List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War I
Medal of Honor |
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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.[1] 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 with over 60 million European soldiers being mobilized,[2] and more than 40 million casualties, including approximately 20 million deaths.[3]
When World War I broke out the United States maintained a policy of isolationism, avoiding conflict while trying to broker a peace. This resulted in increased tensions with Berlin and London, and when a German U-boat sank the British liner Lusitania in 1915, with 128 Americans aboard, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson vowed, "America isn't too proud to fight" and demanded an end to attacks on passenger ships. Germany complied and Wilson unsuccessfully tried to mediate a settlement. He repeatedly warned the U.S. would not tolerate unrestricted submarine warfare, in violation of international law and U.S. ideas of human rights.[4]
By the time the United States entered the war in 1917—three years after the first shots were fired—several Americans had already gone to fight as pilots by joining the Royal Flying Corps. These pilots would report to Canada, and after flight training would be sent to fight as officers in the British military.[5]
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 themself "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.[6]
Since the Medal of Honor was established, only 19 recipients have received it twice; 5 received it during World War I. By the end of the war, 124 men would receive the Medal for their actions: 95 from the Army, 21 from the Navy, and 8 from the Marine Corps; thirty-three of them posthumously. Among the recipients were Alvin York, who later became the basis for the movie Sergeant York, and Edward Rickenbacker, who became a 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.[7][8]
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 official Medal of Honor citation
Image | Name | Service | Rank | Place of action | Date of action | Notes[9] |
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Joseph B. Adkinson | Army | Sergeant | near Bellicourt, France | Sep 29, 1918 | "[R]ushed across 50 yards (46 m) of open ground directly into the face of hostile machine-gun 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." |
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Jake Allex | Army | Corporal | 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." |
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Edward C. Allworth | Army | Captain | Cléry-le-Petit, France | Nov 5, 1918 | "By his personal leadership he forced the enemy back for more than a kilometer, overcoming machine-gun nests and capturing 100 prisoners, whose number exceeded that of the men in his command." |
Head and shoulders of a clean-cut square-jawed young man in brown army uniform, U.S. Army World War I style with a campaign hat, in front of a U.S. flag | Johannes S. Anderson | Army | First Sergeant | Consenvoye, France | Oct 8, 1918 | Single-handedly defeated and captured an enemy machine-gun nest, returning with 23 prisoners. |
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Albert E. Baesel* | Army | Second Lieutenant | near Ivoiry, France | Sep 27, 1918 | Was killed while trying to rescue a Corporal who had been wounded under heavy fire |
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John H. Balch | Navy | Pharmacist'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 |
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Charles D. Barger | Army | Private 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 |
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David B. Barkeley* | Army | Private | Meuse River near Pouilly-sur-Meuse, France | Nov 9, 1918 | For successfully completing a voluntary reconnaissance mission behind enemy lines |
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John L. Barkley | Army | Private 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. |
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Frank J. Bart | Army | Private | near Medeah Ferme, France | Oct 3, 1918 | For single-handedly taking out two machine-gun nests |
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Robert L. Blackwell* | Army | Private | near St. Souplet, France | Oct 11, 1918 | Volunteered to carry a message calling for reinforcements through heavy fire |
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Erwin R. Bleckley* | Air Service | Second Lieutenant | near Binarville, France | Oct 6, 1918 | Died of wounds while trying to supply 77th Division troops by air. See also Harold E. Goettler |
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Joel T. Boone | Navy | Lieutenant | near Vierzy, France | Jul 19, 1918 | Repeatedly risked his life under heavy fire to render first aid to wounded Marines |
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Willis Winter Bradley, Jr. | Navy | Lieutenant | 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 |
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Deming Bronson | Army | First Lieutenant | near Eclisfontaine, France | Sep 26, 1918 – Sep 27, 1918 | Continued to fight although suffering from severe wounds |
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Donald M. Call | Army | Corporal | near Varennes, France | Sep 26, 1918 | Rescued a wounded man from under intense fire and carried him over a mile to safety. |
