Remembrance: Medal of Honor recipients at VA national cemeteries - National Cemetery Administration

Remembrance: Medal of Honor recipients at VA national cemeteries - National Cemetery Administration
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Remembrance: Medal of Honor recipients at VA national cemeteries
National Cemetery Administration
Remembrance: Medal of Honor recipients at VA national cemeteries
The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. It is reserved for those who have distinguished themselves "conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty." Recipients receive the Medal of Honor from the President on behalf of Congress.
The first Medals of Honor were presented on March 25, 1863. It was first awarded during the Civil War and the eligibility criteria, medal design, and recognition on a recipients' grave marker have all evolved over time. Military awards and medals had little role in the early years of the U.S. military. The political and military leaders viewed the Civil War as significantly distinct — with two American largely-volunteer militaries facing one another — and requiring a greater recognition of courage.
Learn more about Medal of Honor history
There are 434 Medal of Honor recipients interred at VA national cemeteries including 6 double recipients and all are included below by conflict or action. NCA invites you to remember these Veterans and visit their memorial pages to celebrate their legacy, military service and sacrifice to our nation. You can also post tributes, upload images, and share biographical information and historical documents.
Civil War
Civil War: 1861–1865
The American Civil War, fought between 1861 and 1865, was a defining moment in U.S. history. The conflict arose primarily over deep divisions concerning slavery and states’ rights. The Southern states, fearing that the growing political power of the Northern states would threaten their way of life and economy, which heavily depended on enslaved labor, seceded from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America. The Northern states, or the Union, led by President Abraham Lincoln, sought to preserve the United States as a single nation and eventually moved to abolish slavery.
The war was marked by large-scale battles, like Gettysburg and Antietam, and devastating loss of life on both sides. The Union’s industrial strength and larger population gradually wore down the Confederacy, despite the South’s skilled generals and strong fighting spirit. In 1865, after four years of bitter combat, the Confederacy surrendered. The war ended slavery in the United States, established the federal government’s authority over the states, and set the stage for Reconstruction and the long struggle for civil rights. While it reunited the nation, the Civil War left a legacy of scars, shaping the country’s identity and its path forward.
A total of 88 Medals of Honor including 3 double recipients were awarded to Veterans buried at VA national cemeteries for actions that occurred during the Civil War.
Arthur, Matthew
U.S. Navy
SIGQM
Baker, Charles
U.S. Navy
QG
Barnes, William H.
U.S. Army
SGT
Barrick, Jesse T.
U.S. Army
2ND LT
Barry, Augustus
U.S. Army
SGT MAJ
Brown, Wilson
U.S. Navy
LDS
Buchanan, George
U.S. Army
PVT
Buck, Frederick C.
U.S. Army
LT
Buckley, Dennis B.
U.S. Army
PVT
Buhrman, Henry G.
U.S. Army
SGT
Burritt, William W.
U.S. Army
PVT
Cart, Jacob
U.S. Army
SGT
Cassidy, Michael
U.S. Navy
LDS
Coey, James
U.S. Army
BVT LT COL
Collins, Harrison
U.S. Army
SGT
Congdon, James
U.S. Army
SGT
Cooper, John
U.S. Navy, QM
Double Recipient
Custer, Thomas W.
U.S. Army, CAPT
Double Recipient
Dorsey, Daniel A.
U.S. Army
2ND LT
Downs, Henry W.
U.S. Army
LT
Duncan, James K.L.
U.S. Navy
SEA
Durham, John S.
U.S. Army
CPL
Garrett, William
U.S. Army
SGT
Garrison, James R.
U.S. Navy
CH
Greene, Oliver D.
U.S. Army
BRIG GEN
Grueb, George M.
U.S. Army
CPL
Healey, James
U.S. Navy
CAPT
Hilton, Alfred B.
U.S. Army
SGT
Howard, James
U.S. Army
SGT
Howe, Orion P.
U.S. Army
CPL
Hyatt, George T.
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Immell, Lorenzo D.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Irwin, Nicholas
U.S. Navy
SEA
James, John H.
U.S. Navy
C OF T
Jennings, James T.
U.S. Army
CPL
Jourdan, Robert
U.S. Navy
COX
Kaltenbach, Luther
U.S. Army
SGT
Kendig, John M.
U.S. Army
SGT
Kiggins, John
U.S. Army
SGT
Kuder, Jeremiah
U.S. Army
CAPT
Ladd, George
U.S. Army
PVT
Laverty, John
U.S. Navy, FR
Double Recipient
Lear, Nicholas
U.S. Navy
QM
Lyons, Thomas C.
U.S. Navy
SEA
Mandy, Harry J.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Martin, Edward S.
U.S. Navy
LDS
Martin, James II
U.S. Marine Corps
SGT
Matthews, Milton
U.S. Army
PVT
McCammon, William
U.S. Army
MAJ
McCormick, Michael
U.S. Navy
BM
McKee, George
U.S. Army
CSGT
McLeod, James
U.S. Navy
C OF F
Morse, Charles E.
U.S. Army
SGT
Pennypacker, Galusha
U.S. Army
COL
Pentzer, Patrick H.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Preston, John
U.S. Navy
LDS
Putnam, Winthrop D.
U.S. Army
CPL
Read, Morton A.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Roberts, James
U.S. Navy
SEA
Robertson, Samuel
U.S. Army
PVT
Robinson, James
U.S. Army
PVT
Ross, Marion A.
U.S. Army
SGT MAJ
Rossbach, Valentine
U.S. Army
SGT
Rounds, Lewis A.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Rundle, Charles W.
U.S. Army
PVT
Russell, Charles L.
U.S. Army
CPL
Schiller, John
U.S. Army
PVT
Schubert, Martin
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Scott, John M.
U.S. Army
SGT
Shadrach, Philip
U.S. Army
PVT
Shafter, William R.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Shutes, Henry
U.S. Navy
C OF F
Slavens, Samuel
U.S. Army
PVT
Smith, John
U.S. Navy
2ND C OF T
Smith, Thomas
U.S. Navy
SEA
Spillane, Timothy
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Strasbaugh, Barnard
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Sullivan, Timothy
U.S. Navy
COX
Sweeney, James
U.S. Army
PVT
Taggart, Charles A.
U.S. Army
PVT
Taylor, William
U.S. Army
CAPT
Thompson, William
U.S. Navy
QMS
Truett, Alexander H.
U.S. Navy
COX
Veale, Charles
U.S. Army
PVT
Warren, David
U.S. Navy
COX
Webb, James
U.S. Army
BVT CAPT
Williams, John
U.S. Navy
C OF MT
Wilson, George D.
U.S. Army
PVT
Arthur, Matthew
U.S. Navy
SIGQM
Baker, Charles
U.S. Navy
QG
Barnes, William H.
U.S. Army
SGT
Barrick, Jesse T.
U.S. Army
2ND LT
Barry, Augustus
U.S. Army
SGT MAJ
Brown, Wilson
U.S. Navy
LDS
Buchanan, George A.
U.S. Army
PVT
Buck, Frederick C.
U.S. Army
LT
Buckley, Dennis B.
U.S. Army
PVT
Buhrman, Henry G.
U.S. Army
SGT
Burritt, William W.
U.S. Army
PVT
Cart, Jacob
U.S. Army
SGT
Cassidy, Michael
U.S. Navy
LDS
Coey, James
U.S. Army
BVT LT COL
Collins, Harrison
U.S. Army
SGT
Congdon, James
U.S. Army
SGT
Cooper, John
U.S. Navy, QM
Double Recipient
Custer, Thomas W.
U.S. Army, CAPT
Double Recipient
Dorsey, Daniel A.
U.S. Army
2ND LT
Downs, Henry W.
