Bravest Of The Brave
March 25, yesterday, is the day when America recognizes the 3,446 men (and woman) who have been given the Medal of Honor. Why March 25? Well, on that day in the year 1863, the first medals were pinned to the jackets of six Union soldiers. More on that later.
Interesting Facts:
- Mary Walker remains the only woman to have received the medal.
- There have been nineteen double recipients.
- Surprisingly, it is not necessary to be a U.S. citizen to be awarded a Medal of Honor. You must, however, serve in the U.S. military.
- William Carney was the first African-American recipient of the medal. It was awarded for his actions at Fort Wagner, South Carolina, in 1863.
- It is illegal to sell a Medal of Honor.
- The last recognized recipient was Private Ross A. McGinnis, who was awarded on December 4, 2006.
- Arthur MacArthur was awarded a Medal of Honor for his actions in the Civil War at age sixteen. Many years later, his son, General Douglas MacArthur, would also receive a medal.
- The youngest recipient was probably William Johnston, who earned the medal at age eleven.
Interestingly enough, the date which commemorates the events leading to the first Medal of Honor is fast approaching, so I’ll refrain from boring you with the story until then. I find it incredibly fascinating, myself!
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Christina H. on 27 Mar 2009 at 2:18 am #
Can you believe that your post actually made me research? The second to last fact made me wonder because the way its put, I thought you meant that Douglas MacArthur was the father of Arthur MacArthur (talk about a cool name) who was 16 in the Civil War. I was thinking “Wow, Douglas MacArthur must have been an awfully ooooooold guy!” So I looked it up, and I was informed that the Medal of Honor guys were Arthur in the Civil War and his SON Douglas in WW2. But get this: Douglas had an older brother also named Arthur (the III). Arthur III had a son and he named him Douglas II. Then Arthur III died, and Douglas I had a son, but since his name was taken, Douglas I named his son Arthur IV. Talk about confusing!
Beth on 27 Mar 2009 at 3:24 am #
*laughs* You’re right, Christina–I called Douglas MacArthur the father instead of the son.
Never trust blogs. They’re not credible at all.
Stick Boy on 27 Mar 2009 at 2:51 pm #
Here’s another trivia fact for you.
Only the soldier who accepted The Medal of Honor can wear it. It cannot be worn by family friends or anyone. (In other words: A Medal of Honor is for the soldiers exclusive use only
Thanks for posting this, I think our military men (and woman) ought to be recognized for their brave actions to keep America free.
In the words of the Hymn “Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory”: “As He [Jesus] Died to make men holy let us live to make men free”