A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | CH | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
| Medal of Honor |
|---|
 |
| All recipients |
| American Civil War |
|
| Other wars and conflicts |
|
|
| By ethnic group |
| By other criteria |
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.[1] 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.[2] Due to the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented posthumously.[3] The President of the United States, in the name of the United States Congress, has awarded more than 3,520 Medals of Honor, including 19 second awards to the nation's soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen since the decoration's creation in 1861.[4]
The citations highlighting acts of gallantry that received the Medal of Honor have been and continue to be regularly released by book publishers. After the Second World War, both the Army and Navy produced hardbound Medal of Honor compilations.[5] Between 1964 and 1979, the United States Senate Subcommittee on Veterans' Affairs of the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare and later the Committee on Veterans' Affairs produced a number of consolidated compilations of all Medal of Honor citations to date.[6] Additions and changes to the list of recipients of the medal since the 1979 have been regularly published by the Congressional Research Service.[7]
The first Army Medal of Honor was awarded to Private Jacob Parrott during the American Civil War for his role in the Great Locomotive Chase.
Bernard John Dowling Irwin was the first (chronologically by action) Medal of Honor recipient during the Apache Wars. His actions on February 13, 1861, are the earliest for which the Medal of Honor was awarded.[8]
The first African American recipient for this award was Robert Blake, who manned his post during a naval engagement against infantry while under heavy fire (William Harvey Carney is commonly and erroneously cited as the first African-American to receive a medal because his actions in combat did precede those of the other African-American recipients, although his physical medal was not presented until 1900). The only female Medal of Honor recipient is Mary Edwards Walker, a Civil War surgeon. Her medal was rescinded in 1917 along with many other non-combat awards, but it was restored by President Jimmy Carter in 1977.[9]
While current law, (10 U.S.C. § 6241), beginning in 1918, explicitly states that recipients must be serving in the U.S. Armed Forces at the time of performing a valorous act that warrants the award, exceptions have been made. Notably, Charles Lindbergh, while a reserve member of the U.S. Army Air Corps, received his Medal of Honor as a civilian pilot. Although Medals of Honor can only be awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, being a U.S. citizen is not a prerequisite for eligibility to receive the medal. Sixty-one Canadians who were serving in the United States Armed Forces have received the Medal of Honor; most received it for actions in the American Civil War. Since 1900, only four have been awarded to Canadians.[10] In the Vietnam War, Peter C. Lemon was the only Canadian-born recipient of the Medal of Honor. However, he was a U.S. citizen.[11]
19th century
American Civil War
The American Civil War (1861–1865) was a war between the United States (the Union) and the Southern states of the newly formed Confederate States of America under Jefferson Davis. The Medal of Honor was established during this conflict; 1523 were awarded (33 posthumously) for acts of bravery and gallantry in combat.[12] Most awards were granted after the end of the Civil War with two late awards to Andrew Jackson Smith and Alonzo Cushing in 2001 and 2014.[7]
Indian Wars
The term Indian Wars is the name generally used in the United States to describe a series of conflicts between colonial or federal governments and the American Indian population resident in North America before the arrival of settlers.[13] During this conflict the Medal of Honor was presented to 426 soldiers, 13 posthumously for acts of bravery and gallantry in combat.[12]
Korean Expedition
The United States expedition to Korea in 1871, also known as Shinmiyangyo (Western Disturbance of the Shinmi (1871) year), was the first American military action in Korea. It took place predominantly on and around the Korean island of Ganghwa. The reason for the presence of the American military expeditionary force in Korea was to support an American diplomatic delegation sent to establish trade and diplomatic relations with Korea and to ascertain the fate of the General Sherman merchant ship. The isolationist nature of the Joseon Dynasty government and the assertiveness of the Americans led to an armed conflict between the two parties. Eventually, the United States failed to secure its objectives.[14]
