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List of living Medal of Honor recipients

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Barack Obama participates in National Medal of Honor Day 3-25-09

President Barack Obama meets with recipients at the National Medal of Honor Day ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns on March 25, 2009

There are currently 57 living recipients of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.[1] The Medal of Honor is bestowed upon a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes themselves "conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States."[2]

Of the 67 living recipients, one earned his Medal of Honor in World War II,four in the Korean War, 47 in the Vietnam War, 13 in the War in Afghanistan, one in the War in Iraq and one in Operation Inherent Resolve. One earned his medal while serving in the U.S. Air Force, 46 in the U.S. Army, 12 in the U.S. Marine Corps, and eight in the U.S. Navy. The oldest recipient is Hershel Williams, aged 101, whereas the youngest is Kyle Carpenter, aged 35. Three medal holders are still on active duty in the U.S. military, soldiers William D. Swenson, Thomas Payne and Matthew O. Williams of the U.S. Army. Among the living recipients are former U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey and three retired generals: Patrick Henry Brady and Robert F. Foley of the Army and James E. Livingston of the Marine Corps.

Medal of Honor[]

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. Due to the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented posthumously.[3]

Korean War[]

Main article: List of Korean War Medal of Honor recipients

During the Korean War, 146 Medals of Honor were presented for bravery in action. As of August 2023, only one recipients was still living.[4]

Image Name Branch Birth date and age Reference
PUCKETT Puckett, Ralph Ralph Puckett Army December 8, 1926(1926-12-08) (age 98) [5]

Vietnam[]

Main article: List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War

During the Vietnam War, 249 Medals of Honor were received, 156 (62.9%) of them posthumously. Of the living recipients who received their medals for actions in the Vietnam War, 45 are alive as of August 2023.[6]

The first person to earn the Medal of Honor in this war was Roger Donlon who, on 6 July 1964, rescued and administered first aid to several wounded soldiers and led a group against an enemy force.[7]

