List of living Medal of Honor recipients facts for kids
The Medal of Honor is the highest award a member of the U.S. armed forces can receive. It's given to those who show amazing bravery and courage, risking their lives far beyond what is normally expected, especially when fighting an enemy.
Currently, 79 people who have received this medal are still alive. Many of them earned their medals during major wars. For example, 11 recipients are from World War II, 11 from the Korean War, and 54 from the Vietnam War. Three received their medals for actions in the War in Afghanistan.
These brave individuals come from different parts of the military. Five were in the U.S. Air Force, 51 in the U.S. Army, 16 in the U.S. Marine Corps, and 7 in the U.S. Navy. The oldest living recipient is Robert D. Maxwell, and the youngest is Dakota Meyer. Only one medal holder, Leroy Petry, is still serving in the U.S. military. Some well-known recipients include former U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey and retired generals like Patrick Henry Brady, Robert F. Foley, and James E. Livingston.
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Understanding the Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor was first created during the American Civil War. It is the highest military award given by the United States government. To receive it, a service member must show incredible bravery and courage. They must act "above and beyond the call of duty," meaning they do more than what is expected, even putting their own life in danger against an enemy. Because of how dangerous these actions often are, the medal is sometimes given posthumously, which means after the person has died.
Heroes of World War II
During World War II, 464 U.S. military members received the Medal of Honor. More than half of these (266) were awarded after the person had died. Many medals were given for actions in specific, very tough battles. For example, 15 medals were awarded for bravery during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Another 27 were given for actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
A special group, the all-Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, received 21 Medals of Honor. This was for their brave actions in many battles. Also, the only Medal of Honor ever given to a member of the United States Coast Guard was for actions during World War II.
Bravery in the Korean War
The Korean War saw 136 Medals of Honor awarded for brave actions. A large number of these, 98 medals, were given after the person had died. As of 2018, five of these brave recipients were still living.
Courage in the Vietnam War
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During the Vietnam War, 249 Medals of Honor were given out. Of these, 156 were awarded after the person had died. As of 2018, 51 of the 93 recipients who survived to receive their medals were still alive. The very first person to earn the Medal of Honor in this war was Roger Donlon. On July 6, 1964, he bravely saved and helped several wounded soldiers. He also led a group against enemy forces.
Medals from the War in Afghanistan
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The War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001. It was part of the larger War on Terrorism. The United States, the United Kingdom, and their allies started this war after the September 11, 2001 attacks. The main goals were to capture Osama bin Laden, destroy the terrorist group al-Qaeda, and remove the Taliban government that supported al-Qaeda. Since 2001, 15 American service members have received the Medal of Honor for their actions in Afghanistan. Three of these medals were awarded after the person had died.
