The Bravery and Sacrifice of WWII’s Medal of Honor Recipients
The Medal of Honor, America’s highest military decoration, is awarded to those who display extraordinary courage and valor in the face of danger. During World War II, a conflict that demanded immense bravery and sacrifice, many soldiers distinguished themselves with their heroic actions. In this guide, we pay tribute to 20 exceptional individuals who were awarded the Medal of Honor for their extraordinary contributions during WWII.
1. Audie Murphy
Audie Murphy, often referred to as the “Most Decorated Soldier in American History,” earned the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Holtzwihr in January 1945. Leading a small group of soldiers, Murphy held off an enemy advance, destroying multiple tanks and inflicting heavy casualties. Despite being wounded, he continued to fight and rally his troops, displaying remarkable leadership and bravery.
2. Desmond Doss
Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector and medic, received the Medal of Honor for his selfless actions during the Battle of Okinawa. Doss, a devout Christian, refused to carry a weapon but was determined to save lives. He single-handedly evacuated and treated over 75 wounded soldiers under heavy fire, risking his life time and again. His story inspired the film “Hacksaw Ridge.”
3. John Basilone
John Basilone, a Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, earned the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Battle of Guadalcanal. Basilone, already a recipient of the Navy Cross, displayed exceptional bravery in leading his machine gun section against overwhelming Japanese forces. His actions inspired his fellow Marines and played a crucial role in the Allied victory.
4. George Pettit
George Pettit, a Navy lieutenant, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Okinawa. While serving as a platoon leader, Pettit led his men in a daring attack on a heavily fortified Japanese position. Despite being wounded, he continued to fight and inspire his troops, ultimately forcing the enemy to retreat.
5. Jack Luke
Jack Luke, a Marine Corps private first class, received the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Battle of Iwo Jima. During a fierce firefight, Luke single-handedly charged an enemy pillbox, killing multiple Japanese soldiers and capturing others. His actions not only saved the lives of his fellow Marines but also provided valuable intelligence for the ongoing battle.
6. Guy Gabaldon
Guy Gabaldon, a Marine Corps private first class, earned the Medal of Honor for his remarkable actions during the Battle of Saipan. Gabaldon, a Hispanic-American, single-handedly captured or persuaded over 1,000 Japanese soldiers and civilians to surrender. His linguistic skills and courage played a significant role in the Allied victory and earned him the nickname “The Pied Piper of Saipan.”
7. Robert Leisy
Robert Leisy, an Army Air Forces pilot, received the Medal of Honor for his heroism during a bombing mission over Germany. Despite his aircraft being severely damaged, Leisy refused to abandon his crew and continued the mission. He successfully delivered the bombs and guided his damaged plane back to base, demonstrating exceptional skill and bravery.
8. William D. Hawkins
William D. Hawkins, an Army soldier, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of the Bulge. Hawkins, a machine gunner, held off a German advance, allowing his fellow soldiers to withdraw safely. Despite being wounded, he continued to fight and provide cover, displaying exceptional courage and determination.
9. Richard E. Fleming
Richard E. Fleming, a Marine Corps aviator, received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his bravery during a bombing mission over Japanese-held Wake Island. Fleming’s aircraft was hit by enemy fire, but he continued his attack, dropping his bombs accurately before crashing into the sea. His selflessness and dedication to his mission inspired his fellow Marines.
10. John F. Thorson
John F. Thorson, an Army Air Forces pilot, earned the Medal of Honor for his actions during a bombing mission over Germany. Despite intense enemy fire, Thorson successfully delivered his bombs and provided cover for his fellow pilots. His skill and bravery contributed to the success of the mission and the overall Allied war effort.
11. Ben L. Salomon
Ben L. Salomon, an Army dentist, received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions during the Battle of Saipan. When his aid station came under attack, Salomon single-handedly fought off the enemy, allowing his fellow medics to evacuate the wounded. He displayed exceptional bravery and selflessness, sacrificing his life to protect others.