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Tedford H. Cann | Navy | Seaman | 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." |
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Marcellus H. Chiles* | Army | Captain | 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. |
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Wilbur E. Colyer* | Army | Sergeant | near Verdun, France | Oct 9, 1918 | Volunteering with 2 other soldiers to locate machine-gun 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. |
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Henry G. Costin* | Army | Private | near Bois-de-Consenvoye, France | Oct 8, 1918 | Volunteered to charge a machine-gun 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. |
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Jesse W. Covington | Navy | Ship'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. |
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Louis Cukela | Marine Corps | Sergeant | 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. |
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George Dilboy* | Army | Private First Class | near Belleau, France | Jul 18, 1918 | For leading an attack on a machine-gun 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 | Sergeant | 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 and rescued 6 of his wounded comrades. | |
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William J. Donovan | Army | Lieutenant Colonel | near Landres-et-St. Georges, France | Oct 14, 1918 – Oct 15, 1918 | For leading an attack despite being seriously wounded. |
Head and shoulders of an older man with a short haircut. He is wearing a military jacket with three rows of ribbon bars on his chest, emblems on his lapels, and a shirt and tie underneath. | James C. Dozier | Army | First 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 machine-gun fire, he continued forward with one soldier to attack a machine-gun nest. Creeping up to the position in the face of intense fire, he killed the crew with hand grenades and his pistol and later captured a number of Germans. |
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Parker F. Dunn* | Army | Private First Class | near Grand-Pre, France | Oct 23, 1918 | Was killed while delivering a message for his Commanding Officer |
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Daniel R. Edwards | Army | Private First Class | near Soissons, France | Jul 18, 1918 | While severely injured he crawled into an enemy trench and killed 4 and took 4 prisoner |
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Alan L. Eggers | Army | Sergeant | 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 |
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Michael B. Ellis | Army | Sergeant | near Exermont, France | Oct 5, 1918 | Operated far in advance of his company, voluntarily undertaking most dangerous missions and single-handedly attacking and reducing machine-gun nests. |
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Arthur J. Forrest | Army | Sergeant | near Remonville, France | Nov 1, 1918 | Single-handedly charged an enemy machine gun nest which was blocking the advance of his company |
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Gary E. Foster | Army | Sergeant | near Montbrehain, France | Oct 8, 1918 | When his company was held up by violent machine-gun fire, he and an officer went forward to attack the hostile machine-gun nests. The officer was wounded, but Sergeant Foster continued on alone in the face of the heavy fire and killed several of the enemy and captured 18. |
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Jesse N. Funk | Army | Private First Class | near Bois-de Bantheville, 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 machine-gun fire, and rescued 2 wounded officers. |
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Harold A. Furlong | Army | First Lieutenant | near Bantheville, France | Nov 1, 1918 | When his company was held up by severe machine-gun 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 machine-guns, he closed in on them, one at a time, killing a number of the enemy, putting 4 machine-gun nests out of action, and capturing 20 Germans. |
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Frank Gaffney | Army | Private 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 machine-gun 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. |
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Harold E. Goettler* | Air Service | First Lieutenant | near Binarville, France | Oct 6, 1918 | Died of wounds while trying to supply 77th Division troops by air. See also Erwin R. Bleckley. |
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Ora Graves | Navy | Seaman | 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. |
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Earle D. Gregory | Army | Sergeant | Bois-de-Consenvoye, north of Verdun, France | Oct 8, 1918 | Advancing ahead of the infantry, he captured a machine-gun and 3 of the enemy. Advancing still farther from the machine-gun nest, he captured a 7.5-centimeter mountain howitzer and, entering a dugout in the immediate vicinity, single-handedly captured 19 of the enemy. |
