Legends From America’s Military Story

War has a way of testing the human spirit in ways few can imagine. However, some soldiers faced those trials with extraordinary courage and earned decorations that marked their sacrifice and bravery for generations to remember. Their stories are not just about medals, but also about duty and the unique choices that defined their lives. Here, we’ll celebrate 20 men who showed the utmost devotion to their country.

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1. Audie Murphy

Audie Murphy stood just 5'5" and weighed 112 pounds, yet he became America’s most decorated soldier of World War II, earning the Medal of Honor and 33 other decorations. He also spoke out about PTSD and starred in To Hell and Back after the war.

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2. Daniel Daly

Few names echo louder in Marine Corps history than Daniel Daly. One of only two Marines awarded the Medal of Honor twice, Daly also received the Navy Cross and the Army Distinguished Service Cross. Small in stature, he dedicated his entire life to service.

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3. Alvin C. York

During World War I, Alvin C. York captured about 132 German soldiers nearly single-handedly, earning the Medal of Honor. He also bagged the Distinguished Service Cross and several foreign awards. Initially a conscientious objector, York later inspired a 1941 film and established a school for underprivileged children.

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4. Robert L. Howard

Robert L. Howard’s Army career stretched 36 years and included numerous awards, from the Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross to eight Purple Hearts. Wounded at least 14 times and nominated three times for the Medal of Honor, he also trained Special Forces.

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5. Lewis “Chesty” Puller

The most decorated Marine in U.S. history, “Chesty” earned five Navy Crosses and fought in four wars. Marines still chant his name in cadences today, recalling the general who once remarked in battle, “We’re surrounded. That simplifies our problem.”

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6. David H. Hackworth

At just 15, David Hackworth lied about his age to enlist in the Army. Over his career, he earned two Distinguished Service Crosses, ten Silver Stars, and countless other awards—though some sparked debate. Later, he became a fierce critic of U.S. strategy in Vietnam.

Col. David Hackworth Interview 1989 by Barry Roskin Blake

7. James E. Williams

James E. Williams became the most decorated enlisted man in U.S. Navy history. His patrol boats damaged about 50 enemy vessels in a single battle. Awarded the Medal of Honor, he would later serve as a U.S. Marshal, and a destroyer bears his name.

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8. Samuel Woodfill

Once, General John J. Pershing called Samuel Woodfill the most outstanding soldier of World War I. He received the Medal of Honor for his bravery, yet lived humbly in a cabin after the war. Despite financial struggles, his face appeared on recruitment posters.

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9. John Basilone

John Basilone became the only Marine in WWII to bag both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. He stopped a fierce Japanese assault at Guadalcanal, then died leading Marines on Iwo Jima. A national celebrity, his story lives on in HBO’s The Pacific.

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10. Charles “Commando” Kelly

Charles “Commando” Kelly fought with fearless grit in Italy during World War II and bagged the Medal of Honor and Silver Star. Even while badly wounded, he hurled grenades to fight off enemy soldiers. His daring style won him his nickname.

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11. Tibor Rubin

Before becoming an American war hero, Tibor Rubin endured Nazi concentration camps. During the Korean War, he earned the Medal of Honor and saved fellow POWs through selfless acts. Decades of discrimination delayed recognition, but in 2005, President George W. Bush finally awarded him.

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12. Hershel “Woody” Williams

With a flamethrower on Iwo Jima, Hershel “Woody” Williams destroyed enemy pillboxes and earned the Medal of Honor. After the war, he became a leading advocate for Gold Star families. Until 2022, he was the last surviving WWII Medal of Honor recipient.

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13. Vernon J. Baker

Courage defined Vernon J. Baker’s charge against fortified German positions in Italy, where he earned the Medal of Honor. One of the only Black soldiers to receive it in WWII, his award came decades late. After combat, he lived quietly.

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14. Charles P. Murray Jr.

In France during WWII, Charles P. Murray Jr. led an attack on German forces that resulted in earning the Medal of Honor. He also received the Bronze and Silver Stars. South Carolina later honored him by naming both a school and a highway after him.

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15. Desmond Doss

Desmond Doss saved 75 wounded men on Okinawa and received the Medal of Honor as the first conscientious objector to get it. Refusing to carry a weapon, his faith fueled his bravery, and his humility defined him. Hollywood immortalized his story in Hacksaw Ridge.

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16. William D. Hawkins

William D. Hawkins led Marines during the Battle of Tarawa, personally scouting enemy positions under fire. He destroyed several Japanese bunkers before being killed at just 29 years old. Awarded the Medal of Honor, the Navy named a destroyer escort after him.

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17. Gary Gordon

During the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, Gary Gordon volunteered to defend a downed helicopter crew alongside Randall Shughart. Fighting to his last bullet against overwhelming enemy forces, he earned the Medal of Honor. His sacrifice was later depicted in Black Hawk Down.

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18. Randall Shughart

The courage of Randall Shughart shone in Mogadishu as he insisted on joining the fight even after initial refusal. Fighting beside Gary Gordon, he defended a helicopter crew until his death, actions that earned him the Medal of Honor. Posthumously promoted, his bravery inspired generations.

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19. Clinton Romesha

Clinton Romesha, in the 2009 Battle of Kamdesh, led a counterattack that forced back Taliban fighters who outnumbered U.S. troops. He called in air support while moving under fire and earned the Medal of Honor. After leaving the Army, he worked in the North Dakota oil fields.

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20. Salvatore Giunta

History was made in 2007 as Giunta received the Medal of Honor as the first living recipient since Vietnam. In Afghanistan, he rescued a comrade being carried away by insurgents. Though hailed as a hero, he humbly called himself “just a regular soldier.”

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