12. Rudy L. Santos
Rudy L. Santos, a Marine Corps private first class, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Okinawa. Santos, a Filipino-American, demonstrated exceptional bravery in leading his squad against Japanese positions. Despite being wounded, he continued to fight and provide cover for his fellow Marines, ultimately forcing the enemy to retreat.
13. George Dilboy
George Dilboy, an Army infantryman, received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his bravery during the Battle of Belleau Wood. Dilboy, a Turkish-American, displayed exceptional courage in single-handedly attacking enemy machine gun nests. He continued to fight even after being wounded, ultimately sacrificing his life to save his fellow soldiers.
14. Robert T. Kuroda
Robert T. Kuroda, a Nisei soldier in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, earned the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Belvedere. Kuroda, a Japanese-American, demonstrated exceptional bravery in leading his squad against German positions. Despite being wounded, he continued to fight and inspire his men, ultimately forcing the enemy to surrender.
15. John R. Fox
John R. Fox, an Army chaplain, received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions during the Battle of the Bulge. Fox, a Catholic priest, voluntarily remained with a group of wounded soldiers under heavy enemy fire. He provided spiritual support and comfort, sacrificing his life to protect and care for his fellow soldiers.
16. Vernon J. Baker
Vernon J. Baker, an Army officer, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Italian Campaign. Baker, an African-American, led his platoon in a series of daring attacks on German positions. Despite facing racial discrimination, he displayed exceptional bravery and leadership, earning the respect of his fellow soldiers.
17. Doris Miller
Doris Miller, a Navy mess attendant, received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Miller, an African-American, was not trained for combat but displayed exceptional bravery in manning a machine gun and returning fire against the attacking Japanese aircraft. His actions inspired a generation and broke racial barriers in the military.
18. Jack C. Montgomery
Jack C. Montgomery, an Army soldier, earned the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Battle of Okinawa. Montgomery, a member of the Cherokee Nation, led a daring attack on a Japanese stronghold. He single-handedly killed multiple enemy soldiers and captured others, demonstrating exceptional courage and skill.
19. Charles F. Palmer
Charles F. Palmer, an Army private, received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions during the Battle of the Bulge. Palmer, a native of West Virginia, displayed exceptional bravery in holding off a German advance. He fought until the end, sacrificing his life to protect his fellow soldiers and ensure their safe withdrawal.
20. Pfc. Harold A. Fritz
Pfc. Harold A. Fritz, an Army soldier, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of the Bulge. Fritz, a member of the 106th Infantry Division, demonstrated exceptional courage in holding off a German attack. Despite being wounded, he continued to fight and provide cover, allowing his fellow soldiers to retreat safely.
🌟 Note: These heroes' stories inspire us with their bravery, selflessness, and dedication to duty. Their actions during WWII remind us of the extraordinary sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom.
Honoring Their Legacy
The Medal of Honor recipients from World War II represent the very best of humanity. Their stories of courage, sacrifice, and leadership serve as a reminder of the incredible bravery displayed by soldiers during this global conflict. These men, from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, united under a common cause and made extraordinary contributions to the Allied victory.
How many Medal of Honor recipients are there from WWII?
+There were a total of 823 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II, with the first award being presented in 1942.
What is the selection process for the Medal of Honor?
+The Medal of Honor is awarded by the President of the United States to recognize acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. It is the highest military decoration in the United States and is awarded based on extensive reviews and recommendations from military commanders and the President.
Can civilians receive the Medal of Honor?
+While the Medal of Honor is primarily awarded to military personnel, there have been rare instances where civilians have received it for their exceptional acts of heroism during wartime. However, the majority of recipients are active-duty service members.
Are there any living Medal of Honor recipients from WWII?
+As of my last update in January 2023, there were no living Medal of Honor recipients from World War II. The last surviving recipient, Hershel W. Williams, passed away in 2022.
