List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War I

World War I (also known as the First World War and the Great War) was a global military conflict that embroiled most of the world's great powers, assembled in two opposing alliances: the Entente and the Central Powers. The immediate cause of the war was the June 28, 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb citizen of Austria-Hungary and member of the Black Hand. The retaliation by Austria-Hungary against Serbia activated a series of alliances that set off a chain reaction of war declarations. Within a month, much of Europe was in a state of open warfare. More than 40 million casualties resulted, including approximately 20 million military and civilian deaths. More than 60 million European soldiers were mobilized.

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed on a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself "conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States". Due to the nature of this medal, it is frequently presented posthumously.

The Medal of Honor was awarded to 1124 men for their actions in World War I: 95 from the Army, 21 from the Navy, and 8 from the Marine Corps. Thirty-three of the awards were posthumous. Among the recipients were Alvin York, who later became the basis for the movie Sergeant York, and Edward Rickenbacker, who became an American flying ace. Ralph Talbot of the Marine Corps also became a flying ace and was the first Marine aviator to receive the Medal of Honor.

Recipients

  This with the * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

Note: Notes in quotations are derived or are copied in their entirety from the actual Medal of Honor citation

Image	Name	Service	Rank	Place of action	Date of action	Notes
	Joseph B. Adkinson	Army	E-05Sergeant	near Bellicourt, France	Sep 29, 1918	"[R]ushed across 50 yards (46 m) of open ground directly into the face of hostile machinegun fire and kicked the gun from the parapet into the enemy trench, and at the point of the bayonet captured the 3 men manning the gun."
	Jake Allex	Army	E-04Corporal	Chipilly Ridge, France	Aug 9, 1918	"[W]hen all the officers with his platoon had become [killed or injured], Corporal Allex took command of the platoon and led it forward... killing 5 enemy soldiers and taking 15 prisoners."
	Edward C. Allworth	Army	O-03Captain	Clery-le-Petit, France	Nov 5, 1918	"By his personal leadership he forced the enemy back for more than a kilometer, overcoming machinegun nests and capturing 100 prisoners, whose number exceeded that of the men in his command."
File:Johannes Anderson.jpg	Johannes S. Anderson	Army	E-07First Sergeant	Consenvoye, France	Oct 8, 1918	Single-handedly defeated and captured an enemy machine-gun nest, returning with 23 prisoners.
	Albert E. Baesel*	Army	O-01Second Lieutenant	near Ivoiry, France	Sep 27, 1918	Was killed while trying to rescue a Corporal who had been wounded under heavy fire
	John H. Balch	Navy	E-06Pharmacist's Mate First Class	Vierzy, France and Somme-Py, France	Jul 19, 1918 and Oct 5, 1918	Risked his own life to provide medical care to soldiers and Marines wounded in fighting
	Charles D. Barger	Army	E-02Private First Class	near Bois-deBantheville, France	Oct 31, 1918	Risked his life by making 2 trips in constant machine-gun fire to rescue 2 wounded officers
	David B. Barkeley*	Army	E-01Private	Meuse River near Pouilly-sur-Meuse, France	Nov 9, 1918	For successfully completing a voluntary reconnaissance mission behind enemy lines.
	John L. Barkley	Army	E-02Private First Class	near Cunel, France	Oct 7, 1918	Repaired and mounted an enemy machine gun on a disabled tank and then used it to repel 2 enemy counterattacks killing a large number of them.
	Frank J. Bart	Army	E-01Private	near Medeah Ferme, France	Oct 3, 1918	For single-handedly taking out two machine-gun nests.
	Robert L. Blackwell*	Army	E-01Private	near St. Souplet, France	Oct 11, 1918	Volunteered to carry a message calling for reinforcements through heavy fire.
	Erwin R. Bleckley*	Air Service	O-01Second Lieutenant	near Binarville, France	Oct 6, 1918	Died of wounds while trying to supply 77th Division troops by air. See also Harold E. Goettler
	Joel T. Boone	Navy	O-03Lieutenant	near Vierzy, France	Jul 19, 1918	Repeatedly risked his life under heavy fire to render first aid to wounded Marines
	Willis Winter Bradley, Jr.	Navy	O-03Lieutenant	aboard USS Pittsburgh	Jul 23, 1917	Risked his life to extinguish a fire in a room where exposives where stored to prevent them from exploding
	Deming Bronson	Army	O-02First Lieutenant	near Eclisfontaine, France	Sep 26, 1918 – Sep 27, 1918	Continued to fight although suffering from severe wounds.
	Donald M. Call	Army	E-04Corporal	near Varennes, France	Sep 26, 1918	Rescued a wounded man from under intense fire and carried him over a mile to safety.
	Tedford H. Cann	Navy	E-03Seaman	aboard USS May	Nov 5, 1917	"Cann found a leak in a flooded compartment and closed it at the peril of his life, thereby unquestionably saving the ship."
	Marcellus H. Chiles*	Army	O-03Captain	near Le Champy Bas, France	Nov 3, 1918	Led his battalion in an advance across a stream in the face of machine gun fire. Upon reaching the opposite bank he was seriously wounded by a sniper, but before permitting himself to be evacuated he made complete arrangements for turning over his command to the next senior officer, and under the inspiration of his leadership his battalion reached its objective.
	Wilbur E. Colyer*	Army	E-05Sergeant	near Verdun, France	Oct 9, 1918	Volunteering with 2 other soldiers to locate machinegun nests, he advanced on the hostile positions and killed the gunner of one gun. He then turned this gun on the other nests, silencing all of them.
	Henry G. Costin*	Army	E-01Private	near Bois-de-Consenvoye, France	Oct 8, 1918	Volunteered to charge a machinegun nest with an automatic rifle team. Advancing with his team, under terrific fire, he continued after all his comrades had become casualties and he himself had been seriously wounded. He operated his rifle until he collapsed.