U.S. Army
LT
Duncan, James K.L.
U.S. Navy
SEA
Durham, John S.
U.S. Army
CPL
Garrett, William
U.S. Army
SGT
Garrison, James R.
U.S. Navy
CH
Greene, Oliver D.
U.S. Army
BRIG GEN
Grueb, George M.
U.S. Army
CPL
Healey, James
U.S. Navy
CAPT
Hilton, Alfred B.
U.S. Army
SGT
Howard, James
U.S. Army
SGT
Howe, Orion P.
U.S. Army
CPL
Hyatt, George T.
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Immell, Lorenzo D.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Irwin, Nicholas
U.S. Navy
SEA
James, John H.
U.S. Navy
C OF T
Jennings, James T.
U.S. Army
CPL
Jourdan, Robert
U.S. Navy
COX
Kaltenbach, Luther
U.S. Army
SGT
Kendig, John M.
U.S. Army
SGT
Kiggins, John
U.S. Army
SGT
Kuder, Jeremiah
U.S. Army
CAPT
Ladd, George
U.S. Army
PVT
Laverty, John
U.S. Navy, FR
Double Recipient
Lear, Nicholas
U.S. Navy
QM
Lyons, Thomas C.
U.S. Navy
SEA
Mandy, Harry J.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Martin, Edward S.
U.S. Navy
LDS
Martin, James II
U.S. Marine Corps
SGT
Matthews, Milton
U.S. Army
PVT
McCammon, William W.
U.S. Army
MAJ
McCormick, Michael
U.S. Navy
BM
McKee, George
U.S. Army
CSGT
McLeod, James
U.S. Navy
C OF F
Morse, Charles E.
U.S. Army
SGT
Pennypacker, Galusha
U.S. Army
COL
Pentzer, Patrick H.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Preston, John
U.S. Navy
LDS
Putnam, Winthrop D.
U.S. Army
CPL
Read, Morton A.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Roberts, James
U.S. Navy
SEA
Robertson, Samuel
U.S. Army
PVT
Robinson, James H.
U.S. Army
PVT
Ross, Marion A.
U.S. Army
SGT MAJ
Rossbach, Valentine
U.S. Army
SGT
Rounds, Lewis A.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Rundle, Charles W.
U.S. Army
PVT
Russell, Charles L.
U.S. Army
CPL
Schiller, John
U.S. Army
PVT
Schubert, Martin
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Scott, John M.
U.S. Army
SGT
Shadrach, Philip G.
U.S. Army
PVT
Shafter, William R.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Shutes, Henry
U.S. Navy
C OF F
Slavens, Samuel
U.S. Army
PVT
Smith, John
U.S. Navy
2ND C OF T
Smith, Thomas
U.S. Navy
SEA
Spillane, Timothy
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Strasbaugh, Barnard A.
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Sullivan, Timothy
U.S. Navy
COX
Sweeney, James
U.S. Army
PVT
Taggart, Charles A.
U.S. Army
PVT
Taylor, William
U.S. Army
CAPT
Thompson, William
U.S. Navy
QMS
Truett, Alexander H.
U.S. Navy
COX
Veale, Charles
U.S. Army
PVT
Warren, David
U.S. Navy
COX
Webb, James
U.S. Army
BVT CAPT
Williams, John
U.S. Navy
C OF MT
Wilson, George D.
U.S. Army
PVT
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Indian Wars
Indian Wars: 1817–1898
From 1817 to 1898, the United States waged a series of conflicts known as the Indian Wars, which were driven by the nation’s westward expansion. As settlers pushed beyond the Mississippi River and into the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and Southwest, they encountered Native American tribes who had long called these regions home. The U.S. government sought to clear the land for settlers, railroads, and industries, often disregarding prior treaties and promises. In response, many Native tribes resisted, leading to decades of fighting, raids, and military campaigns.
Key events included the Seminole Wars in Florida, the violent struggles in the Plains during the 1860s and 1870s, and famous battles like the Battle of Little Bighorn (1876) and the final confrontation at Wounded Knee (1890). By the end of the 19th century, most Native American tribes had been relocated to reservations, their populations diminished by war, disease, and poverty. The Indian Wars were not a single conflict but rather a long series of encounters that fundamentally altered the course of Native American history and the expansion of the United States.
A total of 75 Medals of Honor including 1 double recipient were awarded to Veterans buried at VA national cemeteries for actions that occurred during the Indian Wars.
Allen, William
U.S. Army
2ND LT
Bowman, Alonzo
U.S. Army
SGT
Brant, Abram
U.S. Army
PVT
Bratling, Frank
U.S. Army
CPL
Carr, John
U.S. Army
CPL
Carter, Mason
U.S. Army
MAJ
Day, Matthias W.
U.S. Army
COL
DeArmond, William
U.S. Army
SGT
Deetline, Frederick
U.S. Army
QM SGT
Eldridge, George H.
U.S. Army
SGT
Elwood, Edwin L.
U.S. Army
PVT
Falcott, Henry
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Feaster, Mosheim
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Foran, Nicholas
U.S. Army
SGT
Foster, William
U.S. Army
SGT
Freemeyer, Christopher
U.S. Army
PVT
Garland, Harry
U.S. Army
HOSP STEW
Geiger, George H.
U.S. Army
SGT
Given, John J.
U.S. Army
CPL
Golden, Patrick
U.S. Army
PVT
Gresham, John C.
U.S. Army
COL
Grimes, Edward P.
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Guenther, Jacob
U.S. Army
CPL
Harrington, John
U.S. Army
COOK
Harris, William M.
U.S. Army
PVT
Hill, James M.
U.S. Army
COMSY SGT
Himmelsback, Michael
U.S. Army
PVT
Hobday, George
U.S. Army
PVT
Hooker, George
U.S. Army
PVT
Hyde, Henry J.
U.S. Army
SGT
Jetter, Bernhard
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Jordan, George
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Kile, John
U.S. Army
SGT
Knaak, Albert
U.S. Army
ORD SGT
Lawton, John S.
U.S. Army
SGT
McMasters, Henry
U.S. Army
CPL
McNally, James
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
McPhelan, Robert
U.S. Army
SGT
Miller, Daniel H.
U.S. Army
PVT
Mitchell, John
U.S. Army
ORD SGT
Murphy, Edward
U.S. Army
SGT
Murphy, Thomas
U.S. Army
CPL
Neal, Solon D.
U.S. Army
SGT
Neder, Adam
U.S. Army
CPL
Newman, Henry
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Nihill, John
U.S. Army
SGT
Parnell, William R.
U.S. Army
COL
Pengally, Edward
U.S. Army
PVT
Philipsen, William O.
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Phoenix, Edwin
U.S. Army
CPL
Porter, Samuel
U.S. Army
FARRIER
Powers, Thomas
U.S. Army
CPL
Robinson, Joseph
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Rodenburg, Henry
U.S. Army
CPL
Rowdy, Y. B.
U.S. Army
SGT
Ryan, David
U.S. Army
SGT
Sale, Albert D.
U.S. Army
CPL
Schnitzer, John
U.S. Army
WAGR
Schroeter, Charles
U.S. Army
SGT
Seward, Griffin
U.S. Army
WAGR
Shingle, John H.
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Smith, George W.
U.S. Army
PVT
Stance, Emanuel
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Stokes, Alonzo
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Suhler, Simon
U.S. Army
PVT
Taylor, Bernard
U.S. Army
SGT
Varnum, Charles A.
