National Medal of Honor Day

Today March 25 is the National Medal of Honor Day, a day dedicated to honor our American heroes who has given much to our country

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Generally presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress, it is often called the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Lightning Bear Studios presents "A Hero's Welcome", a documentary film that focuses on John Finn, the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient (99) and the first recipient from WWII.

Dear friend of Mudville and late Milblogger, Bill Faith - gives us the story from a past post on MOH Bud Day

TSO at This ain't Hell, reminds us of LT John R Fox, (May 18, 1915–December 26, 1944) who was killed in action when he deliberately called for artillery fire on his own position after his position was overrun, in order to defeat a German attack in the vicinity of Sommocolonia, however it was almost 38 years later before he was given the Medal of Honor.

You Served directs us to Colonel Robert Howard (ret.), a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his heroism in Vietnam.

One Marine's View Points us to Medal of Honor Winner, Ed "Too Tall" Freeman and points to a challenge issued by a flight attendant during a recent commercial air flight which will leave you frustrated with "the current lack of appreciation of our military heroes."

TankerBabe tells this story about Sgt Walter Singleton, MOH Recipient and reminds us that there are 19 Double Recipients of the Medal of Honor.

Greyhawk gives us the story of Corporal Jason Dunham who was killed in Iraq. Corporal Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground and in the ensuing struggle saw the insurgent release a grenade. He immediately alerted his fellow Marines to the threat. Aware of the imminent danger and without hesitation, Corporal Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines from the blast.

And this story of Corporal Rubin who's actions in Korea earned him four recommendations for the Medal of Honor. He was also nominated twice for the Distinguished Service Cross, and twice for the Silver Star.

And Greyhawk reflects on the death of Medal of Honor recipient Desmond Doss, who refused to carry a weapon but insisted on serving his country, a "conscientious cooperator.”

TFW brings us the story of Michael A. Monsoor, a 25-year-old member of SEAL Team 3 from Garden Grove, Calif., instantly smothered the grenade with his body. The blast killed him, but his actions, officials said at the time, saved the men on the rooftop.

BlackFive met Col Ola Mize
Colonel Mize's last words to me were, "Someday, Matt, you will have the honor of being led around by a lieutenant. When that day comes, don't be a jackass."

MaryAnn reminds us Medal of Honor has been awarded only 3448 times since the Civil War, and just 98 recipients are living today and directs us to the Stars and Stripes' great read, written by MOH Recipient, Col. Robert Howard
Wounded 14 times in 54 months of combat duty in Vietnam, Robert Howard was awarded the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, The Silver Star, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and eight Purple Hearts.

Theodore's World has a great story of MOH Recipient, Airman First Class William H. Pitsenbarger

The Corner's Michael Ledeen points us to a letter to his local newspaper, Medal of Honor holder Michael Thornton reminds us of the qualities of such men.

Defense link has a slide-show presentation of all MOH recipients and their stories.

And the Pentagon Channel will have several shows on today focusing on MOH recipients.

More info can be found here, here, here and here

Medal of Honor Exhibit Opens in Boise - The Idaho Military History Museum will hold a National Medal of Honor Day on Wednesday, March 25.

Update Some thoughts and observations...

There are plenty of links here to learn about our Heroes that have made this country so great.

Can the everyday American (who hasn't been exposed to milblogs) name a Medal of Honor recipient or a single Hero of these wars?

No because the main stream media does not cover them. Apparently today is not newsworthy. Just Google National Medal of Honor Day in the News, nothing from the MSM.

Search results at the time of this post:

Associated Press

New York Times

LA Times

Washington Post

Washington Times

FOX News

I could keep doing this but it's too depressing. Is it too much to ask to give a mention to those who have served us so bravely?

UPDATE II: Pres. Obama participates on National Medal of Honor day. Guess he felt he needed to make up for this blunder.