	Jesse W. Covington	Navy	E-04Ship's Cook Third Class	aboard USS Stewart	Apr 17, 1918	After an explosion, he dove overboard to rescue a survivor who was surrounded by powder boxes and too exhausted to help himself, fully realizing that similar powder boxes in the vicinity were continually exploding and that he was thereby risking his life in saving the life of this man.
	Louis Cukela	Marine Corps	E-05Sergeant	Forest de Retz, near Villers-Cotterêts, France	Jul 18, 1918	Received both the Army and Navy Medals of Honor for the same action. One of only 19 people to receive two Medals of Honor.
	George Dilboy*	Army	E-02Private First Class	near Belleau, France	Jul 18, 1918	For leading an attack on a machinegun position and continuing to fire at the enemy despite being seriously wounded, killing two of the enemy and dispersing the remainder of the gun crew. General John Pershing listed George Dilboy as one of the 10 greatest heroes of the war.
	Michael A. Donaldson	Army	E-05Sergeant	Sommerance-Landres-et St. Georges Road, France	Oct 14, 1918	In broad daylight and under direct observation of the enemy he advanced to the crest of the hill, rescued 6 of his wounded comrades.
	William J. Donovan	Army	O-05Lieutenant Colonel	near Landres-et-St. Georges, France	Oct 14, 1918 – Oct 15, 1918	For leading an attack despite being seriously wounded.
File:Jamescdozier.jpg	James C. Dozier	Army	O-02First Lieutenant	near Montbrehain, France	Oct 8, 1918	Although painfully wounded early in the attack, he continued to lead his men. When his command was held up by heavy machinegun fire, he continued forward with one soldier to attack a machinegun nest. Creeping up to the position in the face of intense fire, he killed the crew with handgrenades and his pistol and later captured a number of Germans.
	Parker F. Dunn*	Army	E-02Private First Class	near Grand-Pre, France	Oct 23, 1918	Was killed while delivering a message for his Commanding Officer.
	Daniel R. Edwards	Army	E-02Private First Class	near Soissons, France	Jul 18, 1918	While severely injured he crawled into an enemy trench and killed 4 and took 4 prisoner.
	Alan L. Eggers	Army	E-05Sergeant	near Le Catelet, France	Sep 29, 1918	With two other men, rescued the crew of a disabled tank and protected them from the enemy all day.
	Michael B. Ellis	Army	E-05Sergeant	near Exermont, France	Oct 5, 1918	Operated far in advance of his company, voluntarily undertaking most dangerous missions and single-handedly attacking and reducing machinegun nests.
	Arthur J. Forrest	Army	E-05Sergeant	near Remonville, France	Nov 1, 1918	Single-handedly charged an enemy machine gun nest which was blocking the advance of his company.
	Gary E. Foster	Army	E-05Sergeant	near Montbrehain, France	Oct 8, 1918	When his company was held up by violent machinegun fire, he and an officer went forward to attack the hostile machinegun nests. The officer was wounded, but Sgt. Foster continued on alone in the face of the heavy fire and killed several of the enemy and captured 18.
	Jesse N. Funk	Army	E-02Private First Class	near Bois-deBantheville, France	Oct 31, 1918	Learning that 2 daylight patrols had been caught out in No Man's Land and were unable to return, Pfc. Funk and another stretcher bearer (Charles D. Barger, q.v.), upon their own initiative, made 2 trips 500 yards (460 m) beyond our lines, under constant machinegun fire, and rescued 2 wounded officers.
	Harold A. Furlong	Army	O-02First Lieutenant	near Bantheville, France	Nov 1, 1918	When his company was held up by severe machinegun fire from the front, he moved out in advance of the line, crossing an open space several hundred yards wide. Taking up a position behind the line of the machineguns, he closed in on them, one at a time, killing a number of the enemy, putting 4 machinegun nests out of action, and capturing 20 Germans.
	Frank Gaffney	Army	E-02Private First Class	near Ronssoy, France	Sep 29, 1918	After all the other members of his squad had been killed, discovered several Germans placing a heavy machinegun in position. He killed the crew, captured the gun, bombed several dugouts, and, after killing 4 more of the enemy with his pistol, held the position until reinforcements came up, when 80 prisoners were captured.
	Harold E. Goettler*	Air Service	O-02First Lieutenant	near Binarville, France	Oct 6, 1918	Died of wounds while trying to supply 77th Division troops by air. See also Erwin R. Bleckley.
	Ora Graves	Navy	E-03Seaman	aboard USS Pittsburgh en route to Buenos Aires, Argentina	Jul 23, 1917	During an accidental explosion on ship, Graves was blown to the deck, but soon recovered and discovered burning waste on the deck. He put out the burning waste while the casemate was filled with clouds of smoke, knowing that there was more powder there which might explode.
	Earle D. Gregory	Army	E-05Sergeant	Bois-de-Consenvoye, north of Verdun, France	Oct 8, 1918	Advancing ahead of the infantry, he captured a machinegun and 3 of the enemy. Advancing still farther from the machinegun nest, he captured a 7.5-centimeter mountain howitzer and, entering a dugout in the immediate vicinity, single-handedly captured 19 of the enemy.
	Sydney G. Gumpertz	Army	E-07First Sergeant	In the Bois-de-Forges, France	Sep 29, 1918	When the advance was held up by machinegun fire, he left his platoon and started with 2 other soldiers through a heavy barrage toward the machinegun nest. When his 2 companions became casualties, he continued on alone, jumped into the nest and silenced the gun, capturing 9 of the crew.