U.S. Army
COL
Warrington, Lewis
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Widmer, Jacob
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Wilkens, Henry
U.S. Army
ORD SGT
Williams, Moses
U.S. Army
ORD SGT
Wilson, William
U.S. Army, SGT
Double Recipient
Windolph, Charles
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Witcome, Joseph
U.S. Army
PVT
Woods, Brent
U.S. Army
SGT
Allen, William
U.S. Army
2ND LT
Bowman, Alonzo
U.S. Army
SGT
Brant, Abram
U.S. Army
PVT
Bratling, Frank
U.S. Army
CPL
Carr, John
U.S. Army
CPL
Carter, Mason
U.S. Army
MAJ
Day, Matthias W.
U.S. Army
COL
DeArmond, William
U.S. Army
SGT
Deetline, Frederick
U.S. Army
QM SGT
Eldridge, George H.
U.S. Army
SGT
Elwood, Edwin L.
U.S. Army
PVT
Falcott, Henry
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Feaster, Mosheim
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Foran, Nicholas
U.S. Army
SGT
Foster, William
U.S. Army
SGT
Freemeyer, Christopher
U.S. Army
PVT
Garland, Harry
U.S. Army
HOSP STEW
Geiger, George H.
U.S. Army
SGT
Given, John J.
U.S. Army
CPL
Golden, Patrick
U.S. Army
PVT
Gresham, John C.
U.S. Army
COL
Grimes, Edward P.
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Guenther, Jacob
U.S. Army
CPL
Harrington, John
U.S. Army
COOK
Harris, William M.
U.S. Army
PVT
Hill, James M.
U.S. Army
COMSY SGT
Himmelsback, Michael
U.S. Army
PVT
Hobday, George
U.S. Army
PVT
Hooker, George
U.S. Army
PVT
Hyde, Henry J.
U.S. Army
SGT
Jetter, Bernhard
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Jordan, George
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Kile, John
U.S. Army
SGT
Knaak, Albert
U.S. Army
ORD SGT
Lawton, John S.
U.S. Army
SGT
McMasters, Henry A.
U.S. Army
CPL
McNally, James
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
McPhelan, Robert
U.S. Army
SGT
Miller, Daniel H.
U.S. Army
PVT
Mitchell, John
U.S. Army
ORD SGT
Murphy, Edward
U.S. Army
SGT
Murphy, Thomas
U.S. Army
CPL
Neal, Solon D.
U.S. Army
SGT
Neder, Adam
U.S. Army
CPL
Newman, Henry
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Nihill, John
U.S. Army
SGT
Parnell, William R.
U.S. Army
COL
Pengally, Edward
U.S. Army
PVT
Philipsen, William O.
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Phoenix, Edwin
U.S. Army
CPL
Porter, Samuel
U.S. Army
FARRIER
Powers, Thomas
U.S. Army
CPL
Robinson, Joseph
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Rodenburg, Henry
U.S. Army
CPL
Rowdy, Y. B.
U.S. Army
SGT
Ryan, David
U.S. Army
SGT
Sale, Albert D.
U.S. Army
CPL
Schnitzer, John
U.S. Army
WAGR
Schroeter, Charles
U.S. Army
SGT
Seward, Griffin
U.S. Army
WAGR
Shingle, John H.
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Smith, George W.
U.S. Army
PVT
Stance, Emanuel
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Stokes, Alonzo
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Suhler, Simon
U.S. Army
PVT
Taylor, Bernard
U.S. Army
SGT
Varnum, Charles A.
U.S. Army
COL
Warrington, Lewis
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Widmer, Jacob
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Wilkens, Henry
U.S. Army
ORD SGT
Williams, Moses
U.S. Army
ORD SGT
Wilson, William
U.S. Army, SGT
Double Recipient
Windolph, Charles
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Witcome, Joseph
U.S. Army
PVT
Woods, Brent
U.S. Army
SGT
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Late 19th – Early 20th Century
Korean Campaigns: 1871
In 1866, the merchant ship SS
General Sherman
had gone missing while sailing Korean waters. Five years later, in 1871, an American naval expedition set off to Korea. Its aim was to open trade between the two countries and discover what had become of the
General Sherman
. The Korean government had never explained that the crew had been killed and the ship destroyed, because the sailors had embarked on raiding parties in Korea's sovereign waters.
The 1871 expedition, again sailing in Korea's sovereign waters, provoked Korea to attack. The U.S. forces demanded an apology for this, but did not deem the apology they received sufficient. In response, U.S. forces captured several Korean forts around Ganghwa Island. This resulted in Korea sending troops armed with modern weapons, and the U.S. fleet left Korea shortly thereafter. A treaty between the two nations was not reached until 1882, 11 years later.
A total of 4 Medals of Honor were awarded to Veterans buried at VA national cemeteries for actions that occurred during the 1871 Korean Campaigns. These include the first Veterans to receive the Medal of Honor in a foreign conflict.
Dougherty, James J.
U.S. Marine Corps
PVT
Lukes, William F.
U.S. Navy
LDS
Owens, Michael
U.S. Marine Corps
PVT
Troy, William
U.S. Navy
OS
Dougherty, James J.
U.S. Marine Corps
PVT
Lukes, William F.
U.S. Navy
LDS
Owens, Michael
U.S. Marine Corps
PVT
Troy, William
U.S. Navy
OS
Spanish-American War: 1898
The Spanish-American War, fought in 1898, began after years of rising tensions between the United States and Spain over Spain’s colonial rule in Cuba. American sympathy for the Cuban struggle for independence, combined with sensationalized reports of Spanish atrocities in newspapers, fueled public support for intervention. The situation reached a boiling point after the mysterious explosion of the U.S. battleship
Maine
in Havana Harbor, which many Americans blamed on Spain. In April 1898, the U.S. declared war, vowing to free Cuba and end Spanish control in the Americas.
The conflict was relatively short, lasting only a few months. Major battles were fought in the Caribbean and the Pacific, where U.S. forces quickly defeated the Spanish navy and seized key territories. In Cuba, American troops and volunteer units like the Rough Riders, famously led by Theodore Roosevelt, captured Spanish strongholds. By August 1898, Spain had surrendered. The Treaty of Paris, signed later that year, gave the United States control over former Spanish territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
A total of 16 Medals of Honor were awarded to Veterans buried at VA national cemeteries for actions that occurred during the Spanish-American War.
Beyer, Albert E.
U.S. Navy
CMAA
Cantrell, Charles P.
U.S. Army
PVT
DeSwan, John F.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Doherty, Thomas M.
U.S. Army
DRUM MAJOR
Field, Oscar W.
U.S. Marine Corps
PVT
Itrich, Franz A.
U.S. Navy
CHCARP
Johnson, Peter
U.S. Navy
F1
Lee, Fitz
U.S. Army
PVT
Murphy, John E.
U.S. Navy
COX
Nash, James J.
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Nelson, Lauritz
U.S. Navy
CHBOSN
Olsen, Anton
U.S. Navy
QM3
Pfisterer, Herman
U.S. Army
MUS
Ressler, Norman W.
U.S. Army
M GNR
Thompkins, William
U.S. Army
SGT
Welborn, Ira C.
U.S. Army
COL
Beyer, Albert E.
U.S. Navy
CMAA
Cantrell, Charles P.
U.S. Army
PVT
DeSwan, John F.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Doherty, Thomas M.
U.S. Army
DRUM MAJOR
Field, Oscar W.
U.S. Marine Corps
PVT
Itrich, Franz A.
U.S. Navy
CHCARP
Johnson, Peter
U.S. Navy
F1
Lee, Fitz
U.S. Army
PVT
Murphy, John E.
U.S. Navy
COX
Nash, James J.
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Nelson, Lauritz
U.S. Navy
CHBOSN
Olsen, Anton
U.S. Navy
QM3
Pfisterer, Herman
U.S. Army
MUS
Ressler, Norman W.
U.S. Army
M GNR
Thompkins, William H.
U.S. Army
SGT
Welborn, Ira C.
U.S. Army
COL
Philippine Insurrection: 1899–1902
After the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898, the United States had ownership over the Philippines. The Philippines attempted to establish independence, but the United States did not recognize these efforts, inciting an insurrection in early 1899. The United States declared the war over in 1902, but some rebels continued to fight. In 1916, with the passing of the Jones Act, the United States promised to eventually grant the Philippines independence, which it did thirty years later.
A total of 12 Medals of Honor were awarded to Veterans buried at VA national cemeteries for actions that occurred during the Philippine Insurrection.
Bell, Harry
U.S. Army
CAPT
Funston, Frederick Sr.
U.S. Army
MAJ GEN
Galbraith, Robert
U.S. Navy
QM3
Gibson, Edward H.
U.S. Army
SGT COM
Harvey, Harry
U.S. Marine Corps
SGT
Leahy, Cornelius J.
U.S. Army
PVT
Mosher, Louis C.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Schroeder, Henry
U.S. Army
CAPT
Shelton, George M.
U.S. Army
MAJ
Stoltenberg, Andrew
U.S. Navy
CGM
Wallace, George W.
U.S. Army
LT COL
Weld, Seth L.
U.S. Army
COL
Bell, Harry
U.S. Army
CAPT
Funston, Frederick Sr.
U.S. Army
MAJ GEN
Galbraith, Robert
U.S. Navy
QM3
Gibson, Edward H.
U.S. Army
SGT COM
Harvey, Harry
U.S. Marine Corps
SGT
Leahy, Cornelius J.
U.S. Army
PVT
Mosher, Louis C.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Schroeder, Henry F.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Shelton, George M.
U.S. Army
MAJ
Stoltenberg, Andrew V.
U.S. Navy
CGM
Wallace, George W.
U.S. Army
LT COL
Weld, Seth L.
U.S. Army
COL
Boxer Rebellion: 1899–1901
In 1900, an organization of rebels known as Boxers fought back against foreign influence in China by attacking and killing foreigners and Chinese Christians and damaging foreign property. Several nations, including the United States, sent forces to subdue the Boxers and protect those under attack. A year later, the Boxer Protocol was signed, ending the Boxer Rebellion.
A total of 14 Medals of Honor including 1 double recipient were awarded to Veterans buried at VA national cemeteries for actions that occurred during the Boxer Rebellion.
Adams, John M.
U.S. Marine Corps
SGT
Boydston, Erwin J.
U.S. Marine Corps
PVT
Cooney, James
U.S. Marine Corps
PVT
Dahlgren, John O.
U.S. Marine Corps
CPL
Daly, Daniel J.
USMC, SGT MAJ
Double Recipient
Killackey, Joseph
U.S. Navy
GM3
Moore, Albert
U.S. Marine Corps
1ST SGT
Phillips, Reuben J.
U.S. Marine Corps
SGT
Scannell, David J.
U.S. Marine Corps
PVT
Stewart, Peter
U.S. Marine Corps
GYSGT
Thomas, Karl
U.S. Navy
COX
Von Schlick, Robert
U.S. Army
PVT
Westermark, Axel
U.S. Navy
GM1
Zion, William F.
U.S. Marine Corps
1ST LT
Adams, John M.
U.S. Marine Corps
SGT
Boydston, Erwin J.
U.S. Marine Corps
PVT
Cooney, James
U.S. Marine Corps
PVT
Dahlgren, John O.
U.S. Marine Corps
CPL
Daly, Daniel J.
U.S. Marine Corps, SGT MAJ
Double Recipient
Killackey, Joseph
U.S. Navy
GM3
Moore, Albert
U.S. Marine Corps
1ST SGT
Phillips, Reuben J.
U.S. Marine Corps
SGT
Scannell, David J.
U.S. Marine Corps
PVT
Stewart, Peter
U.S. Marine Corps
GYSGT
Thomas, Karl
U.S. Navy
COX
Von Schlick, Robert H.
U.S. Army
PVT
Westermark, Axel
U.S. Navy
GM1
Zion, William F.
U.S. Marine Corps
1ST LT
Philippines 1911
After the end of the Philippine-American War in 1902, the ethnic Moro population of the Philippines continued to fight against U.S. ownership of the Philippines from 1903 to 1913. Because the Moro peoples had refused to stop fighting, the earlier peace treaty did not apply to them. In 1903, attempting to suppress the uprisings, President Roosevelt created a Moro province in which he installed a military governor.
A total of 2 Medals of Honor were awarded to Veterans buried at VA national cemeteries for actions that occurred during the Philippine uprisings of 1911.
Catherwood, John H.
U.S. Navy
OS
McGuire, Fred H.
U.S. Navy
CPHM
Catherwood, John H.
U.S. Navy
OS
McGuire, Fred H.
U.S. Navy
CPHM
Mexican Campaigns / Battle of Veracruz: 1914
The Battle of Veracruz lasted from April to November of 1914. Mexico and the United States had strained relations due to the Mexican-American War, President Wilson’s lack of acknowledgement of the Mexican government, and the Tampico Affair.
In 1914, nine U.S. sailors were arrested for entering off-limit areas in Tampico, a city in Mexico. After the sailors were released, a naval commander requested a formal apology with a 21-gun salute. The apology was provided without the salute.
This event and the ongoing tensions culminated in the U.S. Navy occupying the port of Veracruz, where fighting broke out. The United States withdrew later that year after other South American powers became involved, and the dispute was eventually settled at a later peace conference.
A total of 7 Medals of Honor were awarded to Veterans buried at VA national cemeteries for actions that occurred during the 1914 Battle of Veracruz.
Bishop, Charles F.
U.S. Navy
COM
DeSomer, Abraham
U.S. Navy
LCDR
Dyer, Jesse F.
U.S. Marine Corps
BRIG GEN
Elliott, Middleton S.
U.S. Navy
VADM
Semple, Robert
U.S. Navy
LCDR
Walsh, James A.
U.S. Navy
LT
Zuiderveld, William
U.S. Navy
LT
Bishop, Charles F.
U.S. Navy
COM
DeSomer, Abraham
U.S. Navy
LCDR
Dyer, Jesse F.
U.S. Marine Corps
BRIG GEN
Elliott, Middleton S.
U.S. Navy
VADM
Semple, Robert
U.S. Navy
LCDR
Walsh, James A.
U.S. Navy
LT
Zuiderveld, William
U.S. Navy
LT
Haiti: 1915, 1919–1920
In 1914, President Wilson sent in U.S. Marines to Haiti to bring stability to the country, protect U.S. assets, and defend it from the influence of other foreign powers. Amidst general unrest throughout this occupation, several unpopular policies triggered a year-long uprising in 1919. The U.S. forces withdrew in 1934 under President Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor Policy, which attempted to improve relations with other nations by mitigating the United States' use of military force when attempting to maintain stability in those nations.
A total of 2 Medals of Honor were awarded to Veterans buried at VA national cemeteries for actions that occurred during the occupation of Haiti.
Hanneken, Herman
U.S. Marine Corps
BRIG GEN
Iams, Ross L.
U.S. Marine Corps
MAJ
Hanneken, Herman H.
U.S. Marine Corps
BRIG GEN
Iams, Ross L.
U.S. Marine Corps
MAJ
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World War I, World War II
World War I: 1914–1918
Although World War I began in 1914, the United States did not enter the conflict until 1917. The war started in Europe as a struggle among powerful nations, including Britain, France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia. Over time, it turned into a massive and brutal fight involving trench warfare, new weapons like machine guns and poison gas, and heavy casualties. The United States initially remained neutral, but as German U-boats attacked American ships and Germany tried to forge secret alliances against the United States, public opinion shifted. In April 1917, the United States joined the Allies, bringing fresh troops and supplies to the exhausted European fronts.
The arrival of American forces gave the Allies a critical boost. U.S. soldiers participated in major offensives in France, helping push back the German army. By late 1918, the Allies had gained the upper hand, and Germany agreed to an armistice, effectively ending the war. World War I reshaped the global political landscape, leading to the collapse of empires and the creation of new nations. For the United States, it marked a turning point as the nation emerged as a significant world power. However, the war’s devastation and the harsh terms of the peace treaty set the stage for future conflicts.
A total of 11 Medals of Honor were awarded to Veterans buried at VA national cemeteries for actions that occurred during World War I.
Balch, John H.
U.S. Navy
CDR
Barkley, David B.
U.S. Army
PVT
Bradley, Willis W., Jr.
U.S. Navy
CAPT
Colyer, Wilbur E.
U.S. Army
SGT
Costin, Henry G.
U.S. Army
PVT
Graves, Ora
U.S. Navy
GM2
Gumpertz, Sydney
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Holderman, Nelson
U.S. Army
CAPT
Mallon, George H.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Seibert, Lloyd M.
U.S. Army
CWO
Valente, Michael
U.S. Army
PVT
Balch, John H.
U.S. Navy
CDR
Barkley, David B.
U.S. Army
PVT
Bradley, Willis W., Jr.
U.S. Navy
CAPT
Colyer, Wilbur E.
U.S. Army
SGT
Costin, Henry G.
U.S. Army
PVT
Graves, Ora
U.S. Navy
GM2
Gumpertz, Sydney G.
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Holderman, Nelson M.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Mallon, George H.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Seibert, Lloyd M.
U.S. Army
CWO
Valente, Michael
U.S. Army
PVT
World War II: 1939–1945
In the early days of World War II, the United States remained on the sidelines as conflict engulfed Europe, Africa, and Asia. However, the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 brought the United States fully into the struggle. American industry mobilized quickly, producing vast quantities of weapons, aircraft, and ships that were shared with Allies through initiatives like Lend-Lease. Together with British, Soviet, Chinese, and other Allied forces, American troops helped to mount a coordinated effort to turn back the Axis powers. The United States played a key role in campaigns such as the D-Day invasion of Normandy, which began the liberation of Western Europe, and in the fierce island-hopping battles of the Pacific that led to Japan’s defeat.
But victory was never America’s alone. Britain’s steadfast leadership, the Soviet Union’s massive sacrifices on the Eastern Front, and countless contributions from nations large and small ultimately sealed the Axis powers’ fate. In Asia, Chinese forces endured years of brutal conflict, and in Europe, resistance movements and colonial troops fought tirelessly to undermine enemy control. The Allied victory in 1945 wasn’t just a triumph of military might—it was a global effort that drew upon the courage, resilience, and unity of people from around the world, ending the war and setting the stage for a new chapter in human history.
A total of 90 Medals of Honor were awarded to Veterans buried at VA national cemeteries for actions that occurred during World War II.
Pearl Harbor remembrance: Medal of Honor recipients at VA national cemeteries
For their distinguished conduct, dedication to profession, and disregard of own life during the attack on Pearl Harbor, 16 servicemembers were awarded the Medal of Honor with 4 interred at VA national cemeteries.
George H. Cannon
U.S. Navy, 1ST LT
Nov 5, 1915 – Dec 7, 1941
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, HI
Edwin J. Hill
U.S. Navy, CHBOSN
Oct 4, 1895 – Dec 7, 1941
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, HI
Herbert C. Jones
U.S. Navy, ENS
Jan 21, 1918 – Dec 7, 1941
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, CA
Thomas J. Reeves
U.S. Navy, CRM
Dec 9, 1895 – Dec 7, 1941
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, HI
Adams, Lucian
U.S. Army
SSGT
Baker, Thomas A.
U.S. Army
SGT
Bennett, Edward Jr.
U.S. Army
MAJ
Bertoldo, Vito R.
U.S. Army
M SGT
Bianchi, Willibald C.
U.S. Army
CPT
Bjorklund, Arnold
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Bolton, Cecil H.
U.S. Army
COL
Bordelon, William
U.S. Marine Corps
SSGT
Britt, Maurice L.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Caddy, William R.
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Cannon, George H.
U.S. Marine Corps
1ST LT
Carr, Chris
U.S. Army
SFC
Casamento, Anthony
U.S. Marine Corps
CPL
Cheli, Ralph
U.S. Army Air Corps
MAJ
Coolidge, Charles
U.S. Army
TSGT
Craft, Clarence B.
U.S. Army
SFC
Dalessandro, Peter
U.S. Army
TSGT
Damato, Anthony
U.S. Marine Corps
CPL
David, Albert L.
U.S. Navy
LT
Davis, George F.
U.S. Navy
CDR
Day, James L.
U.S. Marine Corps
MAJGEN
Doss, Desmond T.
U.S. Army
CPL
Dutko, John W.
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Ehlers, Walter D.
U.S. Army
2LT
Fields, James H.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Fleming, Richard
U.S. Marine Corps
CAPT
Fournier, William
U.S. Army
SGT
Garcia, Marcario
U.S. Army
CSM
Gary, Donald A.
U.S. Navy
CDR
Gonsalves, Harold
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Hajiro, Barney F.
U.S. Army
PFC
Hall, William E.
U.S. Navy
LCDR
Halyburton, William Jr.
U.S. Navy
PHM2
Harrell, William G.
U.S. Marine Corps
P SERG
Hasemoto, Mikio
U.S. Army
PVT
Hawkins, William
U.S. Marine Corps
1ST LT
Hayashi, Shizuya
U.S. Army
PVT
Hendrix, James R.
U.S. Army
MSG
Hill, Edwin J.
U.S. Navy
CHBOSN
Hughes, Lloyd H.
U.S. Army Air Corps
2ND LT
Inouye, Daniel K.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Jones, Herbert C.
U.S. Navy
ENS
Julian, Joseph R.
U.S. Marine Corps
PL SGT
Keppler, Reinhardt
U.S. Navy
BM1
Kerstetter, Dexter
U.S. Army
SGT
Knight, Raymond L.
U.S. Army Air Corps
1ST LT
Kobashigawa, Yeiki
U.S. Army
2ND LT
Kraus, Richard E.
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Kuroda, Robert T.
U.S. Army
SSGT
LaBelle, James D.
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Lopez, Jose M.
U.S. Army
SFC
May, Martin O.
U.S. Army
PFC
McCard, Robert H.
U.S. Marine Corps
GYSGT
McGill, Troy A.
U.S. Army
SGT
Montgomery, Jack C.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Moskala, Edward J.
U.S. Army
PFC
Moto, Kaoru
U.S. Army
PFC
Muller, Joseph E.
U.S. Army
SGT
Nakae, Masato
U.S. Army
PVT
Nakamine, Shinyei
U.S. Army
PVT
New, John D.
U.S. Army
SGT
Nietzel, Alfred B.
U.S. Army
SGT
Ohata, Allan M.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Olson, Arlo L.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Ozbourn, Joseph W.
U.S. Marine Corps
PVT
Paige, Mitchell
U.S. Marine Corps
COL
Pucket, Donald D.
U.S. Army Air Corps
1ST LT
Ray, Bernard J.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Reese, John N., Jr.
U.S. Army
PFC
Reeves, Thomas J.
U.S. Navy
CRM
Robinson, James Jr.
U.S. Army
LT
Rodriguez, Cleto L.
U.S. Army
M SGT
Ross, Wilburn K.
U.S. Army
M SGT
Rudolph, Donald Sr.
U.S. Army
2ND LT
Sarnoski, Joseph R.
U.S. Army Air Corps
2ND LT
Schaefer, Joseph E.
U.S. Army
SGT
Scott, Robert S.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Shea, Charles W.
U.S. Army
2ND LT
Sorenson, Richard
U.S. Marine Corps
1ST LT
Spurrier, Junior J.
U.S. Army
SSGT
Squires, John C.
U.S. Army
SGT
Stryker, Stuart S.
U.S. Army
PFC
Thorson, John F., Jr.
U.S. Army
PFC
Timmerman, Grant F.
U.S. Marine Corps
SGT
Valdez, Jose F.
U.S. Army
PFC
Van Voorhis, Bruce
U.S. Navy
LCDR
Villegas, Ysmael R.
U.S. Army
SSGT
Wai, Francis B.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Williams, Jack
U.S. Navy
PHM3
Witek, Frank P.
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Adams, Lucian
U.S. Army
SSGT
Baker, Thomas A.
U.S. Army
SGT
Bennett, Edward A., Jr.
U.S. Army
MAJ
Bertoldo, Vito R.
U.S. Army
M SGT
Bianchi, Willibald C.
U.S. Army
CPT
Bjorklund, Arnold L.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Bolton, Cecil H.
U.S. Army
COL
Bordelon, William J.
U.S. Marine Corps
SSGT
Britt, Maurice L.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Caddy, William R.
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Cannon, George H.
U.S. Marine Corps
1ST LT
Carr, Chris
U.S. Army
SFC
Casamento, Anthony
U.S. Marine Corps
CPL
Cheli, Ralph
U.S. Army Air Corps
MAJ
Coolidge, Charles H.
U.S. Army
TSGT
Craft, Clarence B.
U.S. Army
SFC
Dalessandro, Peter J.
U.S. Army
TSGT
Damato, Anthony P.
U.S. Marine Corps
CPL
David, Albert L.
U.S. Navy
LT
Davis, George F.
U.S. Navy
CDR
Day, James L.
U.S. Marine Corps
MAJGEN
Doss, Desmond T.
U.S. Army
CPL
Dutko, John W.
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Ehlers, Walter D.
U.S. Army
2LT
Fields, James H.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Fleming, Richard E.
U.S. Marine Corps
CAPT
Fournier, William G.
U.S. Army
SGT
Garcia, Marcario
U.S. Army
CSM
Gary, Donald A.
U.S. Navy
CDR
Gonsalves, Harold
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Hajiro, Barney F.
U.S. Army
PFC
Hall, William E.
U.S. Navy
LCDR
Halyburton, William D., Jr.
U.S. Navy
PHM2
Harrell, William G.
U.S. Marine Corps
P SERG
Hasemoto, Mikio
U.S. Army
PVT
Hawkins, William D.
U.S. Marine Corps
1ST LT
Hayashi, Shizuya
U.S. Army
PVT
Hendrix, James R.
U.S. Army
MSG
Hill, Edwin J.
U.S. Navy
CHBOSN
Hughes, Lloyd H.
U.S. Army Air Corps
2ND LT
Inouye, Daniel K.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Jones, Herbert C.
U.S. Navy
ENS
Julian, Joseph R.
U.S. Marine Corps
PL SGT
Keppler, Reinhardt J.
U.S. Navy
BM1
Kerstetter, Dexter J.
U.S. Army
SGT
Knight, Raymond L.
U.S. Army Air Corps
1ST LT
Kobashigawa, Yeiki
U.S. Army
2ND LT
Kraus, Richard E.
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Kuroda, Robert T.
U.S. Army
SSGT
LaBelle, James D.
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Lopez, Jose M.
U.S. Army
SFC
May, Martin O.
U.S. Army
PFC
McCard, Robert H.
U.S. Marine Corps
GYSGT
McGill, Troy A.
U.S. Army
SGT
Montgomery, Jack C.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Moskala, Edward J.
U.S. Army
PFC
Moto, Kaoru
U.S. Army
PFC
Muller, Joseph E.
U.S. Army
SGT
Nakae, Masato
U.S. Army
PVT
Nakamine, Shinyei
U.S. Army
PVT
New, John D.
U.S. Army
SGT
Nietzel, Alfred B.
U.S. Army
SGT
Ohata, Allan M.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Olson, Arlo L.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Ozbourn, Joseph W.
U.S. Marine Corps
PVT
Paige, Mitchell
U.S. Marine Corps
COL
Pucket, Donald D.
U.S. Army Air Corps
1ST LT
Ray, Bernard J.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Reese, John N., Jr.
U.S. Army
PFC
Reeves, Thomas J.
U.S. Navy
CRM
Robinson, James E., Jr.
U.S. Army
LT
Rodriguez, Cleto L.
U.S. Army
M SGT
Ross, Wilburn K.
U.S. Army
M SGT
Rudolph, Donald E., Sr.
U.S. Army
2ND LT
Sarnoski, Joseph R.
U.S. Army Air Corps
2ND LT
Schaefer, Joseph E.
U.S. Army
SGT
Scott, Robert S.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Shea, Charles W.
U.S. Army
2ND LT
Sorenson, Richard K.
U.S. Marine Corps
1ST LT
Spurrier, Junior J.
U.S. Army
SSGT
Squires, John C.
U.S. Army
SGT
Stryker, Stuart S.
U.S. Army
PFC
Thorson, John F., Jr.
U.S. Army
PFC
Timmerman, Grant F.
U.S. Marine Corps
SGT
Valdez, Jose F.
U.S. Army
PFC
Van Voorhis, Bruce A.
U.S. Navy
LCDR
Villegas, Ysmael R.
U.S. Army
SSGT
Wai, Francis B.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Williams, Jack
U.S. Navy
PHM3
Witek, Frank P.
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
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Korea, Vietnam, Global War on Terror
Korea
Vietnam
Global War on Terror
Korea: 1950–1953
The Korean War began in 1950, when North Korean forces, backed by the Soviet Union and China, crossed the 38th parallel into South Korea, aiming to reunify the peninsula under communist control. The United Nations, led mainly by the United States, responded quickly to South Korea’s call for help, assembling a multinational force to push back the invasion. Early battles were hard-fought, with South Korean and UN troops retreating until a bold counteroffensive at Inchon turned the tide. The conflict quickly escalated, with Chinese forces joining the war and driving UN troops back, resulting in a series of back-and-forth battles across the Korean peninsula.
Though the United States played a major role in leading the UN coalition, the effort depended on support and contributions from many other nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Turkey, among others. South Korean forces, who bore the brunt of the conflict on their soil, fought valiantly to defend their homeland. For three years, the war’s bloody stalemates, like those near the 38th parallel, claimed the lives of millions of soldiers and civilians alike. While an armistice in 1953 brought an uneasy ceasefire, it did not bring peace or reunification. The Korean War ended with Korea still divided, the Demilitarized Zone firmly in place, and the legacy of a conflict that shaped the Cold War era and still influences global politics today.
A total of 32 Medals of Honor were awarded to Veterans buried at VA national cemeteries for actions that occurred during this conflict.
Korean War remembrance: Chosin Reservoir
The Battle of Chosin Reservoir lasted for almost a month during the Korean War, with United States' forces attempting to push back Chinese forces in the fight for North Korea. From November 27 until December 24, 1950, the outnumbered U.S. troops fought at Chosin Reservoir in below freezing conditions, which made weapons and vehicles inoperable. Eventually, U.S. forces withdrew, with the help of the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy. The successful retreat while encircled by enemies in such harsh weather was a feat of the U.S. military.
Private First Class Hector A. Cafferata, Jr., and Staff Sergeant Robert S. Kennemore are 2 of the 13 Veterans who received a Medal of Honor for their actions during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. SSGT Kennemore's citation describes his "indomitable courage, outstanding leadership, and selfless efforts in behalf of his comrades." PFC Cafferata's citation reports his "fortitude, great personal valor, and dauntless perseverance in the face of almost certain death." Both Veterans served in the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines of the U.S. Marine Corps and are interred at national cemeteries.
Medal of Honor recipients at VA national cemeteries
Hector A. Cafferata, Jr.
USMC, PFC
Nov 4, 1929 – Apr 12, 2016
National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico, VA
Robert S. Kennemore
USMC, SSGT
Jun 21, 1920 – Apr 26, 1989
San Francisco National Cemetery, CA
Medal of Honor recipients at VA national cemeteries
2nd Battalion, 7th Marines seal.
Hector A. Cafferata, Jr.
USMC, PFC
Nov 4, 1929 – Apr 12, 2016
National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico, VA
Robert S. Kennemore
USMC, SSGT
Jun 21, 1920 – Apr 26, 1989
San Francisco National Cemetery, CA
Adams, Stanley T.
U.S. Army
LT COL
Benfold, Edward C.
U.S. Navy
HM3
Brittin, Nelson V.
U.S. Army
SFC
Cafferata, Hector Jr.
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Cavazos, Richard E.
U.S. Army
GEN
Charette, William
U.S. Navy
HMCM
DeWert, Richard
U.S. Navy
HN
Dean, William Sr.
U.S. Army
MAJGEN
Desiderio, Reginald
U.S. Army
CAPT
Dewey, Duane E.
U.S. Marine Corps
CPL
Duke, Ray E.
U.S. Army
MSGT
Espinoza, Victor Jr.
U.S. Army
MSGT
Garcia-Ledesma, Fernando
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Guillen, Ambrosio
U.S. Marine Corps
SSG
Kaufman, Loren R.
U.S. Army
SFC
Kennemore, Robert
U.S. Marine Corps
SSGT
Lyell, William F.
U.S. Army
CPL
Martinez, Benito
U.S. Army
CPL
Mendonca, LeRoy A.
U.S. Army
SGT
Millett, Lewis L.
U.S. Army
COL
Murphy, Raymond G.
U.S. Marine Corps
CAPT
Negron-Martinez, Juan
U.S. Army
SGM
Orig, Bruno R.
U.S. Army
PVT
Phillips, Lee H.
U.S. Marine Corps
CPL
Pililaau, Herbert K.
U.S. Army
PFC
Poynter, James I.
U.S. Marine Corps
SGT
Simanek, Robert
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Stone, James L.
U.S. Army
COL
Thompson, William
U.S. Army
PFC
Van Winkle, Archie
U.S. Marine Corps
COL
Wilson, Benjamin F.
U.S. Army
MAJ
Young, Robert H.
U.S. Army
CPL
Adams, Stanley T.
U.S. Army
LT COL
Benfold, Edward C.
U.S. Navy
HM3
Brittin, Nelson V.
U.S. Army
SFC
Cafferata, Hector A., Jr.
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Cavazos, Richard E.
U.S. Army
GEN
Charette, William R.
U.S. Navy
HMCM
DeWert, Richard D.
U.S. Navy
HN
Dean, William F., Sr.
U.S. Army
MAJGEN
Desiderio, Reginald B.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Dewey, Duane E.
U.S. Marine Corps
CPL
Duke, Ray E.
U.S. Army
MSGT
Espinoza, Victor H., Jr.
U.S. Army
MSGT
Garcia-Ledesma, Fernando L.
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Guillen, Ambrosio
U.S. Marine Corps
SSG
Kaufman, Loren R.
U.S. Army
SFC
Kennemore, Robert S.
U.S. Marine Corps
SSGT
Lyell, William F.
U.S. Army
CPL
Martinez, Benito
U.S. Army
CPL
Mendonca, LeRoy A.
U.S. Army
SGT
Millett, Lewis L.
U.S. Army
COL
Murphy, Raymond G.
U.S. Marine Corps
CAPT
Negron-Martinez, Juan E.
U.S. Army
SGM
Orig, Bruno R.
U.S. Army
PVT
Phillips, Lee H.
U.S. Marine Corps
CPL
Pililaau, Herbert K.
U.S. Army
PFC
Poynter, James I.
U.S. Marine Corps
SGT
Simanek, Robert E.
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Stone, James L.
U.S. Army
COL
Thompson, William
U.S. Army
PFC
Van Winkle, Archie
U.S. Marine Corps
COL
Wilson, Benjamin F.
U.S. Army
MAJ
Young, Robert H.
U.S. Army
CPL
Korea
Vietnam
Global War on Terror
Vietnam: 1955–1975
The Vietnam War was a long and bitter conflict that unfolded over several decades, though the most intense fighting occurred between the early 1960s and 1975. It began as a struggle within Vietnam itself—North Vietnam, led by the communist government of Ho Chi Minh, sought to unite the country under its rule, while South Vietnam, backed by the United States and other anti-communist allies, aimed to prevent that from happening. Over time, the war grew into a broader Cold War clash. The United States sent increasing numbers of troops to support South Vietnam, hoping to stop the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, North Vietnam received significant aid from the Soviet Union and China, and guerrilla fighters in South Vietnam, known as the Viet Cong, waged a brutal insurgency.
The war had a profound impact not only on Vietnam but also on the countries involved. American forces, along with South Vietnamese troops and other allies like Australia and South Korea, fought in dense jungles, where conventional battle lines were often blurred. Back home, the United States experienced widespread protests and political division as the conflict dragged on, resulting in over 58,000 American deaths and countless Vietnamese casualties. By 1973, U.S. troops withdrew under a peace agreement, but fighting between North and South Vietnam continued until 1975, when the North captured Saigon and reunified the country under communist rule. Today, the Vietnam War remains a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the lasting challenges of war and reconciliation.
A total of 46 Medals of Honor were awarded to Veterans buried at VA national cemeteries for actions that occurred during this conflict.
Adams, William E.
U.S. Army
MAJ
Benavidez, Roy P.
U.S. Army
MSG
Bondsteel, James L.
U.S. Army
MSG
Bryant, William M.
U.S. Army
SFC
Connor, Peter S.
U.S. Marine Corps
SSGT
Dahl, Larry G.
U.S. Army
SP4
Day, George E., Sr.
U.S. Air Force
BG
Donlon, Roger H.C.
U.S. Army
COL
Dunagan, Kern W.
U.S. Army
COL
Erevia, Santiago J.
U.S. Army
SGT
Estocin, Michael J.
U.S. Navy
CAPT
Fernandez, Daniel O.
U.S. Army
SP4
Folland, Michael F.
U.S. Army
CPL
Foster, Paul H.
U.S. Marine Corps
SGT
Fous, James W.
U.S. Army
PFC
Garcia, Candelario Jr.
U.S. Army
SGT
Hagemeister, Charles
U.S. Army
LTC
Howard, Jimmie E.
U.S. Marine Corps
1ST SGT
Johnson, Ralph H.
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Kaneshiro, Edward
U.S. Army
SSGT
Karopczyc, Stephen
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Kedenburg, John J.
U.S. Army
SP5
Lassen, Clyde E.
U.S. Navy
CDR
Lee, Milton A.
U.S. Army
PFC
Leonard, Matthew
U.S. Army
SFC
Liteky, Charles J.
U.S. Army
MAJ
Lozada, Carlos J.
U.S. Army
PFC
Maxam, Larry L.
U.S. Marine Corps
CPL
McGinty, John J., III
U.S. Marine Corps
CAPT
McNerney, David H.
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Miller, Franklin D.
U.S. Army
SGT MAJ
Pless, Stephen W.
U.S. Marine Corps
MAJ
Pruden, Robert J.
U.S. Army
SGT
Roark, Anund C.
U.S. Army
SGT
Rocco, Louis R.
