How many Medal of Honor are still living?

As of April 2023, there are 65 living recipients. Did you know you can write them each a letter during our annual Mail Call?

Are there any Medal of Honor recipients still alive?

There are currently 65 living recipients of the Medal of Honor, the US military's highest decoration. Of the living recipients, one was awarded in the Korean War, 48 in the Vietnam War, 14 in the War in Afghanistan, and two in the War in Iraq.

Are most Medal of Honor recipients dead?

No. Overall, only 18.5% of Medals of Honor have been awarded posthumously.

Who is the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient?

Hershel "Woody" Williams is literally one-of-a-kind. At the age of 97 he is the last living recipient of the Medal of Honor from World War II. But it's the way he's lived all those years since that really sets him apart. "I felt that I owed back more than I could ever possibly give," he told Martin.

Who is the most recent Medal of Honor recipient?

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., March 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Congressional Medal of Honor Society welcomes Medal of Honor Recipient Paris Davis as its newest member. Recipient Davis was awarded for his actions during the Vietnam War.

Every Living Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient

Has anyone received 2 Medals of Honor?

Thomas Custer was the first soldier in U.S. history to be given two Medals of Honor for two distinct and separate acts of valor. During the Civil War, Custer was just 16 and lied about his age to enlist in the Union infantry before commissioning as a cavalry officer.

How much money does a Medal of Honor recipient receive?

Medal of Honor Recipient Benefits

A special tax-free Medal of Honor pension of $1,619.34 per month above and beyond any military pensions or other benefits for which they may be eligible.

Do generals salute Medal of Honor winners?

Military tradition allows service members of all ranks to salute Medal of Honor recipients wearing the medal.

Who was the youngest Medal of Honor ever?

The youngest person ever to receive the Medal of Honor was probably William "Willie" Johnston, who earned the Medal during the Civil War just prior to his 12th birthday and received his award 6 weeks after his 13th.

Who was the youngest man to get the Medal of Honor?

Jack Lucas, the youngest Medal of Honor recipient since the Civil War, died on June 5, 2008, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Who is the only US president to win the Medal of Honor?

In 2001, Theodore Roosevelt became the first President to receive the Medal of Honor.

What is the rarest Medal in the world?

The Victoria Cross is the 'holy grail' for medal collectors because there are only 1,357 in existence. Bearing the inscription 'For valour' and known as a VC, this medal was first awarded for 'conspicuous bravery' in 1856 and later backdated to the Crimean war of 1854.

How much does a Medal of Honor cost?

Each version of that medal, awarded to such dignitaries as former South African president Nelson Mandela and the late movie star John Wayne, costs $30,000, according to Baca's staff. But not every one of the Congressional Medal of Honor winners thinks the upgrade is a good idea.

Has anyone ever sold a Medal of Honor?

In the early 1990s, FBI Special Agent Tom Cottone (now retired) attended a trade show and noticed a vendor selling illegally manufactured Medals of Honor. Cottone learned that multiple unauthorized Medals of Honor existed in circulation and began investigating to find out which company produced them.

Has a woman ever received the Medal of Honor?

Out of the nearly 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients, only one was a woman -- just one -- and her medal was actually rescinded just before she died.

Who was the last person to receive two Medal of Honor?

Dan Daly received his two Medals of Honor for actions in China and Haiti in 1900 and 1915.

What is most famous Medal of Honor?

What is the only Medal of Honor ever recorded?

Legacy. Chapman's actions in the Battle of Takur Ghar were recorded from multiple angles from circling aircraft and are reported to be the first Medal of Honor actions ever recorded on video. The Military Sealift Command logistics ship MV TSgt John A. Chapman (T-AK-323) was renamed in his honor in 2005.

What is the oldest military honor?

The Purple Heart – The Story of America's Oldest Military Decoration and Some Soldier Recipients. All soldiers know that the Purple Heart is given to those who are wounded or killed while fighting in the nation's wars.

Do Medal of Honor winners fly free?

Priority Space-A Travel

The same free travel opportunity afforded on military flights for active-duty military members, retirees and their families is also provided to Medal of Honor recipients.

What is the hardest military medal to earn?

Is it OK for a civilian to salute a veteran?

While a salute is considered to be a gesture of respect, there's etiquette involved when it comes to rendering a hand salute, whether you are a veteran, active service member, or civilian. As a civilian, saluting soldiers is not a recommended way to honor a current or former member of the military.

Do widows of Medal of Honor recipients get paid?

PL 116-315 authorized a retroactive lump-sum payment of MOHP for a surviving spouse back to the date of heroism or January 5, 2021, whichever is later. Note: A lump-sum amount for MOHP for a surviving spouse is payable with an award entitlement date of no earlier than January 5, 2021.

How many Navy SEALs have won the Medal of Honor?

Indeed, many have been awarded posthumously. Only seven have been awarded to Navy SEALs since the unit was officially formed in 1962. These are their stories.