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Sydney G. Gumpertz | Army | First Sergeant | In the Bois-de-Forges, France | Sep 29, 1918 | When the advance was held up by machine-gun fire, he left his platoon and started with 2 other soldiers through a heavy barrage toward the machine-gun nest. When his 2 companions became casualties, he continued on alone, jumped into the nest and silenced the gun, capturing 9 of the crew. |
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Thomas L. Hall* | Army | Sergeant | near Montbrehain, France | Oct 8, 1918 | Having overcome 2 machine-gun nests under his leadership, Sergeant Hall's platoon was stopped by machine-gun 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 machine-gun nest. |
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Charles H. Hammann | Naval Reserve | Ensign | Off Pula, Austria–Hungary | Aug 21, 1918 | For saving a fellow pilot at risk of his own life. |
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M. Waldo Hatler | Army | Sergeant | near Pouilly, France | Nov 8, 1918 | Volunteered to swim across a river to gather intelligence from the enemy |
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David E. Hayden | Navy | Hospital Apprentice First Class | Thiaucourt, France | Sep 15, 1918 | When a fellow soldier was mortally wounded while crossing an open field swept by machine-gun 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 machine-gun fire, and then carried the wounded man back to a place of safety. |
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George P. Hays | Army | First 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." |
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James D. Heriot* | Army | Corporal | 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 machine-gun, 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." |
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Ralyn M. Hill | Army | Corporal | 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 machine-guns and artillery, but he successfully accomplished his mission and brought his man to a place of safety, a distance of several hundred yards." |
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Richmond H. Hilton | Army | Sergeant | Brancourt, France | Oct 11, 1918 | "While Sergeant Hilton's company was advancing through the village of Brancourt it was held up by intense enfilading fire from a machine-gun. Discovering that this fire came from a machine-gun nest among shell holes at the edge of the town, Sergeant 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." |
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Charles F. Hoffman | Marine Corps | Gunnery 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. Gunnery Sergeant 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 machine-guns, 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 machine-gun fire and forced the withdrawal of our troops." |
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Nelson M. Holderman | Army | Captain | 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 machine-gun and shell fire and carried 2 wounded men to a place of safety." |
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Osmond K. Ingram* | Navy | Gunner's Mate First Class | aboard USS Cassin, off the coast of Ireland | Oct 15, 1917 | For extraordinary heroism in the presence of the enemy |
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Edouard V. M. Izac | Navy | Lieutenant | aboard German submarine U-90 | May 21, 1918 | For intelligence-gathering while a prisoner of war |
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Ernest A. Janson | Marine Corps | Gunnery 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. |
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Harold I. Johnston | Army | Private 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, Sergeant 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." |
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James E. Karnes | Army | Sergeant | near Estrées, France | Oct 8, 1918 | "During an advance, his company was held up by a machine-gun, 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." |
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Phillip C. Katz | Army | Sergeant | 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, Sergeant 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 machine-gun fire, he advanced to where the wounded soldier lay and carried him to a place of safety." |
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Benjamin Kaufman | Army | First Sergeant | In the forest of Argonne, France | Oct 4, 1918 | "He took out a patrol for the purpose of attacking an enemy machine-gun which had checked the advance of his company. Before reaching the gun he became separated from his patrol and a machine-gun 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." |
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John J. Kelly | Marine Corps | Private | 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. |
Head of a young man with thick, dark, hair parted at the side. He is wearing a military jacket with a high collar and bright buttons down the center. | Matej Kocak* | Marine Corps | Sergeant | 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. |
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John C. Latham | Army | Sergeant | near Le Catelet, France | Sep 29, 1918 | "Becoming separated from their platoon by a smoke barrage, Sergeant Latham, Sergeant 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 machine-guns 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." |
