Navy Medal of Honor Recipients

Introduction to Navy Medal of Honor Recipients

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces. The Navy has a long and storied history of producing Medal of Honor recipients, with many of these individuals demonstrating extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the face of danger. In this article, we will explore the stories of some of the most notable Navy Medal of Honor recipients, highlighting their courageous actions and the impact they had on the outcome of various military conflicts.

Early Navy Medal of Honor Recipients

The first Navy Medal of Honor recipients were recognized for their actions during the American Civil War. One of the earliest recipients was John L. Worden, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions as commanding officer of the USS Monitor during the Battle of Hampton Roads in 1862. Worden’s bravery and tactical genius played a crucial role in the Union’s victory, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1899. Other notable early recipients include Robert Williams and Patrick Murphy, who received the Medal of Honor for their actions during the Civil War.

World War I and World War II Navy Medal of Honor Recipients

During World War I, several Navy personnel received the Medal of Honor for their actions. One notable recipient was Osmond Kelly Ingram, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions during a German U-boat attack on the USS Cassin in 1917. Ingram’s bravery and selflessness in the face of danger saved the lives of many of his crewmates, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1919. During World War II, many Navy personnel received the Medal of Honor for their actions in various theaters of operation. One notable recipient was Edward O’Hare, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions as a fighter pilot during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands in 1942.

Korean War and Vietnam War Navy Medal of Honor Recipients

The Korean War and Vietnam War saw many Navy personnel receive the Medal of Honor for their actions. One notable recipient from the Korean War was William R. Charette, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions as a hospital corpsman during the Battle of Yongdungpo in 1953. Charette’s bravery and selflessness in the face of danger saved the lives of many wounded Marines, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1954. During the Vietnam War, one notable recipient was Michael Thornton, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions as a SEAL during a mission in Quang Tri Province in 1972. Thornton’s bravery and quick thinking saved the life of a wounded teammate, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1973.

Modern-Day Navy Medal of Honor Recipients

In recent years, several Navy personnel have received the Medal of Honor for their actions in various military conflicts. One notable recipient was Michael Monsoor, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions as a SEAL during a mission in Ramadi, Iraq in 2006. Monsoor’s bravery and selflessness in the face of danger saved the lives of many of his teammates, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2008. Another notable recipient was Britt Slabinski, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions as a SEAL during a mission in Afghanistan in 2002. Slabinski’s bravery and tactical genius played a crucial role in the success of the mission, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2018.

👏 Note: The stories of these Medal of Honor recipients serve as a reminder of the bravery and selflessness that defines the United States Navy.

Navy Medal of Honor Recipient Statistics

According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, a total of 748 Navy personnel have received the Medal of Honor since its inception. The majority of these recipients received the Medal of Honor for their actions during World War II, with 266 recipients. The Korean War and Vietnam War saw 132 and 122 Medal of Honor recipients, respectively. The following table summarizes the number of Navy Medal of Honor recipients by conflict:

Conflict	Number of Recipients
American Civil War	17
World War I	7
World War II	266
Korean War	132
Vietnam War	122
War in Afghanistan	4
Iraq War	2

In summary, the Navy has a long and storied history of producing Medal of Honor recipients, with many of these individuals demonstrating extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the face of danger. Their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of courage, honor, and commitment to duty, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations of Navy personnel. The impact of these Medal of Honor recipients on the outcome of various military conflicts cannot be overstated, and their actions will always be remembered as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the United States Navy.