Image Name Branch Birth date and age References
File:JBaca.jpg Baca, JohnJohn Baca Army January 10, 1949(1949-01-10) (age 76) [8]
Ballard, Donald E.Donald E. Ballard Navy December 5, 1945(1945-12-05) (age 79) [9]
Barnum, Jr., Harvey C.Harvey C. Barnum, Jr. Marine Corps July 21, 1940(1940-07-21) (age 84) [10]
Portrait of a dark-haired white man wearing a military uniform with many ribbons, pins, and badges. Brady, Patrick HenryPatrick Henry Brady Army October 1, 1936(1936-10-01) (age 88) [11]
Bucha in 2011 Bucha, PaulPaul Bucha Army August 1, 1943(1943-08-01) (age 81) [12]
Canley in 2018 Canley, JohnJohn Canley Marine Corps February 1, 1938(1938-02-01) (age 87) [13]
Crandall in 2012 Crandall, Bruce P.Bruce P. Crandall Army February 17, 1933(1933-02-17) (age 92) [10]
Davis, Sammy L.Sammy L. Davis Army November 1, 1946(1946-11-01) (age 78) [14]
Profile of a white man with a full, gray beard wearing a star-shaped medal from a blue ribbon around his neck. Dix, Drew DennisDrew Dennis Dix Army December 14, 1944(1944-12-14) (age 80) [15]
Donlon, RogerRoger Donlon Army January 30, 1934(1934-01-30) (age 91) [16]
Ferguson, Frederick EdgarFrederick Edgar Ferguson Army August 18, 1939(1939-08-18) (age 85) [17]
Fitzmaurice, Michael JohnMichael John Fitzmaurice Army March 9, 1950(1950-03-09) (age 75) [18]
Fleming, James P.James P. Fleming Air Force March 12, 1943(1943-03-12) (age 82) [11]
Portrait of a middle-aged white man in a formal military uniform in front of a U.S. flag Foley, Robert F.Robert F. Foley Army May 30, 1941(1941-05-30) (age 84)
Fritz, Harold A.Harold A. Fritz Army February 21, 1944(1944-02-21) (age 81) [14]
Herda, Frank A.Frank A. Herda Army September 13, 1947(1947-09-13) (age 77)
Ingram, Robert R.Robert R. Ingram Navy January 20, 1945(1945-01-20) (age 80) [19]
Jacobs, Jack H.Jack H. Jacobs Army August 2, 1945(1945-08-02) (age 79) [20]
Jenkins, Don J.Don J. Jenkins Army April 18, 1948(1948-04-18) (age 77) [21]
Head of a white man in a suit with a medal hanging from a blue ribbon around his neck Kelley, Thomas G.Thomas G. Kelley Navy May 13, 1939(1939-05-13) (age 86) [22]
Kellogg, Allan J.Allan J. Kellogg Marine Corps October 1, 1943(1943-10-01) (age 81) [23]
Head and torso of a white man in a dark suit speaking and gesturing Kerrey, BobBob Kerrey Navy August 27, 1943(1943-08-27) (age 81) [15]
Lemon, Peter C.Peter C. Lemon Army June 5, 1950(1950-06-05) (age 75) [24]
Littrell, Gary L.Gary L. Littrell Army October 26, 1944(1944-10-26) (age 80) [25]
Livingston, James E.James E. Livingston Marine Corps January 12, 1940(1940-01-12) (age 85) [26]
Lynch, Allen JamesAllen James Lynch Army October 28, 1945(1945-10-28) (age 79) [14]
Marm, Jr., Walter JosephWalter Joseph Marm, Jr. Army November 20, 1941(1941-11-20) (age 83) [27]
McCloughan, James C.James C. McCloughan Army April 30, 1946(1946-04-30) (age 79) [28]
Modrzejewski in 2011 Modrzejewski, Robert J.Robert J. Modrzejewski Marine Corps July 3, 1934(1934-07-03) (age 90) [29]
Morris, MelvinMelvin Morris Army January 7, 1942(1942-01-07) (age 83) [30]
Norris, Thomas R.Thomas R. Norris Navy January 14, 1944(1944-01-14) (age 81) [11]
Head and shoulders of a white man with a pointed mustache, wearing a star-shaped medal on a blue ribbon around his neck. O'Malley, Robert EmmettRobert Emmett O'Malley Marine Corps June 3, 1943(1943-06-03) (age 82) [31]
Patterson in 2012 Patterson, Robert MartinRobert Martin Patterson Army April 16, 1948(1948-04-16) (age 77) [32]
Profile of a dark-haired man with a star-shaped medal hanging from his neck Rascon, Alfred V.Alfred V. Rascon Army September 10, 1945(1945-09-10) (age 79) [15]
Ray, Ronald E.Ronald E. Ray Army December 7, 1941(1941-12-07) (age 83) [33]
Roberts, Gordon RayGordon Ray Roberts Army June 14, 1950(1950-06-14) (age 75)
Rodela, JoseJose Rodela Army June 15, 1937(1937-06-15) (age 88) [34]
A color image showing 2nd Lieutenant Gary M. Rose from the chest up in his military uniform with ribbons. Rose, Gary M.Gary M. Rose Army October 17, 1947(1947-10-17) (age 77) [35]
A gray-haired black man standing at a microphone, wearing a medal on a blue ribbon around his neck. Sasser, ClarenceClarence Sasser Army September 12, 1947(1947-09-12) (age 77) [36]
Sprayberry, James M.James M. Sprayberry Army April 24, 1947(1947-04-24) (age 78) [37]
File:James Allen Taylor.jpg Taylor, James AllenJames Allen Taylor Army December 31, 1937(1937-12-31) (age 87) [38]
Thacker, BrianBrian Thacker Army April 25, 1945(1945-04-25) (age 80) [31]
Thornton, Michael E.Michael E. Thornton Navy March 23, 1949(1949-03-23) (age 76) [15]
Vargas, Jay R.Jay R. Vargas Marine Corps July 29, 1938(1938-07-29) (age 86) [29] [39]
Wetzel, GaryGary Wetzel Army September 29, 1947(1947-09-29) (age 77) [40]

War in Afghanistan[]

Main article: List of post-Vietnam Medal of Honor recipients

The War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001 and was the beginning of the War on Terrorism. The war was launched by the United States, the United Kingdom, and NATO allies in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks. The stated purpose of the invasion was to capture Osama bin Laden, destroy al-Qaeda, and remove the Taliban regime which had provided support and safe harbor to al-Qaeda.[41] Since 2001, twelve American service-members have received the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan, three of them posthumously.

Image Name Branch Birth date and age References
Carpenter, KyleKyle Carpenter Marine Corps October 17, 1989(1989-10-17) (age 35)
Carter, TyTy Carter Army January 25, 1980(1980-01-25) (age 45) [42]
Head and torso portrait of a young white man in a formal military uniform with a U.S. flag in the background Giunta, SalvatoreSalvatore Giunta Army January 21, 1985(1985-01-21) (age 40) [43]
Meyer, DakotaDakota Meyer Marine Corps June 26, 1988(1988-06-26) (age 37) [44]
Leroy Petry Petry, LeroyLeroy Petry Army July 29, 1979(1979-07-29) (age 45) [45]
Pitts, Ryan M.Ryan M. Pitts Army 1985 (age 39–40)
Romesha, ClintonClinton Romesha Army August 1981 (age 43) [46]
Shurer, Ronald J.Ronald J. Shurer Army 1978 (age 46–47) [47]
Slabinski, Britt K.Britt K. Slabinski Navy December 1, 1969(1969-12-01) (age 55) [48]
Swenson, William D.William D. Swenson Army November 2, 1979(1979-11-02) (age 45)
Sergeant Kyle J. White White, KyleKyle White Army 1987 (age 37–38) [49]