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Milo Lemert* | Army | First Sergeant | near Bellicourt, France | Sep 29, 1918 | "Seeing that the left flank of his company was held up, he located the enemy machine-gun 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 machine-gun 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 machine-gun nest, being killed as he reached the parapet of the emplacement." |
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Berger Loman | Army | Private | 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 machine-gun fire, Pvt. Loman voluntarily and unaided made his way forward after all others had taken shelter from the direct fire of an enemy machine-gun. He crawled to a flank position of the gun and, after killing or capturing the entire crew, turned the machine-gun on the retreating enemy." |
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Frank Luke, Jr.* | Air Service | Second Lieutenant | near Murvaux, France | Sep 29, 1918 | After destroying several enemy aircraft and although his plane was severely damaged, continued to attack the enemy, until he was forced to land; was surrounded and killed by enemy soldiers. |
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Alexander G. Lyle | Navy | Lieutenant Commander | on the French front | Apr 23, 1918 | While under fire on the French Front Lyle rushed to the assistance of Cpl. Thomas Regan, who was seriously wounded, and administered surgical aid while the bombardment was still continuing, saving his life. |
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John MacKenzie | Navy | Chief Boatswain's Mate | aboard Remlik, Bay of Biscay | Dec 17, 1917 | For securing a live depth charge |
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James J. Madison | Naval Reserve | Lieutenant Commander | aboard USS Ticonderoga | Oct 4, 1918 | During an attack by U-boats |
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George H. Mallon | Army | Captain | In the Bois-de-Forges, France | Sep 26, 1918 | "[R]esulted in the capture of 100 prisoners, 11 machine-guns, four 155-millimeter howitzers and 1 antiaircraft gun." |
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Sidney E. Manning | Army | Corporal | near Breuvannes, France | Jul 28, 1918 | Although suffering from multiple injuries and he continued to lead his unit against the enemy and refused treatment until he ensured that enemy force had been repelled. |
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Patrick McGunigal | Navy | Shipfitter First Class | aboard USS Huntington | Sep 17, 1917 | Risked his life to rescue an officer from a downed ballon when it crashed |
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George G. McMurtry | Army | Captain | Charlevaux, in the forest of Argonne, France | 2– 8 October 1918 | Risked his life commanding a battalion which was cut off and surrounded by the enemy and although wounded in the knee by shrapnel continued to lead them until his unit had successfully defended themselves against the enemy. |
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James I. Mestrovitch* | Army | Sergeant | Fismette, France | Aug 10, 1918 | Risked his life by voluntarily leaving a covered position and crawled through heavy machine-gun and shell fire to where his wounded Commanding officer was laying. He took the officer upon his back and crawled to a place of safety, administering first-aid and saving the officer's life. |
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L. Wardlaw Miles | Army | Captain | near Revillon, France | Sep 14, 1918 | Although severely wounded and being carried on a stretcher he led his unit in 2 hours of fighting against the enemy after which time he was "carried to the aid station against his will." |
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Oscar F. Miller* | Army | Major | near Gesnes, France | Sep 28, 1918 | After 2 days of intense physical and mental strain and severely woudned multiple times, led his battalion in advance through the forest of Argonne. He died from his wounds a few days later. |
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Sterling L. Morelock | Army | Private | near Exermont, France | Oct 4, 1918 | Voluntarily risked his life to lead 3 other men rifle, artillery, and machine-gun fire and penetrated a wood which formed the German frontline. Cleaned out a series of 5 hostile machine-gun nests, containing from 1 to 5 machine-guns each, with his patrol. Rendered first aid to the injured and evacuated them by using 10 German prisoners whom he had captured as stretcher bearers. Soon thereafter his company commander was wounded and while dressing his wound was forced to evacuate due to a severely wound in the hip. |
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Thomas C. Neibaur | Army | Private | near Landres-et-St. Georges, France | Oct 16, 1918 | Although wounded in both legs and having all the other members of his squad killed or wounded he continued to repulse an enemy attack until they were eliminated. |
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Richard W. O'Neill | Army | Sergeant | 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." |
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Francis Edward Ormsbee, Jr. | Navy | Chief Machinist's Mate | near the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida | Sep 25, 1918 | Risked his life to save the crew of an airplane that crashed close to him. He was able to rescue a crewman but not the pilot. |