	Thomas L. Hall*	Army	E-05Sergeant	near Montbrehain, France	Oct 8, 1918	Having overcome 2 machinegun nests under his leadership, Sgt. Hall's platoon was stopped by machinegun fire of particular intensity. Ordering his men to take cover, he advanced alone and killed 5 members of the crew. He was later killed while attacking another machinegun nest.
	Charles H. Hammann	Naval Reserve	O-01Ensign	Off Pula, Austria-Hungary	Aug 21, 1918	For saving a fellow pilot at risk of his own life.
	M. Waldo Hatler	Army	E-05Sergeant	near Pouilly, France	Nov 8, 1918	Volunteered to swim across a river to gather intelligence from the enemy.
	David E. Hayden	Navy	E-03Hospital Apprentice First Class	Thiaucourt, France	Sep 15, 1918	When a fellow soldier was mortally wounded while crossing an open field swept by machinegun fire, Hayden unhesitatingly ran to his assistance and, finding him so severely wounded as to require immediate attention, disregarded his own personal safety to dress the wound under intense machinegun fire, and then carried the wounded man back to a place of safety.
	George P. Hays	Army	O-02First Lieutenant	near Greves Farm, France	Jul 14, 1918 – Jul 15, 1918	"Despite the hazard attached to the mission of runner, he immediately set out to establish contact with the neighboring post of command and further establish liaison with 2 French batteries, visiting their position so frequently that he was mainly responsible for the accurate fire therefrom. While thus engaged, 7 horses were shot under him and he was severely wounded."
	James D. Heriot*	Army	E-04Corporal	Vaux-Andigny, France	Oct 12, 1918	"With 4 other soldiers, organized a combat group and attacked an enemy machine-gun nest which had been inflicting heavy casualties on his company. In the advance 2 of his men were killed, and because of the heavy fire from all sides the remaining 2 sought shelter. Unmindful of the hazard attached to his mission, Cpl. Heriot, with fixed bayonet, alone charged the machinegun, making his way through the fire for a distance of 30 yards (27 m) and forcing the enemy to surrender. During this exploit he received several wounds in the arm, and later in the same day, while charging another nest, he was killed."
	Ralyn M. Hill	Army	E-04Corporal	near Donnevoux, France	Oct 7, 1918	"Seeing a French airplane fall out of control on the enemy side of the Meuse River with its pilot injured, Cpl. Hill voluntarily dashed across the footbridge to the side of the wounded man and, taking him on his back, started back to his lines. During the entire exploit he was subjected to murderous fire of enemy machineguns and artillery, but he successfully accomplished his mission and brought his man to a place of safety, a distance of several hundred yards."
	Richmond H. Hilton	Army	E-05Sergeant	Brancourt, France	Oct 11, 1918	While Sgt. Hilton's company was advancing through the village of Brancourt it was held up by intense enfilading fire from a machinegun. Discovering that this fire came from a machinegun nest among shell holes at the edge of the town, Sgt. Hilton, accompanied by a few other soldiers, but well in advance of them, pressed on toward this position, firing with his rifle until his ammunition was exhausted, and then with his pistol, killing 6 of the enemy and capturing 10. In the course of this daring exploit he received a wound from a bursting shell, which resulted in the loss of his arm.
	Charles F. Hoffman	Marine Corps	E-07Gunnery Sergeant	Near Chateau-Thierry, France	June 6, 1918	Immediately after the company to which he belonged had reached its objective on Hill 142, several hostile counterattacks were launched against the line before the new position had been consolidated. G/Sgt. Hoffman was attempting to organize a position on the north slope of the hill when he saw 12 of the enemy, armed with 5 light machineguns, crawling toward his group. Giving the alarm, he rushed the hostile detachment, bayoneted the 2 leaders, and forced the others to flee, abandoning their guns. His quick action, initiative, and courage drove the enemy from a position from which they could have swept the hill with machinegun fire and forced the withdrawal of our troops.
	Nelson M. Holderman	Army	O-03Captain	Northeast of Binarville, in the forest of Argonne, France	Oct 2, 1918 – Oct 8, 1918	Capt. Holderman commanded a company of a battalion which was cut off and surrounded by the enemy. He was wounded on 4, 5, and 7 October, but throughout the entire period, suffering great pain and subjected to fire of every character, he continued personally to lead and encourage the officers and men under his command with unflinching courage and with distinguished success. On 6 October, in a wounded condition, he rushed through enemy machinegun and shell fire and carried 2 wounded men to a place of safety.
	Osmond K. Ingram*	Navy	E-06Gunner's Mate First Class	aboard USS Cassin, off the coast of Ireland	Oct 15, 1917	For extraordinary heroism in the presence of the enemy on the occasion of the torpedoing of the Cassin, on 15 October 1917
	Edouard V. M. Izac	Navy	O-03Lieutenant	aboard German submarine U-90	May 21, 1918	For intelligence-gathering while a prisoner of war.
	Ernest A. Janson	Marine Corps	E-07Gunnery Sergeant	near Château-Thierry, France	Jun 6, 1918	Served under the name Charles F. Hoffman. Received both the Army and Navy Medals of Honor for the same action. One of only 19 people to receive two Medals of Honor.
	Harold I. Johnston	Army	E-02Private First Class	near Pouilly, France	Nov 9, 1918	When information was desired as to the enemy's position on the opposite side of the Meuse River, Sgt. Johnston, with another soldier, volunteered without hesitation and swam the river to reconnoiter the exact location of the enemy. He succeeded in reaching the opposite bank, despite the evident determination of the enemy to prevent a crossing. Having obtained his information, he again entered the water for his return. This was accomplished after a severe struggle which so exhausted him that he had to be assisted from the water, after which he rendered his report of the exploit.
