December 21, 1944
George Watson Privateat sea near New GuineaMarch 8, 1943Watson was one of seven African-American soldiers who received their medals in a belated 1997 ceremony, after a study revealed discrimination that caused them to be overlooked at the time.
Wilson D. WatsonMarine CorpsPrivateIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsFebruary 26, 1945 – February 27, 1945Risked his life fighting the enemy single-handedly for 15 minutes until his platoon could catch up to him, personally killing 60 of the enemy
Robert T. Waugh ArmyFirst Lieutenantnear Tremensucli, ItalyMay 11, 1944 – May 14, 1944
David C. WayburFirst Lieutenantnear Agrigento, SicilyJuly 17, 1943Led his patrol in holding off an Italian tank attack despite severe wounds. He later returned to combat and was killed in 1945
Ellis R. Weicht SergeantSt. Hippolyte, FranceDecember 3, 1944
Walter C. Wetzel Private First ClassBirken, GermanyApril 3, 1945
Eli L. WhiteleyFirst LieutenantSigolsheim, FranceDecember 27, 1944
Hulon B. WhittingtonSergeantnear Grimesnil, FranceJuly 29, 1944
Paul J. WiedorferPrivatenear, Chaumont, BelgiumDecember 25, 1944
Thomas W. Wigle Second LieutenantMonte Frassino, ItalySeptember 14, 1944
William H. WilburColonelFedala, MoroccoNovember 8, 1942
Edward G. Wilkin CorporalSiegfried Line in GermanyMarch 18, 1945
Raymond H. Wilkins Air ForcesMajornear Rabaul, New BritainNovember 2, 1943
Walter J. Will ArmyFirst Lieutenantnear Eisern, GermanyMarch 30, 1945Despite being wounded numerous times: rescued three wounded men, single-handedly neutralized two enemy machine gun nests, and went on to lead his squad to capture two more before being killed in another charge.
Hershel W. WilliamsMarine CorpsCorporalIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsFebruary 23, 1945A demolition sergeant, Williams volunteered to advance alone and attempt to silence enemy positions. Returning periodically to collect more demolition charges and refueled flamethrowers, Williams systematically destroyed enemy pillboxes and emplacements, engaging in near hand-to-hand combat. Williams was the last surviving World War II medal of honor winner until his death on June 29, 2022.
Jack Williams NavyPharmacist's Mate Third classIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsMarch 3, 1945Navy Corpsman who risked his life charging through enemy fire to rescue wounded comrades. Wounded several times, Williams neglected his own wounds to care for the wounded Marines around him, exposing himself to enemy fire.
John H. Willis Pharmacist's Mate First classIwo Jima, Volcano IslandsFebruary 28, 1945During a heated battle, Willis, while wounded himself, advanced to the aid of a wounded Marine. While administering plasma to the Marine, he quickly hurled back an enemy grenade that landed in their shell hole. He returned the seven others that followed as well, before a ninth exploded in his hand, killing him instantly.
Alfred L. Wilson ArmyTechnician 5th Gradenear Bezange la Petite, FranceNovember 8, 1944Volunteered as an aid man to assist another company that was taking heavy casualties. Mortally wounded by a shell that burst among him and the wounded men he was treating, he continued to provide aid to those injured while refusing it himself. As blood loss made him too weak to walk or crawl, he directed enlisted men on how to treat the wounded, before succumbing to his injuries.
Louis H. Wilson Jr.Marine CorpsCaptainFonte Hill, Guam, Mariana IslandsJuly 25, 1944 – July 26, 1944Later became commandant of the Marine Corps.
Robert L. Wilson Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassTinian, Mariana IslandsAugust 3, 1944Sacrificed himself by jumping on an enemy grenade that landed among his squad.
Homer L. WiseArmyStaff SergeantMagliano, ItalyJune 14, 1944
Frank P. Witek Marine CorpsPrivate First ClassBattle of Finegayen, Guam, Mariana IslandsAugust 3, 1944For knocking out several enemy positions, killing 16 Japanese soldiers before he was killed.
Howard E. Woodford ArmyStaff Sergeantnear Tabio, Luzon, PhilippinesJune 6, 1945By daring, skillful, and inspiring leadership, as well as by gallant determination to search out and kill the enemy, led an inexperienced unit in capturing and securing a vital objective, and was responsible for the successful continuance of a vitally important general advance. Transport ship named after him.

Y

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Cassin YoungNavyCommanderUSS Vestal, Pearl Harbor, Territory of HawaiiDecember 7, 1941Moved his ship, the USS Vestal, away from the battleship USS Arizona, and subsequently beached it upon determining that such action was required to save his ship.
Rodger W. Young ArmyPrivateNew Georgia, Solomon IslandsJuly 31, 1943After being pinned by enemy fire for a long time, he single-handedly attacked and destroyed an enemy machine-gun pillbox, although he died of his injuries right afterwards. His actions helped the rest of the unit return to base without taking any more casualties.

Z

  This along with the  , indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

ImageNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionNotes
Jay Zeamer Jr.Air ForcesCaptainover Buka area, Solomon IslandsJune 16, 1943Volunteered as pilot of a bomber on an important photographic mapping mission covering the formidably defended area in the vicinity of Buka, Solomon Islands
Raymond Zussman ArmySecond LieutenantNoroy le Bourg, FranceSeptember 12, 1944In lead of a tank killed 18 enemy soldiers and captured 92

  N.B. A   in the citation indicates that the award was given posthumously.

See also

Notes

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.

References