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Weedon E. Osborne* | Navy | Lieutenant, 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" |
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Thomas E. O'Shea* | Army | Corporal | near Le Catelet, France | Sep 29, 1918 | Was killed in an attempt to rescue the crew of a disabled tank |
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Samuel I. Parker | Army | Second Lieutenant | near Soissons, France | Jul 18, 1918 and Jul 19, 1918 |
Repeatedly led his men, along with a group of French colonials to attack enemy forces killing several and taking 40 prisoners. Later took charge of his battalion and led them against the enemy. |
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Archie A. Peck | Army | Private | 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 machine-gun, 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 machine-gun fire during the entire Journey. |
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Michael J. Perkins* | Army | Private First Class | Belieu Bois, France | Oct 27, 1918 | "[V]oluntarily and alone, crawled to a German "pill box" machine-gun 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 machine-guns." |
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Orlando H. Petty | Naval Reserve | Lieutenant | 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." |
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Emory Jenison Pike* | Army | Lieutenant Colonel | near Vandières, France | Sep 15, 1918 | He assisted in reorganizing advance infantry units and after located about 20 men, he advanced and was joined by several infantry platoons. He was severely wounded while risking his life to save another wounded soldier and later died from his wounds. |
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Thomas A. Pope | Army | Corporal | Hamel, France | Jul 4, 1918 | His company was advancing behind the tanks when it was halted by hostile machine-gun fire. Going forward alone, he rushed a machine-gun nest, killed several of the crew with his bayonet, and, standing astride his gun, held off the others until reinforcements arrived and captured them. |
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John H. Pruitt* | Marine Corps | Corporal | 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. |
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Patrick Regan | Army | Second Lieutenant | Bois-de-Consenvoye, France | Oct 8, 1918 | Continued to fight the enemy and despite his wounds, he continued to lead his platoon forward until ordered to the rear by his commanding officer. |
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Edward V. Rickenbacker | Air Service | First Lieutenant | near Billy, France | Sep 25, 1918 | Risked his life in combat against 7 enemy planes, shooting down 2 of them |
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George S. Robb | Army | First 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. |
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Harold W. Roberts* | Army | Corporal | in the Montrebeau Woods, France | Oct 4, 1918 | After their tank slipped into a shell crater full of water he sacrificed his life to keep another soldier from drowning. |
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Robert G. Robinson | Marine Corps | Gunnery Sergeant | over Pittham, Belgium | Oct 14, 1918 | For extraordinary heroism as observer in the 1st Marine Aviation Force at the front in France |
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Samuel M. Sampler | Army | Corporal | near St. Etienne, France | Oct 8, 1918 | His company having suffered severe casualties during an advance under machine-gun fire, was finally stopped. Cpl. Sampler detected the position of the enemy machine-guns on an elevation. Armed with German hand grenades, 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 machine-guns, 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. |
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Willie Sandlin | Army | Sergeant | Bois-de-Forges, France | Sep 26, 1918 | He showed conspicuous gallantry in action by advancing alone directly on a machine-gun 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 machine-gun nests, setting a splendid example of bravery and coolness to his men. |
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William Sawelson* | Army | Sergeant | Grand-Pre, France | Oct 26, 1918 | Hearing a wounded man in a shell hole some distance away calling for water, Sergeant Sawelson, upon his own initiative, left shelter and crawled through heavy machine-gun 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 machine-gun bullet. |
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Dwite H. Schaffner | Army | First 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 |
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Oscar Schmidt, Jr. | Navy | Chief 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 | Sergeant | near Epinonville, France | Sep 26, 1918 | Suffering from illness, Sergeant Seibert remained with his platoon and led his men with the highest courage and leadership under heavy shell and machine-gun fire. With 2 other soldiers he charged a machine-gun 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. | |
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John O. Siegel | Navy | Boatswain'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 | Captain | Cheppy, France | Sep 26, 1918 | For leading an attack against German pillboxes. |