U.S. Army
CW2
Rubio, Euripides Jr.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Sargent, Ruppert L.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Sasser, Clarence E.
U.S. Army
SP5
Sims, Clifford C.
U.S. Army
SSGT
Smith, Elmelindo R.
U.S. Army
SGT
Taylor, Larry L.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Warren, John Jr.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Williams, James E.
U.S. Navy
BMC
Wright, Raymond
U.S. Army
SPC
Yabes, Maximo
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Yano, Rodney J.T.
U.S. Army
SGT
Adams, William E.
U.S. Army
MAJ
Benavidez, Roy P.
U.S. Army
MSG
Bondsteel, James L.
U.S. Army
MSG
Bryant, William M.
U.S. Army
SFC
Connor, Peter S.
U.S. Marine Corps
SSGT
Dahl, Larry G.
U.S. Army
SP4
Day, George E., Sr.
U.S. Air Force
BG
Donlon, Roger H.C.
U.S. Army
COL
Dunagan, Kern W.
U.S. Army
COL
Erevia, Santiago J.
U.S. Army
SGT
Estocin, Michael J.
U.S. Navy
CAPT
Fernandez, Daniel O.
U.S. Army
SP4
Folland, Michael F.
U.S. Army
CPL
Foster, Paul H.
U.S. Marine Corps
SGT
Fous, James W.
U.S. Army
PFC
Garcia, Candelario Jr.
U.S. Army
SGT
Hagemeister, Charles C.
U.S. Army
LTC
Howard, Jimmie E.
U.S. Marine Corps
1ST SGT
Johnson, Ralph H.
U.S. Marine Corps
PFC
Kaneshiro, Edward N.
U.S. Army
SSGT
Karopczyc, Stephen E.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Kedenburg, John J.
U.S. Army
SP5
Lassen, Clyde E.
U.S. Navy
CDR
Lee, Milton A.
U.S. Army
PFC
Leonard, Matthew
U.S. Army
SFC
Liteky, Charles J.
U.S. Army
MAJ
Lozada, Carlos J.
U.S. Army
PFC
Maxam, Larry L.
U.S. Marine Corps
CPL
McGinty, John J., III
U.S. Marine Corps
CAPT
McNerney, David H.
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Miller, Franklin D.
U.S. Army
SGT MAJ
Pless, Stephen W.
U.S. Marine Corps
MAJ
Pruden, Robert J.
U.S. Army
SGT
Roark, Anund C.
U.S. Army
SGT
Rocco, Louis R.
U.S. Army
CW2
Rubio, Euripides Jr.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Sargent, Ruppert L.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Sasser, Clarence E.
U.S. Army
SP5
Sims, Clifford C.
U.S. Army
SSGT
Smith, Elmelindo R.
U.S. Army
SGT
Taylor, Larry L.
U.S. Army
CAPT
Warren, John E., Jr.
U.S. Army
1ST LT
Williams, James E.
U.S. Navy
BMC
Wright, Raymond R.
U.S. Army
SPC
Yabes, Maximo
U.S. Army
1ST SGT
Yano, Rodney J.T.
U.S. Army
SGT
Korea
Vietnam
Global War on Terror
Global War on Terror: 2001–2021
The Global War on Terror (GWOT), including Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), was an ongoing conflict. It ended on September 11, 2021, the twentieth anniversary of the attacks.
A total of 3 Medals of Honor were awarded to Veterans buried at VA national cemeteries for actions that occurred during this conflict.
Monsoor, Michael A.
U.S. Navy
MA2
Monti, Jared C.
U.S. Army
SFC
Murphy, Michael P.
U.S. Navy
LT
Monsoor, Michael A.
U.S. Navy
MA2
Monti, Jared C.
U.S. Army
SFC
Murphy, Michael P.
U.S. Navy
LT
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Non-Combat
Non-Combat: 1865–1940
Since the creation of the Medal of Honor in 1862, there have been five non-combat interim periods in which military personnel have received the award: Interim 1865-1870, Interim 1871-1899, Interim 1899-1910, Interim 1915-1916, and Interim 1920-1940. Almost 200 men were awarded the Medal of Honor during these periods, with many of them serving in the U.S. Navy. In 1963, however, the Medal of Honor criteria was updated, prohibiting eligibility for non-combat actions.
A total of 32 Medals of Honor including 1 double recipient were awarded to Veterans buried at VA national cemeteries for actions that occurred during these interims.
Badders, William
U.S. Navy
CMM
Behnke, Heinrich
U.S. Navy
CWT
Clary, Edward A.
U.S. Navy
CWT
Clausey, John J.
U.S. Navy
LT
Courtney, Henry C.
U.S. Navy
SEA
Cronan, William S.
U.S. Navy
LCDR
Davis, John
U.S. Navy
OS
Enright, John
U.S. Navy
LDS
Everetts, John
U.S. Navy
CGM
Gerber, Frederick
U.S. Army
SGT MAJ
Girandy, Alphonse
U.S. Navy
SEA
Gowan, William H.
U.S. Navy
BOSN
Grbitch, Rade
U.S. Navy
SEA
Halford, William
U.S. Navy
LT
Hayden, John
U.S. Navy
GM1
Holtz, August
U.S. Navy
CWT
Huber, William R.
U.S. Navy
LT
Johannessen, Johannes
U.S. Navy
CWT
Madden, Edward
U.S. Navy
SEA
Mitchell, Thomas
U.S. Navy
LDS
Monssen, Mons
U.S. Navy
LT
Mullin, Hugh P.
U.S. Navy
BM
Nelson, Oscar F.
U.S. Navy
MM1
Parker, Alexander
U.S. Navy
BM
Rock, George F.
U.S. Army
CM2
Sapp, Isaiah B.
U.S. Navy
SGT
Smith, Eugene P.
U.S. Navy
CWT
Smith, Wilhelm
U.S. Navy
GM1
Stupka, Laddie
U.S. Navy
F1
Taylor, John
U.S. Navy
SEA
Teytand, August P.
U.S. Navy
QM3
Williams, Louis
U.S. Navy, C OF H
Double Recipient
Badders, William
U.S. Navy
CMM
Behnke, Heinrich
U.S. Navy
CWT
Clary, Edward A.
U.S. Navy
CWT
Clausey, John J.
U.S. Navy
LT
Courtney, Henry C.
U.S. Navy
SEA
Cronan, William S.
U.S. Navy
LCDR
Davis, John
U.S. Navy
OS
Enright, John
U.S. Navy
LDS
Everetts, John
U.S. Navy
CGM
Gerber, Frederick W.
U.S. Army
SGT MAJ
Girandy, Alphonse
U.S. Navy
SEA
Gowan, William H.
U.S. Navy
BOSN
Grbitch, Rade
U.S. Navy
SEA
Halford, William
U.S. Navy
LT
Hayden, John
U.S. Navy
GM1
Holtz, August
U.S. Navy
CWT
Huber, William R.
U.S. Navy
LT
Johannessen, Johannes J.
U.S. Navy
CWT
Madden, Edward
U.S. Navy
SEA
Mitchell, Thomas
U.S. Navy
LDS
Monssen, Mons
U.S. Navy
LT
Mullin, Hugh P.
U.S. Navy
BM
Nelson, Oscar F.
U.S. Navy
MM1
Parker, Alexander
U.S. Navy
BM
Rock, George F.
U.S. Army
CM2
Sapp, Isaiah B.
U.S. Navy
SGT
Smith, Eugene P.
U.S. Navy
CWT
Smith, Wilhelm
U.S. Navy
GM1
Stupka, Laddie
U.S. Navy
F1
Taylor, John
U.S. Navy
SEA
Teytand, August P.
U.S. Navy
QM3
Williams, Louis
U.S. Navy, C OF H
Double Recipient
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