Most people know what the Medal of Honor is, but I thought I’d share some background on it. The Medal of Honor is the highest medal for valor that is given in the United States. It’s also called the Congressional Medal of Honor, because it is awarded by the President on behalf of Congress.
It was first awarded to Sailors and Marines in 1861, and then it was available for Soldiers, other branches of the service, and even civilians. The site even gives a few examples of valor. On Nov. 16, 1863 Pvt. Joseph E. Brandle of the 17th Michigan Inf was a flag bearer who was wounded twice and had lost his vision in one eye during a battle near Lenoire, Tennessee. Despite this, he still stayed out front of his regiment with the flag, only going to the rear of combat when ordered. I thought that most flag bearers were Sergeants back then, maybe the first bearer had been killed.
On Oct. 8, 1918 in chatel-chehery, france, Cpl. Alvin C. York, from the 82nd Division took command of seven men after his platoon took heavy casualties when charging a german machinegun nest. Unbelievably, they took the nest, along with 128 men, 4 officers, and several guns.
During WW2, outside of Favoratta, Sicily, 2nd Lt. Robert Craig from the 3rd Infantry Division volunteered to take out 100 men and an enemy machinegun that three officers previously could not. Robert wanted his men to get safely to the crest of a hill so he singlehandedly charged the enemy position to draw fire from his men. He got to within 25 yards and killed 5 of the enemy and wounded 3 from a kneeling position. The platoon reached safety as Robert Craig was killed. His men were so inspired (and probably engraged), that they attacked the enemy and inflicted heavy casualties on them and took the position.
Just unbelievable. I’ll take the opportunity to thank these men for their enormous sacrifice, but also to thank all the unsung hereos there are in our history. Any man or woman who serves in combat for our nation is a patriot and a hero. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Source: Army.mil Medal of Honor.