| Image | Name | Service | Rank | Place of action | Date of action | Unit | Notes[15] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
—
|
John Andrews | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | aboard USS Benicia | Jun 9, 1871 – Jun 10, 1871 | USS Benicia | Stood on the gunwale on the Benicia's launch, lashed to the ridgerope and remained unflinchingly in this dangerous position and gave his soundings with coolness and accuracy under a heavy fire. |
 (Brown at right)
|
Charles Brown | Marine Corps | Corporal | aboard USS Colorado | June 11, 1871 | USS Colorado | Assisted in capturing the Korean flag from the citadel of the fort |
—
|
John Coleman | Marine Corps | Private | aboard USS Colorado | June 11, 1871 | USS Colorado | For hand-to-hand combat and saving the life of Alexander McKenzie |
—
|
James Dougherty | Marine Corps | Private | aboard USS Benicia | June 11, 1871 | USS Benicia | Returned to duty after being wounded several times |
—
|
Frederick Franklin | Navy | Quartermaster | aboard USS Colorado | June 11, 1871 | USS Colorado | For assuming command of Company D, after Lt. McKee was wounded, and handling the company until relieved |
—
|
Patrick H. Grace | Navy | Chief Quartermaster | aboard USS Benicia | Jun 10, 1871 – Jun 11, 1871 | USS Benicia | Carrying out his duties with coolness, Grace set forth gallant and meritorious conduct throughout this action |
| (Hayden at left)
|
Cyrus Hayden | Navy | Carpenter | aboard USS Colorado | June 11, 1871 | USS Colorado | Serving as color bearer of the battalion, Hayden planted his flag and protected it under heavy fire |
.jpg)
|
William F. Lukes | Navy | Landsman | Ganghwa Island | Jun 9, 1871 – Jun 10, 1871 | USS Colorado | Fighting the enemy inside the fort, Lukes received a severe cut over the head |
—
|
Alexander McKenzie | Navy | Boatswain's Mate | aboard USS Colorado | June 11, 1871 | USS Colorado | Fighting at the side of Lt. McKee during this action, McKenzie was struck by a sword and received a severe cut in the head from the blow. |
—
|
Michael McNamara | Marine Corps | Private | aboard USS Benicia | June 11, 1871 | USS Benicia | For taking a match-lock from the hands of the enemy while advancing to the parapet |
—
|
James F. Merton | Navy | Landsman | Ganghwa Island | Jun 9, 1871 – Jun 10, 1871 | USS Colorado | Merton was severely wounded in the arm while trying to force his way into the fort |
—
|
Michael Owens | Marine Corps | Private | aboard USS Colorado | June 11, 1871 | USS Colorado | Fighting courageously in hand-to-hand combat, Owens was badly wounded by the enemy during this action |
| (Purvis in center)
|
Hugh Purvis | Marine Corps | Private | aboard USS Alaska | June 11, 1871 | USS Alaska | Braving the enemy fire, Purvis was the first to scale the walls of the fort and capture their flag |
—
|
Samuel F. Rogers | Navy | Quartermaster | aboard USS Colorado | June 11, 1871 | USS Colorado | Fighting courageously at the side of Lt. McKee during this action, Rogers was wounded by the enemy |
—
|
William Troy | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | aboard USS Colorado | June 11, 1871 | USS Colorado | Fighting at the side of Lt. McKee, by whom he was especially commended, Troy was badly wounded by the enemy |
Spanish–American War
The Spanish–American War (Spanish: Guerra Hispano-Estadounidense, desastre del 98, Guerra Hispano-Cubana-Norteamericana or Guerra de Cuba) was a military conflict between Spain and the United States that began in April 1898. Hostilities halted in August of that year, and the Treaty of Paris was signed in December. The war began after the American demand for Spain's peacefully resolving the Cuban fight for independence was rejected, though strong expansionist sentiment in the United States may have motivated the government to target Spain's remaining overseas territories: Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Guam and the Caroline Islands.[16]
Riots in Havana by pro-Spanish "Voluntarios" gave the United States reason to send in the warship USS Maine. This action by the U.S. indicated high national interest. Tension among the American people was raised because of the explosion of USS Maine, and "yellow journalism" - sensationalist reporting that exposed Spain's extensive atrocities, agitating American public opinion. The war ended after decisive naval victories for the United States in the Philippines and Cuba. The Treaty of Paris ended the conflict 109 days after the outbreak of war giving the United States ownership of the former Spanish colonies of Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Guam.[17] 111 people received the Medal of Honor from the Spanish–American War.