	James E. Karnes	Army	E-05Sergeant	near Estrees, France	Oct 8, 1918	During an advance, his company was held up by a machinegun, which was enfilading the line. Accompanied by another soldier, he advanced against this position and succeeded in reducing the nest by killing 3 and capturing 7 of the enemy and their guns.
	Phillip C. Katz	Army	E-05Sergeant	near Eclisfontaine, France	Sep 26, 1918	After his company had withdrawn for a distance of 200 yards (180 m) on a line with the units on its flanks, Sgt. Katz learned that one of his comrades had been left wounded in an exposed position at the point from which the withdrawal had taken place. Voluntarily crossing an area swept by heavy machinegun fire, he advanced to where the wounded soldier lay and carried him to a place of safety.
	Benjamin Kaufman	Army	E-07First Sergeant	In the forest of Argonne, France	Oct 4, 1918	He took out a patrol for the purpose of attacking an enemy machinegun which had checked the advance of his company. Before reaching the gun he became separated from his patrol and a machinegun bullet shattered his right arm. Without hesitation he advanced on the gun alone, throwing grenades with his left hand and charging with an empty pistol, taking one prisoner and scattering the crew, bringing the gun and prisoner back to the first-aid station.
	John J. Kelly	Marine Corps	E-01Private	Blanc Mont Ridge, France	Oct 3, 1918	Received both the Army and Navy Medals of Honor for the same action. One of only 19 people to receive two Medals of Honor.
File:P kocak.jpg	Matej Kocak*	Marine Corps	E-05Sergeant	Viller-Cottertes section, south of Soissons, France	Jul 18, 1918	Received both the Army and Navy Medals of Honor for the same action. One of only 19 people to receive two Medals of Honor.
	John C. Latham	Army	E-05Sergeant	near Le Catelet, France	Sep 29, 1918	"Becoming separated from their platoon by a smoke barrage, Sgt. Latham, Sgt. Alan L. Eggers, and Cpl. Thomas E. O'Shea took cover in a shellhole well within the enemy's lines. Upon hearing a call for help from an American tank which had become disabled 30 yards (27 m) from them, the 3 soldiers left their shelter and started toward the tank under heavy fire from German machineguns and trench mortars. In crossing the fire-swept area, Cpl. O'Shea was mortally wounded, but his companions, undeterred, proceeded to the tank, rescued a wounded officer, and assisted 2 wounded soldiers to cover in the sap of a nearby trench. Sgts. Latham and Eggers then returned to the tank in the face of the violent fire, dismounted a Hotchkiss gun, and took it back to where the wounded men were keeping off the enemy all day by effective use of the gun and later bringing it with the wounded men back to our lines under cover of darkness."
	Milo Lemert*	Army	E-07First Sergeant	near Bellicourt, France	Sep 29, 1918	"Seeing that the left flank of his company was held up, he located the enemy machinegun emplacement, which had been causing heavy casualties. In the face of heavy fire he rushed it single-handed, killing the entire crew with grenades. Continuing along the enemy trench in advance of the company, he reached another emplacement, which he also charged, silencing the gun with grenades. A third machinegun emplacement opened up on him from the left and with similar skill and bravery he destroyed this also. Later, in company with another sergeant, he attacked a fourth machinegun nest, being killed as he reached the parapet of the emplacement."
	Berger Loman	Army	E-01Private	near Consenvoye, France	Oct 9, 1918	When his company had reached a point within 100 yards (91 m) of its objective, to which it was advancing under terrific machinegun fire, Pvt. Loman voluntarily and unaided made his way forward after all others had taken shelter from the direct fire of an enemy machinegun. He crawled to a flank position of the gun and, after killing or capturing the entire crew, turned the machinegun on the retreating enemy.
	Frank Luke, Jr.*	Air Service	O-01Second Lieutenant	near Murvaux, France	Sep 29, 1918	For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy near Billy, France, 25 September 1918.
	Alexander G. Lyle	Navy	O-04Lieutenant Commander	on the French front	Apr 23, 1918	"Under heavy shellfire, on 23 April 1918, on the French Front, Lt. Comdr. Lyle rushed to the assistance of Cpl. Thomas Regan, who was seriously wounded, and administered such effective surgical aid while bombardment was still continuing, as to save the life of Cpl. Regan."
=	John MacKenzie	Navy	E-07Chief Boatswain's Mate	aboard Remlik, Bay of Biscay	Dec 17, 1917	For securing a live depth charge.
	James J. Madison	Naval Reserve	O-04Lieutenant Commander	aboard USS Ticonderoga	Oct 4, 1918	During an attack by U-boats.
	George H. Mallon	Army	O-03Captain	In the Bois-de-Forges, France	Sep 26, 1918	Becoming separated from the balance of his company because of a fog, Capt. Mallon, with 9 soldiers, pushed forward and attacked 9 active hostile machineguns, capturing all of them without the loss of a man. Continuing on through the woods, he led his men in attacking a battery of four 155-millimeter howitzers, which were in action, rushing the position and capturing the battery and its crew. In this encounter Capt. Mallon personally attacked 1 of the enemy with his fists. Later, when the party came upon 2 more machineguns, this officer sent men to the flanks while he rushed forward directly in the face of the fire and silenced the guns, being the first one of the party to reach the nest. The exceptional gallantry and determination displayed by Capt. Mallon resulted in the capture of 100 prisoners, 11 machineguns, four 155-millimeter howitzers and 1 antiaircraft gun.
	Sidney E. Manning	Army	E-04Corporal	near Breuvannes, France	Jul 28, 1918	"When his platoon commander and platoon sergeant had both become casualties soon after the beginning of an assault on strongly fortified heights overlooking the Ourcq River, Cpl. Manning took command of his platoon, which was near the center of the attacking line. Though himself severely wounded he led forward the 35 men remaining in the platoon and finally succeeded in gaining a foothold on the enemy's position, during which time he had received more wounds and all but 7 of his men had fallen. Directing the consolidation of the position, he held off a large body of the enemy only 50 yards (46 m) away by fire from his automatic rifle. He declined to take cover until his line had been entirely consolidated with the line of the platoon on the front when he dragged himself to shelter, suffering from 9 wounds in all parts of the body."
	Patrick McGunigal	Navy	E-06Shipfitter First Class	aboard USS Huntington	Sep 17, 1917	"[W]hile the USS Huntington was passing through the war zone, a kite balloon was sent up with Lt. (j.g.) H. W. Hoyt, U.S. Navy, as observer. When the balloon was about 400 feet (120 m) in the air, the temperature suddenly dropped, causing the balloon to descend about 200 feet (61 m), when it was struck by a squall. The balloon was hauled to the ship's side, but the basket trailed in the water and the pilot was submerged. McGunigal, with great daring, climbed down the side of the ship, jumped to the ropes leading to the basket, and cleared the tangle enough to get the pilot out of them. He then helped the pilot to get clear, put a bowline around him, and enabled him to be hauled to the deck. A bowline was lowered to McGunigal and he was taken safely aboard."
	George G. McMurtry	Army	O-03Captain	Charlevaux, in the forest of Argonne, France	01918-10-02-082 to 8 October 1918	"Commanded a battalion which was cut off and surrounded by the enemy and although wounded in the knee by shrapnel on 4 October and suffering great pain, he continued throughout the entire period to encourage his officers and men with a resistless optimism that contributed largely toward preventing panic and disorder among the troops, who were without food, cut off from communication with our lines. On 4 October during a heavy barrage, he personally directed and supervised the moving of the wounded to shelter before himself seeking shelter. On 6 October he was again wounded in the shoulder by a German grenade, but continued personally to organize and direct the defense against the German attack on the position until the attack was defeated. He continued to direct and command his troops, refusing relief, and personally led his men out of the position after assistance arrived before permitting himself to be taken to the hospital on 8 October. During this period the successful defense of the position was due largely to his efforts."
	James I. Mestrovitch*	Army	E-05Sergeant	Fismette, France	Aug 10, 1918	Seeing his company commander Iying wounded 30 yards (27 m) in front of the line after his company had withdrawn to a sheltered position behind a stone wall, Sgt. Mestrovitch voluntarily left cover and crawled through heavy machinegun and shell fire to where the officer lay. He took the officer upon his back and crawled to a place of safety, where he administered first-aid treatment, his exceptional heroism saving the officer's life.
	L. Wardlaw Miles	Army	O-03Captain	near Revillon, France	Sep 14, 1918	"Volunteered to lead his company in a hazardous attack on a commanding trench position near the Aisne Canal, which other troops had previously attempted to take without success. His company immediately met with intense machinegun fire, against which it had no artillery assistance, but Capt. Miles preceded the first wave and assisted in cutting a passage through the enemy's wire entanglements. In so doing he was wounded 5 times by machinegun bullets, both legs and 1 arm being fractured, whereupon he ordered himself placed on a stretcher and had himself carried forward to the enemy trench in order that he might encourage and direct his company, which by this time had suffered numerous casualties. Under the inspiration of this officer's indomitable spirit his men held the hostile position and consolidated the front line after an action lasting 2 hours, at the conclusion of which Capt. Miles was carried to the aid station against his will."
	Oscar F. Miller*	Army	O-04Major	near Gesnes, France	Sep 28, 1918	After 2 days of intense physical and mental strain, during which Maj. Miller had led his battalion in the front line of the advance through the forest of Argonne, the enemy was met in a prepared position south of Gesnes. Though almost exhausted, he energetically reorganized his battalion and ordered an attack. Upon reaching open ground the advancing line began to waver in the face of machinegun fire from the front and flanks and direct artillery fire. Personally leading his command group forward between his front-line companies, Maj. Miller inspired his men by his personal courage, and they again pressed on toward the hostile position. As this officer led the renewed attack he was shot in the right leg, but he nevertheless staggered forward at the head of his command. Soon afterwards he was again shot in the right arm, but he continued the charge, personally cheering his troops on through the heavy machinegun fire. Just before the objective was reached he received a wound in the abdomen, which forced him to the ground, but he continued to urge his men on, telling them to push on to the next ridge and leave him where he lay. He died from his wounds a few days later.
	Sterling L. Morelock	Army	E-01Private	near Exermont, France	Oct 4, 1918	"While his company was being held up by heavy enemy fire, Pvt. Morelock, with 3 other men who were acting as runners at company headquarters, voluntarily led them as a patrol in advance of his company's frontline through an intense rifle, artillery, and machinegun fire and penetrated a woods which formed the German frontline. Encountering a series of 5 hostile machinegun nests, containing from 1 to 5 machineguns each, with his patrol he cleaned them all out, gained and held complete mastery of the situation until the arrival of his company commander with reinforcements, even though his entire party had become casualties. He rendered first aid to the injured and evacuated them by using stretcher bearers 10 German prisoners whom he had captured. Soon thereafter his company commander was wounded and while dressing his wound Pvt. Morelock was very severely wounded in the hip, which forced his evacuation. His heroic action and devotion to duty were an inspiration to the entire regiment."
	Thomas C. Neibaur	Army	E-01Private	near Landres-et-St. Georges, France	Oct 16, 1918	"On the afternoon of 16 October 1918, when the Cote-de-Chatillion had just been gained after bitter fighting and the summit of that strong bulwark in the Kriemhilde Stellung was being organized, Pvt. Neibaur was sent out on patrol with his automatic rifle squad to enfilade enemy machinegun nests. As he gained the ridge he set up his automatic rifle and was directly thereafter wounded in both legs by fire from a hostile machinegun on his flank. The advance wave of the enemy troops, counterattacking, had about gained the ridge, and although practically cut off and surrounded, the remainder of his detachment being killed or wounded, this gallant soldier kept his automatic rifle in operation to such effect that by his own efforts and by fire from the skirmish line of his company, at least 100 yards (91 m) in his rear, the attack was checked. The enemy wave being halted and Iying prone, 4 of the enemy attacked Pvt. Neibaur at close quarters. These he killed. He then moved alone among the enemy Iying on the ground about him, in the midst of the fire from his own lines, and by coolness and gallantry captured 11 prisoners at the point of his pistol and, although painfully wounded, brought them back to our lines. The counterattack in full force was arrested to a large extent by the single efforts of this soldier, whose heroic exploits took place against the skyline in full view of his entire battalion."
	Richard W. O'Neill	Army	E-05Sergeant	on the Ourcq River, France	Jul 30, 1918	"In advance of an assaulting line, he attacked a detachment of about 25 of the enemy. In the ensuing hand-to-hand encounter he sustained pistol wounds, but heroically continued in the advance, during which he received additional wounds: but, with great physical effort, he remained in active command of his detachment. Being again wounded, he was forced by weakness and loss of blood to be evacuated, but insisted upon being taken first to the battalion commander in order to transmit to him valuable information relative to enemy positions and the disposition of our men."
	Francis Edward Ormsbee, Jr.	Navy	E-07Chief Machinist's Mate	near the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla	Sep 25, 1918	"While flying ... saw a plane go into a tailspin and crash about three-quarters of a mile to the right. Having landed near by, Ormsbee lost no time in going overboard and made for the wreck, which was all under water except the 2 wing tips. He succeeded in partially extricating the gunner so that his head was out of water, and held him in this position until the speedboat arrived. Ormsbee then made a number of desperate attempts to rescue the pilot, diving into the midst of the tangled wreckage although cut about the hands, but was too late to save his life."
	Weedon E. Osborne*	Navy	O-02Lieutenant, Junior Grade	Bouresche, France	Jun 6, 1918	repeatedly risked his life to rescue the wounded "[K]illed while carrying a wounded officer to a place of safety"
	Thomas E. O'Shea*	Army	E-04Corporal	near Le Catelet, France	Sep 29, 1918	Becoming separated from their platoon by a smoke barrage, Cpl. O'Shea, with 2 other soldiers, took cover in a shell hole well within the enemy's lines. Upon hearing a call for help from an American tank, which had become disabled 30 yards (27 m) from them, the 3 soldiers left their shelter and started toward the tank under heavy fire from German machineguns and trench mortars. In crossing the fire-swept area Cpl. O'Shea was mortally wounded and died of his wounds shortly afterwards.
	Samuel I. Parker	Army	O-01Second Lieutenant	near Soissons, France	01918-07-1818 to 19 July 1918	Repeatedy led his men, along with a group of french colonials to attack enemy forces killing several and taking 40 prisoner. Later took charge of his battalion and led them against the enemy.
	Archie A. Peck	Army	E-01Private	In the Argonne Forest, France	Oct 6, 1918	While engaged with 2 other soldiers on patrol duty, he and his comrades were subjected to the direct fire of an enemy machinegun, at which time both his companions were wounded. Returning to his company, he obtained another soldier to accompany him to assist in bringing in the wounded men. His assistant was killed in the exploit, but he continued on, twice returning safely bringing in both men, being under terrific machinegun fire during the entire Journey.
	Michael J. Perkins*	Army	E-02Private First Class	Belieu Bois, France	Oct 27, 1918	He, voluntarily and alone, crawled to a German "pill box" machinegun emplacement, from which grenades were being thrown at his platoon. Awaiting his opportunity, when the door was again opened and another grenade thrown, he threw a bomb inside, bursting the door open, and then, drawing his trench knife, rushed into the emplacement. In a hand-to-hand struggle he killed or wounded several of the occupants and captured about 25 prisoners, at the same time silencing 7 machineguns.
	Orlando H. Petty	Naval Reserve	O-03Lieutenant	in the Boise de Belleau, France	Jun 11, 1918	"While under heavy fire of high explosive and gas shells in the town of Lucy, where his dressing station was located, Lt. Petty attended to and evacuated the wounded under most trying conditions. Having been knocked to the ground by an exploding gas shell which tore his mask, Lt. Petty discarded the mask and courageously continued his work. His dressing station being hit and demolished, he personally helped carry Capt. Williams, wounded, through the shellfire to a place of safety."
	Emory J. Pike*	Army	O-05Lieutenant Colonel	near Vandieres, France	Sep 15, 1918	Having gone forward to reconnoiter new machinegun positions, Lt. Col. Pike offered his assistance in reorganizing advance infantry units which had become disorganized during a heavy artillery shelling. He succeeded in locating only about 20 men, but with these he advanced and when later joined by several infantry platoons rendered inestimable service in establishing outposts, encouraging all by his cheeriness, in spite of the extreme danger of the situation. When a shell had wounded one of the men in the outpost, Lt. Col. Pike immediately went to his aid and was severely wounded himself when another shell burst in the same place. While waiting to be brought to the rear, Lt. Col. Pike continued in command, still retaining his jovial manner of encouragement, directing the reorganization until the position could be held. The entire operation was carried on under terrific bombardment, and the example of courage and devotion to duty, as set by Lt. Col. Pike, established the highest standard of morale and confidence to all under his charge. The wounds he received were the cause of his death.
	Thomas A. Pope	Army	E-04Corporal	Hamel, France	Jul 4, 1918	His company was advancing behind the tanks when it was halted by hostile machinegun fire. Going forward alone, he rushed a machinegun nest, killed several of the crew with his bayonet, and, standing astride his gun, held off the others until reinforcements arrived and captured them.
	John H. Pruitt*	Marine Corps	E-04Corporal	Blanc Mont Ridge, France	Oct 3, 1918	Received both the Army and Navy Medals of Honor for the same action. One of only 19 people to receive two Medals of Honor.
	Patrick Regan	Army	O-01Second Lieutenant	Bois-de-Consenvoye, France	Oct 8, 1918	While leading his platoon against a strong enemy machinegun nest which had held up the advance of 2 companies, 2d Lt. Regan divided his men into 3 groups, sending 1 group to either flank, and he himself attacking with an automatic rifle team from the front. Two of the team were killed outright, while 2d Lt. Regan and the third man were seriously wounded, the latter unable to advance. Although severely wounded, 2d Lt. Regan dashed with empty pistol into the machinegun nest, capturing 30 Austrian gunners and 4 machineguns. This gallant deed permitted the companies to advance, avoiding a terrific enemy fire. Despite his wounds, he continued to lead his platoon forward until ordered to the rear by his commanding officer.
	Edward V. Rickenbacker	Air Service	O-02First Lieutenant	near Billy, France	Sep 25, 1918	Flying ace.
	George S. Robb	Army	O-02First Lieutenant	near Sechault, France	Sep 29, 1918 and Sep 30, 1918	Although wounded multiple times he remained with his unit and, after the commanding officer had been killed, took charge of the company and organized its position in the trenches.
	Harold W. Roberts*	Army	E-04Corporal	in the Montrebeau Woods, France	Oct 4, 1918	Cpl. Roberts, a tank driver, was moving his tank into a clump of bushes to afford protection to another tank which had become disabled. The tank slid into a shell hole, 10 feet (3.0 m) deep, filled with water, and was immediately submerged. Knowing that only 1 of the 2 men in the tank could escape, Cpl. Roberts said to the gunner, "Well, only one of us can get out, and out you go," whereupon he pushed his companion through the back door of the tank and was himself drowned.
	Robert G. Robinson	Marine Corps	E-07Gunnery Sergeant	over Pittham, Belgium	Oct 14, 1918	For extraordinary heroism as observer in the 1st Marine Aviation Force at the front in France.
	Samuel M. Sampler	Army	E-04Corporal	near St. Etienne, France	Oct 8, 1918	His company having suffered severe casualties during an advance under machinegun fire, was finally stopped. Cpl. Sampler detected the position of the enemy machineguns on an elevation. Armed with German handgrenades, which he had picked up, he left the line and rushed forward in the face of heavy fire until he was near the hostile nest, where he grenaded the position. His third grenade landed among the enemy, killing 2, silencing the machineguns, and causing the surrender of 28 Germans, whom he sent to the rear as prisoners. As a result of his act the company was immediately enabled to resume the advance.
	Willie Sandlin	Army	E-05Sergeant	Bois-de-Forges, France	Sep 26, 1918	He showed conspicuous gallantry in action by advancing alone directly on a machinegun nest which was holding up the line with its fire. He killed the crew with a grenade and enabled the line to advance. Later in the day he attacked alone and put out of action 2 other machinegun nests, setting a splendid example of bravery and coolness to his men.
	William Sawelson*	Army	E-05Sergeant	Grand-Pre, France	Oct 26, 1918	Hearing a wounded man in a shell hole some distance away calling for water, Sgt. Sawelson, upon his own initiative, left shelter and crawled through heavy machinegun fire to where the man lay, giving him what water he had in his canteen. He then went back to his own shell hole, obtained more water, and was returning to the wounded man when he was killed by a machinegun bullet.
	Dwite H. Schaffner	Army	O-02First Lieutenant	near St. Hubert's Pavilion, Boureuilles, France	Sep 28, 1918	Risked his life multiple times to eliminate enemy machine-gun nests that where preventing his unit from moving forward
	Oscar Schmidt, Jr.	Navy	E-07Chief Gunner's Mate	USS Chestnut Hill	Oct 9, 1918	For gallant conduct and extraordinary heroism while attached to the USS Chestnut Hill, on the occasion of the explosion and subsequent fire on board the U.S. submarine chaser SC-219.
	Lloyd M. Seibert	Army	E-05Sergeant	near Epinonville, France	Sep 26, 1918	Suffering from illness, Sgt. Seibert remained with his platoon and led his men with the highest courage and leadership under heavy shell and machinegun fire. With 2 other soldiers he charged a machinegun emplacement in advance of their company, he himself killing one of the enemy with a shotgun and capturing 2 others. In this encounter he was wounded, but he nevertheless continued in action, and when a withdrawal was ordered he returned with the last unit, assisting a wounded comrade. Later in the evening he volunteered and carried in wounded until he fainted from exhaustion.
	John O. Siegel	Navy	E-05Boatswain's Mate Second Class	USS Mohawk	Nov 1, 1918	For extraordinary heroism while serving on board the Mohawk in performing a rescue mission aboard the schooner Hjeltenaes which was in flames on 1 November 1918.
File:Alexander Skinker.jpg	Alexander R. Skinker*	Army	O-03Captain	Cheppy, France	Sep 26, 1918	For leading an attack against German pillboxes.
	Clayton K. Slack	Army	E-01Private	near Consenvoye, France	Oct 8, 1918	Observing German soldiers under cover 50 yards (46 m) away on the left flank, Pvt. Slack, upon his own initiative, rushed them with his rifle and, single-handed, captured 10 prisoners and 2 heavy-type machineguns, thus saving his company and neighboring organizations from heavy casualties.
	Fred E. Smith*	Army	O-05Lieutenant Colonel	near Binarville, France	Sep 29, 1918	Sacrificed his life to draw enemy fire away from his unit until his men could get to safety until he was killed.