References[]

  1. ↑ http://www.cmohs.org/medal-statistics.php
  2. ↑ United States Department of the Army (July 1, 2002). "Section 578.4 Medal of Honor". Code of Federal Regulations Title 32, Volume 2. Government Printing Office. http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2002/julqtr/32cfr578.4.htm. Retrieved 2006-07-23. 
  3. ↑ "A Brief History — The Medal of Honor". Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Department of Defense. August 8, 2006. http://www.defenselink.mil/faq/pis/med_of_honor.html. Retrieved October 17, 2013. 
  4. ↑ "Medal of Honor recipients". Statistics of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who received the Medal of Honor. United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/mohstats.html. 
  5. ↑ 'An Honor Long Overdue:' After 70 Years, Ranger Legend Ralph Puckett Receives Medal of Honor
  6. ↑ "Medal of Honor statistics". Medal of Honor citations archive. United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Archived from the original on 2010-12-14. http://www.webcitation.org/5uyUFEgJQ. Retrieved October 17, 2013. 
  7. ↑ Murphy, 1987, pp. 13–23
  8. ↑ Vargo, Joe (May 14, 2008). "Cross-country flight to honor lives lost in Vietnam". Riverside, California. Archived from the original on May 27, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5q3CyKgQw. 
  9. ↑ Gooding, Mike (November 29, 2010). "Medal of Honor recipient says being corpsman isn't for everyone". Hampton, Virginia: WVEC. Archived from the original on November 30, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5udYSRqLX. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Vargo, Joe (March 2, 2008). "Medal of Honor recipients give support, thanks to fellow veterans". Riverside, California. Archived from the original on May 30, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5q80bYnxC. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Marshall, John (November 11, 2003). "Medal of Honor recipient Patrick Brady epitomizes the humble hero". Seattle, Washington. Archived from the original on May 30, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5q7wUzdDt. 
  12. ↑ Miller, Robert (November 6, 2009). "Ridgefield veteran to head state parade". Danbury, Connecticut. Archived from the original on June 4, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5qVqb9mdw. 
  13. ↑ "Medal of Honor: Sgt. Maj. John Canley". https://www.marines.mil/News/Press-Releases/Press-Release-Display/Article/1644927/medal-of-honor-sgt-maj-john-canley/. Retrieved 26 September 2018. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Reich, Howard (September 13, 2009). "Medal of Honor recipients say you can be hero too". Chicago. Archived from the original on June 4, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5qf8Ycn9I. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 "Medal of Honor - Recipients Bios". Arlington, Virginia: WETA-TV. 2010. http://www.weta.org/about/press/kits/85128/additional/85241. Retrieved June 21, 2010. 
  16. ↑ Gittler, Juliana (November 23, 2003). "Medal of Honor recipient encourages peace". Washington D.C.. Archived from the original on July 2, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5qviY4rr2. 
  17. ↑ "Veterans speak of war service". Mesa, Arizona. November 10, 2007. Archived from the original on July 2, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5qvkTwWe8. 
  18. ↑ "Eight Medal of Honor recipients are buried in SD". Wisconsin. May 28, 2007. Archived from the original on July 2, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5qvmtM28Q. 
  19. ↑ Gaddis, Rebecca (June 18, 2009). "Medal of Honor recipient administers oath". Jacksonville, Florida. Archived from the original on July 6, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5r21kZrt9. 
  20. ↑ DiIonno, Mark (June 15, 2010). "Medal of Honor recipient from N.J. swears in 300 U.S. Army recruits at Statue of Liberty". New Jersey On-Line. Archived from the original on July 6, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5r22eKwlw. 
  21. ↑ Elson, Martha (November 10, 2010). "Sullivan will dedicate plaza to vets". Louisville, Kentucky. Archived from the original on November 10, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.courier-journal.com%2Farticle%2F20101110%2FZONE01%2F311100029&date=2010-11-10. 
  22. ↑ Haneisen, Rob (June 3, 2009). "Framingham veteran keeps Flag Day event alive". Framingham, Massachusetts. Archived from the original on July 6, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5r24mJ7aI. 
  23. ↑ O'Brien, B.J. (July 21, 2006). "Kellogg honored by alumni association". Bethel, Connecticut. Archived from the original on May 30, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5q7ucx63d. 
  24. ↑ Roper, Peter (May 13, 2010). "Medal of Honor golf tourney to host Fort Carson vets". Pueblo, Colorado. Archived from the original on May 27, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5q3JRpo1F. 