Samoan Civil War
The Samoan Civil War(s) occurred in the Samoa Islands of the South Pacific in the late 19th century. The Samoan Civil Wars were a series of conflicts between Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, ending in the partitioning of the island chain in 1899. The concluding event was the Second Samoan Civil War. The first Samoan Civil War lasted for eight years. The warring Samoan parties were supplied with arms, training and sometimes even combat troops by Germany, Britain and the United States. These three powers valued Samoa as a refueling station for coal fired shipping. In addition, these countries sought to gain more power in Europe and wanted Samoa due to the scarcity of unclaimed territory from 1870 onwards.[18]
| Image | Name | Service | Rank | Place of action | Date of action | Unit | Notes[19] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
—
|
Frederick T. Fisher | Navy | Gunner's Mate First Class | aboard USS Philadelphia, Samoa | April 1, 1899 | USS Philadelphia | For distinguishing himself by his conduct in the presence of the enemy |
—
|
Bruno A. Forsterer | Marine Corps | Sergeant | Samoa | April 1, 1899 | Unknown | For distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy. |
|
Henry L. Hulbert | Marine Corps | Private | Samoa | April 1, 1899 | Unknown | For distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy. Subsequently, awarded the Navy Cross and the Distinguished Service Cross for actions during World War I. |
—
|
Michael J. McNally | Marine Corps | Sergeant | Samoa | April 1, 1899 | Unknown | For distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy |
Philippine-American War
The Philippine–American War[n 1] was an armed military conflict between the United States and Filipino nationalists who established the “First Philippine Republic”, fought between 1899 and at least 1902, which arose from a Filipino political struggle against U.S. occupation of the Philippines. While the conflict was officially declared over on July 4, 1902,[20][21][22] American troops continued hostilities against remnants of the “Philippine Army” and other insurgent groups until 1913, and some historians consider these unofficial mop-up operations part of the war.[22]
Eighty-six men were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions in the Philippine–American War: 70 from the Army, 10 from the Navy, and 6 from the Marine Corps. Four of the awards were posthumous. Among the recipients were Webb Hayes, the son of former U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, and two prominent Marine Corps officers, Hiram I. Bearss and David Dixon Porter. Bearss became known for leading long-range reconnaissance patrols behind enemy lines and was later wounded as a colonel in World War I. Porter was from a distinguished military family and rose to become a major general. José B. Nísperos, a member of the Philippine Scouts who was honored for continuing to fight after being wounded, was the first Asian recipient of the Medal of Honor.[23]
Boxer Rebellion
The Boxer Movement or Boxer Rebellion, which occurred in China from November 1899 to September 7, 1901, was an uprising by members of the Chinese Society of Right and Harmonious Fists against foreign influence in areas such as trade, politics, religion and technology that occurred in China during the final years of the Manchu rule (Qing Dynasty). The members of the Society of Right and Harmonious Fists were simply called boxers by the Westerners due to the martial arts and calisthenics they practiced. The uprising began as a xenophobic, anti-foreign, nationalist peasant-based movement in northern China. They attacked foreigners who were building railroads and supposedly violating Feng shui, as well as Christians, who were held responsible for the foreigners in China. In June 1900, the Boxers invaded Beijing and killed 230 non-Chinese. Tens of thousands of Chinese Christians, Catholic and Protestant alike, were killed mostly in Shandong and Shanxi Provinces as part of the uprising. This drew criticism from many Chinese, including Chinese Christian Sun Yat-Sen (later to help overthrow the Manchu dynasty in 1911 and become first president of the Republic of China). The government of Empress Dowager Cixi was not helpful, and diplomats, foreign civilians, soldiers and some Chinese Christians retreated to the legation quarter where they held out for fifty-five days until a multinational coalition rushed 20,000 troops to their rescue. The Chinese government was forced to indemnify the victims and make many additional concessions. Subsequent reforms implemented after the crisis of 1900 laid the foundation for the end of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the modern Chinese Republic.[24]
During the Boxer rebellion, 59 American servicemen received the Medal of Honor for their actions. Four of these were for Army personnel, twenty-two went to navy sailors and the remaining thirty-three went to Marines. Harry Fisher was the first Marine to receive the medal posthumously and the only posthumous recipient for this conflict.[25]
20th century
United States occupation of Veracruz, 1914
The United States occupation of the Mexican port of Veracruz lasted for six months in response to the Tampico Affair of April 9, 1914. The incident came in the midst of poor diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United States, related to the ongoing Mexican Revolution.[26]
Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels ordered that 56 Medals of Honor be awarded to participants in the occupation of Veracruz, the most for any single action before or since. In total 63 Medals of Honor were received for actions during the occupation; 1 Army, 9 to members of the United States Marine Corps and 53 to Navy personnel.[25]
Invasion and occupation of Haiti
The first United States occupation of Haiti began on July 28, 1915, and ended in mid-August 1934.
| Portrait | Name | Service | Rank | Place of action | Date of action | Unit | Notes[27][28] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Smedley Butler | Marine Corps | Major | Fort Riviere, Haiti | November 17, 1915 | 2nd Marines | Second award – previously awarded a Medal of Honor for action in the Mexican Campaign. |
|
William R. Button | Marine Corps | Corporal | near Grande Riviere, Haiti | Oct 31, 1919 – Nov 1, 1919 | 7th Marines | For the assassination of rebel leader Charlemagne Péralte and the routing of his followers |
|
Daniel Daly | Marine Corps | Gunnery Sergeant | near Fort-Liberté, Haiti | October 24, 1915 | 15th Company, 2nd Marines | Second award – previously awarded a Medal of Honor for action in the Boxer Rebellion |
|
Zdroj:https://en.wikipedia.org?pojem=List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients