A Tribute to Medal of Honor Recipients on 149th anniversary

A Tribute to Medal of Honor Recipients

Staff Sgt. Abram Pinnington Reporting
news@clarksvillenow.com

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. - While facing insurmountable odds with their backs against a wall and their comrades' lives at stake; brave men and women, without hesitation, place the well-being of others before their own. On Sunday we remember these brave and courageous warriors.

In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill creating the Medal of Honor. The distinguished award was designed to recognize those whom displayed valorous actions while serving on the battlefield.

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, presents this unique award.

This Sunday, March 25th, marks the 149th anniversary of the first presentation of the medal in 1863. On that day, six soldiers were given the award for their bravery during the Great Locomotive Chase in 1862.

Since the medal's inception, there have been 3,458 recipients, 19 of whom were double awardees.

Some of the most recognizable and distinguished recipients include; President Theodore Roosevelt, for his actions during the Spanish-American War. Gen. Douglas MacArthur was recognized for his selfless service in the Philippines during World War II. Sgt. Audie Murphy, World War II's most decorated US soldier, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his courageous gallantry. Most recently, Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer was recognized for his heroism while serving in the mountains of Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
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Double Medal of Honor

BALDWIN, FRANK D. First Lieutenant U.S. Army
BUTLER, SMEDLEY DARLINGTON Major U.S. Marine
COOPER, JOHN Coxswain U.S. Navy
CUKELA, LOUIS Sergeant U.S. Marine Corps
CUSTER, THOMAS W. Second Lieutenant U.S. Amry
DALY, DANIEL JOSEPH Gunnery Sergeant U.S. Marine
HOFFMAN, CHARLES F. (AKA ERNEST JANSON) Gunnery Sergeant U.S. Marine
HOGAN, HENRY First Sergeant U.S. Army
KELLY, JOHN JOSEPH Private U.S. Marine Corps
KING, JOHN Watertender U.S. Navy
KOCAK, MATEJ Sergeant U.S. Marine Corps
LAFFERTY, JOHN Fireman U.S. Navy
McCLOY, JOHN Coxswain U.S. Navy
MULLEN, PATRICK Boatswain's Mate U.S. Navy
PRUITT, JOHN HENRY Corporal U.S. Marine Corps
SWEENEY, ROBERT Ordinary Seaman U.S. Navy
WEISBOGEL, ALBERT Captain of the Mizzen Top U.S. Navy
WILLIAMS, LOUIS Captain of the Hold U.S. Navy
WILSON, WILLIAM Sergeant U.S. Army
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