  25. ↑ Archer, Bill (August 23, 2010). "'I had a job to do'". Bluefield, West Virginia. Archived from the original on November 19, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5uMnYfVO2. 
  26. ↑ Kropf, Schuyler (October 3, 2009). "Convention of heroes shaping up". Charleston, South Carolina. Archived from the original on May 27, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5q3Dga0MN. 
  27. ↑ Voss, Mike (April 23, 2010). "A healing wall". Washington, North Carolina. Archived from the original on May 27, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5q3Lg5XOl. 
  28. ↑ "Medal of Honor Goes to Vietnam Medic Who Ran Through ‘Hell on Earth’". https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/31/us/politics/medal-of-honor-trump-james-mccloughan.html. Retrieved 1 August 2017. 
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Liewer, Steve (November 11, 2007). "Medal of Honor process under fire". San Diego, California. Archived from the original on May 27, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5q3KjhFmg. 
  30. ↑ Melvin Morris's biography
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Williams, Rudi (June 14, 2004). "Nine Medal of Honor recipients Attend Gala". United States Department of Defense. Archived from the original on May 27, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5q3N6YOUp. 
  32. ↑ Griggs, Travis (October 17, 2010). "Wannabe warriors an 'insult' to their bravery". Pensacola, Florida. Archived from the original on October 17, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5tYOm4P0T. 
  33. ↑ George, Justin (August 5, 2005). "A rare and Honorable gathering". St. Petersburg, Florida. Archived from the original on July 6, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5r28S0Ucz. 
  34. ↑ Jose Rodela's biography
  35. ↑ Medal of Honor: Captain Gary M. Rose
  36. ↑ Tompkins, John (February 11, 2008). "Legion post pays tribute to Sasser". Clute, Texas. Archived from the original on May 30, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5q82B3EP0. 
  37. ↑ Beyerle, Dana (June 25, 2000). "At first a casualty, Gadsden native became a hero". Tuscaloosa, Alabama. p. 6A. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RModAAAAIBAJ&sjid=RKYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6851,4744588&dq=sprayberry. Retrieved May 30, 2010. 
  38. ↑ Fattig, Paul (June 28, 2010). "Clothes suited for an honorable vet". Medford, Oregon. Archived from the original on July 6, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5r29SU55x. 
  39. ↑ http://www.azdvs.gov/SearchResults.aspx?q=Frederick+Edgar+Ferguson&cx=013173311846497028359%3ahre03lpbgt4&cof=FORID%3a10
  40. ↑ Wideman, Steve (May 22, 2010). "LZ Lambeau motorcycle ride kicks off event". Appleton, Wisconsin. Archived from the original on June 4, 2010. http://www.webcitation.org/5qFDKfO8B. 
  41. ↑ "The United States Army in Afghanistan". Operation Enduring Freedom. United States Army. March 17, 2006. http://www.history.army.mil/brochures/Afghanistan/Operation%20Enduring%20Freedom.htm. Retrieved October 17, 2013. 
  42. ↑ "Obama awards Ty Carter Medal of Honor for Afghan battle". BBC. August 26, 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-23843629. Retrieved August 26, 2013.  Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "tycarter" defined multiple times with different content
  43. ↑ Obert, Lori (February 10, 2012). "Blackhawk lands at Pepsi Center". Denver, Colorado: KUSA. Archived from the original on February 11, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/65NjeMJby. 
  44. ↑ Lamothe, Dan (July 19, 2011). "Obama OKs Medal of Honor for living Marine". Springfield, Virginia. Archived from the original on July 21, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/60MHLMWKw. 
  45. ↑ "Army Ranger to be awarded Medal of Honor". Washington, D.C.. May 31, 2011. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. http://www.webcitation.org/5z6TnuVR3. 
  46. ↑ Ogden, Eloise (January 12, 2013). "Minot man to receive Medal of Honor". http://www.minotdailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/572334/Minot-man-to-receive-Medal-of-Honor.html?nav=5010. Retrieved February 10, 2013. 
  47. ↑ Vanden Brook, Tom; Jackson, David (September 21, 2018). "President Donald Trump Award Medal of Honor". USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/09/21/president-donald-trump-award-medal-honor-heroic-combat-medic/1383318002. Retrieved September 22, 2018. 
  48. ↑ Naval Special Warfare Command (2018-05-07). "Retired Master Chief Britt Slabinski to Receive Medal of Honor". http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=105491. 
  49. ↑ "Profile: Sergeant Kyle Jerome White". U.S. Army. http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/white/profile/index.html. Retrieved 13 May 2014. 

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