	Fred W. Stockham*	Marine Corps	E-07Gunnery Sergeant	Bois-de-Belleau, France (Battle of Belleau Wood)	June 13, 1918 – Jun 14, 1918	For giving his gas mask to a wounded comrade; died of poison gas exposure.
	Freddie Stowers*	Army	E-04Corporal	Hill 188, Champagne Marne Sector, France	Sep 28, 1918	For leading an attack despite being mortally wounded.
	Daniel A. J. Sullivan	Naval Reserve	O-01Ensign	aboard USS Cristabel	May 21, 1918	Risked his life by diving on a group of unsecured depth charges to keep them from exploding.
	Ralph Talbot*	Marine Corps	O-01Second Lieutenant	over Pittham, Belgium	Oct 8, 1918 and Oct 14, 1918	First Marine aviator to receive the Medal of Honor.
File:Sgt Edward R Talley.jpg	Edward R. Talley	Army	E-05Sergeant	near Ponchaux, France	Oct 7, 1918	Undeterred by seeing several comrades killed in attempting to put a hostile machinegun nest out of action, Sgt. Talley attacked the position single-handed. Armed only with a rifle, he rushed the nest in the face of intense enemy fire, killed or wounded at least 6 of the crew, and silenced the gun. When the enemy attempted to bring forward another gun and ammunition he drove them back by effective fire from his rifle.
	Joseph H. Thompson	Army	O-04Major	near Apremont, France	Oct 1, 1918	Led his battalion in multiple attacks against the enemy and repeatedly risked his life to eliminate enemy soldiers, gun emplacements and a tank.
	Harold L. Turner	Army	E-04Corporal	near St. Etienne, France	Oct 8, 1918	Risked his life to eliminate an group of enemy soldiers and a machine-gun nest
	William B. Turner*	Army	O-02First Lieutenant	near Ronssoy, France	Sep 27, 1918	Risked his life to lead a small group to eliminate several enemy machine-gun nests
	Frank M. Upton	Navy	0Quartermaster	USS Stewart	Apr 17, 1918	Risked his life to save a soldier from drowning
File:PFC Michael Valente.jpg	Michael Valente	Army	E-01Private	east of Ronssoy, France	Sep 29, 1918	Voluntarily risked his life to eliminate several enemy machine-gun nests that where preventing the American forces from moving forward
	Ludovicus M. M. Van Iersel	Army	E-05Sergeant	Mouzon, France	Nov 9, 1918	Volunteered to lead a party to check out a group of enemy soldiers and successfully returned and informed his battalion commander of what he found.
	John C. Villepigue	Army	E-04Corporal	Vaux-Andigny, France	Oct 15, 1918	Having been sent out with 2 other soldiers to scout through the village of Vaux-Andigny, he met with strong resistance from enemy machinegun fire, which killed 1 of his men and wounded the other. Continuing his advance without aid 500 yards (460 m) in advance of his platoon and in the face of machinegun and artillery fire he encountered 4 of the enemy in a dugout, whom he attacked and killed with a handgrenade. Crawling forward to a point 150 yards (140 m) in advance of his first encounter, he rushed a machinegun nest, killing 4 and capturing 6 of the enemy and taking 2 light machineguns. After being joined by his platoon he was severely wounded in the arm.
	Reidar Waaler	Army	E-05Sergeant	near Ronssoy, France	Sep 27, 1918	In the face of heavy artillery and machinegun fire, he crawled forward to a burning British tank, in which some of the crew were imprisoned, and succeeded in rescuing 2 men.
File:Calvin John Ward.jpg	Calvin J. Ward	Army	E-01Private	near Estrees, France	Oct 8, 1918	During an advance, Pvt. Ward's company was held up by a machinegun, which was enfilading the line. Accompanied by a noncommissioned officer, he advanced against this post and succeeded in reducing the nest by killing 3 and capturing 7 of the enemy and their guns.
	Chester H. West	Army	E-07First Sergeant	near Bois-de-Cheppy, France	Sep 26, 1918	While making his way through a thick fog with his automatic rifle section, his advance was halted by direct and unusual machinegun fire from 2 guns. Without aid, he at once dashed through the fire and, attacking the nest, killed 2 of the gunners, 1 of whom was an officer.
File:Whittlesey1.jpg	Charles W. Whittlesey	Army	O-04Major	northeast of Binarville, in the forest of Argonne, France	01918-10-02-072 to 7 October 1918	Commander of the Lost Battalion.
	J. Hunter Wickersham*	Army	O-01Second Lieutenant	near Limey, France	Sep 12, 1918	Was severely wounded by a high-explosive shell and although his right hand and arm were disabled by wounds, he continued firing with his left hand. Fell and died from exhaustion by the loss of blood before aid could be administered.
	Nels Wold*	Army	E-01Private	near Cheppy, France	Sep 26, 1918	He advanced with another soldier and silenced some machine-guns, took 11 prisoners and rescued a comrade who was about to be shot by a German officer, killing the officer during the exploit. Was later killed attempting to rush a 5th machinegun.
	Samuel Woodfill	Army	O-02First Lieutenant	Cunel, France	Oct 12, 1918	For disabling several machine-gun nests.
	Alvin C. York	Army	E-04Corporal	near Chatel-Chehery, France (Meuse-Argonne Offensive)	Oct 8, 1918	When seeing his commanding officer and several others wounded or killed, he charged on with 7 other men into German machine-gun emplacements, almost single-handedly killing 25 Germans, knocking out 35 machine-guns, and capturing 132 prisoners.

See also

• The British Unknown Warrior from World War I
• The American Unknown Soldier from World War I

References

General

• "Who's Who list of Marines". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved July 24, 2008.
• Willmott, H.P. (2003), World War I, New York: Dorling Kindersley, ISBN 0789496275, OCLC 52541937

Inline