The Medal of Honor holds profound significance as the highest military decoration in the United States Armed Forces. It symbolizes the ultimate acts of bravery, sacrifice, and heroism in defense of the nation. Its importance extends far beyond being a simple medal — it represents the core values of courage, selflessness, and dedication to duty. Below are a few of the most significant MOH recipients.

How Many Medal of Honor Recipients

As of September 2023, a total of 3,536 Medals of Honor have been awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces.

Army: 2,461 recipients​

Navy: 749 recipients​

Marine Corps: 300 recipients​

Air Force: 19 recipients​

Coast Guard: 1 recipient​

These figures reflect the total number of Medals of Honor awarded since the decoration's inception during the American Civil War.

Medal of Honor Recipients by State

Click HERE for the PDF of recipients by state

First Medal of Honor Recipient

The first Medal of Honor recipients were Private Jacob Parrott and five other members of Andrews' Raiders, awarded on March 25, 1863.

Jacob Parrott

Rank: Private

Unit: Company K, 33rd Ohio Infantry Regiment

Conflict: American Civil War

Action Date: April 12, 1862

Heroic Act: Parrott was part of a daring mission known as the Great Locomotive Chase, in which Union soldiers infiltrated Confederate territory to sabotage railways and disrupt supply lines. Parrott endured severe beatings and torture after capture but refused to reveal information about his fellow soldiers.

The Great Locomotive Chase

Led by civilian scout James J. Andrews, the raiders stole a train called The General in Georgia, aiming to destroy bridges and disrupt Confederate supply routes. While the mission ultimately failed, the bravery of the men involved led to the first-ever Medal of Honor awards. Jacob Parrott was the first among the group to receive the Medal of Honor and is officially recognized as the first recipient in U.S. history.

Youngest Medal of Honor Recipient

The youngest Medal of Honor recipient in U.S. history is William "Willie" Johnston. He was just 11 years old when he performed the heroic act that earned him this prestigious award.

William "Willie" Johnston

Born: July 10, 1850

Enlisted in the Union Army: As a drummer boy in Company D, 3rd Vermont Infantry during the American Civil War.

Heroic Act: During the Seven Days Battles in 1862, most soldiers discarded their equipment during the chaotic retreat. Despite this, Willie Johnston retained his drum, which he later used to rally troops. His steadfastness impressed officials, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Abraham Lincoln.

Award Date: September 16, 1863

Johnston remains the youngest recipient to have received the Medal of Honor for battlefield valor. His courage at such a young age stands as a remarkable testament to bravery and dedication.

Medal of Honor Recipients from the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War (1955–1975) saw 268 Medals of Honor awarded to U.S. military personnel for acts of extraordinary valor.

U.S. Army: 179 recipients​

U.S. Marine Corps: 58 recipients​

U.S. Navy: 15 recipients​

U.S. Air Force: 14 recipients​

Notable Recipients

The first African American Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War, Olive sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade to save fellow soldiers. Both conscientious objectors served as medics and received the medal posthumously for their heroic actions in treating and saving wounded comrades under fire.​ A chaplain known as the "Grunt Padre," Capodanno was posthumously honored for his selfless service and bravery while ministering to the wounded and dying during combat.​

Recent Recognitions

General Richard Cavazos: Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in January 2025 for his exceptional bravery during the Korean War. Cavazos, who also served in Vietnam, was the first Hispanic four-star general in the U.S. Army.

Female Medal of Honor Recipients

There has been one female Medal of Honor recipient in U.S. history: Dr. Mary Edwards Walker.

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker

Born: November 26, 1832

Died: February 21, 1919

Service: Union Army Surgeon during the American Civil War

Award Date: November 11, 1865

Notable Achievements

Dr. Walker volunteered as a surgeon for the Union Army at a time when female doctors were extremely rare. Captured by Confederate troops in 1864 while aiding wounded soldiers, she was held as a prisoner of war for four months before being exchanged. Despite her non-combatant role, her courageous service and unwavering dedication to caring for soldiers earned her the Medal of Honor.

Unique Status

In 1917, her medal was rescinded (along with hundreds of others) when eligibility criteria were revised to include only combat roles. Dr. Walker refused to return the medal and proudly wore it until her death. In 1977, her Medal of Honor was officially reinstated by President Jimmy Carter. Dr. Mary Edwards Walker remains the only woman ever to receive the Medal of Honor, a testament to her groundbreaking medical work and fearless service.

Marine Medal of Honor Recipients

The United States Marine Corps has a distinguished history of valor, with numerous Marines receiving the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration. Here are some notable recipients:​

John Basilone

Conflict: World War II​

Notable Actions: Basilone was the only enlisted Marine Medal of Honor recipient to return to combat and be killed in action.

Smedley Butler

Conflicts: Various early 20th-century engagements​

Notable Actions: Butler was awarded two Medals of Honor for separate acts of heroism and later became an outspoken critic of war profiteering.

Daniel Daly

Conflicts: Boxer Rebellion and Haitian Campaign​

Notable Actions: Daly received two Medals of Honor for distinct acts of bravery in different conflicts.

Jacklyn H. Lucas

Conflict: World War II

Notable Actions: At 17, Lucas became the youngest Marine to receive the Medal of Honor after smothering grenades to protect his fellow Marines during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

John F. Mackie

Conflict: American Civil War​

Notable Actions: Mackie was the first Marine awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Civil War.

Louis H. Wilson Jr.

Conflict: World War II​

Notable Actions: Wilson led his company in a fierce assault during the Battle of Guam and later served as the 26th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

These individuals exemplify the bravery and dedication of Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipients across various conflicts.

Medal of Honor Recipients from WW2

During World War II (1939–1945), the Medal of Honor was awarded to 472 U.S. military personnel for acts of extraordinary valor. ​

Notable Recipients

One of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II, Murphy received every military combat award for valor available from the U.S. Army, as well as French and Belgian awards for heroism.

Basilone was the only enlisted Marine Medal of Honor recipient to return to combat and be killed in action.

An African American sailor, Miller received the Navy Cross for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor, becoming one of the first to be recognized for valor in World War II.

Recent Recognitions

Waverly B. Woodson Jr.: A Black combat medic in World War II's only African American unit at the D-Day invasion, Woodson was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroism, saving 200 men in a 30-hour period despite his own injuries. Efforts continue to upgrade this recognition to the Medal of Honor.