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Clayton K. Slack | Army | Private | 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 machine-guns, thus saving his company and neighboring organizations from heavy casualties. |
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Fred E. Smith* | Army | Lieutenant 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. |
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Fred W. Stockham* | Marine Corps | Gunnery 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 |
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Freddie Stowers* | Army | Corporal | Hill 188, Champagne Marne Sector, France | Sep 28, 1918 | For leading an attack despite being mortally wounded |
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Daniel A. J. Sullivan | Naval Reserve | Ensign | aboard USS Cristabel | May 21, 1918 | Risked his life by diving on a group of unsecured depth charges to keep them from exploding. |
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Ralph Talbot* | Marine Corps | Second 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 | Sergeant | near Ponchaux, France | Oct 7, 1918 | Undeterred by seeing several comrades killed in attempting to put a hostile machine-gun nest out of action, Sergeant 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. |
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Joseph H. Thompson | Army | Major | 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. |
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Harold L. Turner | Army | Corporal | near St. Etienne, France | Oct 8, 1918 | Risked his life to eliminate a group of enemy soldiers and a machine-gun nest |
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William B. Turner* | Army | First Lieutenant | near Ronssoy, France | Sep 27, 1918 | Risked his life to lead a small group to eliminate several enemy machine-gun nests |
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Frank M. Upton | Navy | Quartermaster | USS Stewart | Apr 17, 1918 | Risked his life to save a soldier from drowning |
File:PFC Michael Valente.jpg | Michael Valente | Army | Private | 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 |
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Ludovicus M. M. Van Iersel | Army | Sergeant | Mouzon, Ardennes, 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. |
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John C. Villepigue | Army | Corporal | 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 machine-gun 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 machine-gun and artillery fire he encountered 4 of the enemy in a dugout, whom he attacked and killed with a hand grenade. Crawling forward to a point 150 yards (140 m) in advance of his first encounter, he rushed a machine-gun nest, killing 4 and capturing 6 of the enemy and taking 2 light machine-guns. After being joined by his platoon he was severely wounded in the arm." |
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Reidar Waaler | Army | Sergeant | near Ronssoy, France | Sep 27, 1918 | In the face of heavy artillery and machine-gun 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 | Private | near Estrées, France | Oct 8, 1918 | During an advance, Pvt. Ward's company was held up by a machine-gun, 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. |
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Chester H. West | Army | First 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 machine-gun 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 | Major | northeast of Binarville, in the forest of Argonne, France | Oct 2, 1918 and Oct 7, 1918 |
Commander of the Lost Battalion. |
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J. Hunter Wickersham* | Army | Second 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. |
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Nels Wold* | Army | Private | 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 machine-gun. |
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Samuel Woodfill | Army | First Lieutenant | Cunel, France | Oct 12, 1918 | For disabling several machine-gun nests |
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Alvin C. York | Army | Corporal | 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
References
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
- 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
- Brands, Henry William (1997), T. R.: The Last Romantic, New York: Basic Books, ISBN 0465069584, OCLC 36954615
- Inline
- ^ Wilmott, p. 10
- ^ Wilmott, p. 307
- ^ Michael Duffy (March 22, 2006). "Feature Articles: Military Casualties of World War One". First World War.com. Retrieved June 29, 2009.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (help) - ^ Brands 1997, p. 756
- ^ Barker, Ralph (2002). The Royal Flying Corps in World War I. Robinson. ISBN 1-84119-470-0.
- ^ "A Brief History — The Medal of Honor". United States Department of Defense. August 8, 2006. Retrieved June 3, 2009.
- ^ Owens, Ron (2004). Medal of Honor: Historical Facts & Figures. Paducah, Kentucky: Turner Publishing Company. pp. 92–98. ISBN 9781563119958. Retrieved August 11, 2009.
- ^ "Medal of Honor statistics". United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Retrieved June 29, 2009.
- ^ "Medal of Honor recipients: World War I". United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Retrieved July 2, 2009.