Congressional Medal of Honor Society

🇺🇸 NOMINATE A LOCAL HERO FOR A CITIZEN HONOR AWARD 🇺🇸 Heroes walk among us every day—many who have never worn a uniform. Acts of service often happen quietly, as people step up to help others, take action in crisis, or give selflessly for the greater good. These moments of courage and sacrifice change lives, and the same spirit of service can be found in everyday Americans. The Citizen Honors Awards, presented by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, recognize civilians who embody values like courage, integrity, and citizenship. These awards honor ordinary people whose extraordinary actions—whether in crisis or through ongoing service—make a lasting impact on their communities. Award categories include: - Single Act of Heroism Award - Young Hero Award - Service Act Award - Community Service Award All selected awardees will attend an inspiring award ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 25, 2025, where they will be celebrated and recognized by our nation’s living Medal of Honor Recipients—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! If you know someone who has displayed exceptional courage or made a profound difference through service, nominate them for the Citizen Honors Awards today. Visit https://lnkd.in/gEyd4fCR or e-mail mohcomms@cmohs.org to submit your nomination! National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center Congressional Medal of Honor Society

On this day in 2005, U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe demonstrated extraordinary heroism during a mission in Iraq that would ultimately cost him his life. Serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division in Salah Ad Din Province, Iraq, Cashe's Bradley Fighting Vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) and enemy fire, igniting the vehicle in flames. Despite being drenched in fuel and engulfed in fire, Cashe acted without hesitation. He first rescued the driver, pulling him from the burning wreckage, all while suffering severe burns to his own body. Although the flames from the explosion had set his uniform ablaze, Cashe returned to the vehicle time and again to rescue his fellow soldiers, enduring the searing pain as the fire consumed him. Enemy forces continued to attack, but Cashe remained focused, moving into the line of fire to save the lives of six soldiers trapped inside the burning vehicle. His determination and courage were unrelenting, even as he sustained second- and third-degree burns over the majority of his body. Despite the severity of his injuries, Cashe refused to be evacuated until every one of his soldiers had been removed from harm's way and received medical attention. His selflessness and bravery that night saved the lives of multiple soldiers. Sadly, Cashe succumbed to his injuries on November 8, 2005, but his legacy of courage and sacrifice lives on. In recognition of his gallantry, Cashe was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in December 2021. Today, we remember his incredible heroism, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to his fellow soldiers and his country.

On behalf of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, we want to wish a happy birthday to Gary Rose, one of our nation’s 60 living Recipients. The then U.S. Army Sergeant Gary Rose distinguished himself through acts of incredible bravery and selflessness during a mission in September 1970 as a Special Forces Medic with the 5th Special Forces Group. Deep in enemy territory, Rose’s unit faced overwhelming enemy fire. Despite being wounded, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense fire to treat and evacuate his fellow soldiers. Over the course of four harrowing days, he moved from casualty to casualty, shielding wounded soldiers with his own body, carrying them through a hail of bullets, and administering life-saving care. When a medevac helicopter crashed, further injuring Rose, he continued to pull wounded comrades from the wreckage and administer aid until they were all safely evacuated. His unwavering courage saved numerous lives and embodied the highest ideals of service beyond self. Help us wish Mr. Rose a happy birthday by expressing your gratitude for his service above and beyond the call of duty below! By supporting the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, you help ensure that Rose’s legacy, and those belonging to the fewer than 4,000 Medal of Honor Recipients, are preserved to inspire future generations for years to come.

On behalf of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, we want to wish a happy birthday to Kyle Carpenter, one of our nation's 60 living Recipients, and the youngest living Recipient as well. On November 21, 2010, during his service as an Automatic Rifleman with Company F, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, Carpenter was stationed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. While manning a rooftop security position at Patrol Base Dakota, he and a fellow Marine came under enemy attack. When a hand grenade landed inside their sandbagged position, Carpenter, without hesitation, moved toward the grenade to shield his comrade. The grenade detonated, and his body absorbed the blast, saving the life of his fellow Marine. Severely wounded, Carpenter's actions reflected undaunted courage that protected the lives of others. After a long road of recovery and many procedures later, Carpenter pursues a life well lived. When asked "why" he did what he did, with total sincerity he will simply say, "Because you are worth it." Help us wish Mr. Carpenter a happy birthday by expressing your gratitude for his service above and beyond the call of duty below! By supporting the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, you help ensure that Carpenter's legacy, and those belonging to the fewer than 4,000 Medal of Honor Recipients, are preserved to inspire future generations for years to come.

Share your story! Drop a comment below and share the first Medal of Honor Recipient you learned about and were inspired by. Was it their bravery, sacrifice, or leadership that stood out? With 3,519 Recipients of our nation's highest recognition for valor in combat, each one provides great inspiration, both before and beyond the Medal.

On this day in 1973, Gary Beikirch was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Nixon for his extraordinary acts of bravery during the Vietnam War. During a brutal assault on Camp Dak Seang, Beikirch moved fearlessly through intense enemy fire to aid his comrades. With complete disregard for his own safety, he applied first aid to wounded soldiers and transported them to medical aid stations. When alerted to a critically injured American officer lying in an exposed area, Beikirch sprinted through the hail of gunfire, sustaining serious injuries from a mortar blast but continuing to carry the officer to safety. His heroism did not stop there. Even after being wounded, he selflessly searched for other injured soldiers, carrying a critically wounded Vietnamese soldier while performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Only after he collapsed from exhaustion did he allow himself to receive medical treatment. After receiving the Medal of Honor, Beikirch devoted his life to supporting veterans and promoting healing through shared experiences. As a middle school counselor, he became a beloved friend and mentor to many, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection. He often shared his philosophy, and in the book "Blaze of Light" he expressed, “Pain is not something to be hidden deep inside us or covered with a facade of bravado. Just as joy is to be shared with those we love, it is equally important to share our pain with those we love. For in doing so, we acknowledge the closeness of our relationships. We acknowledge that we are important to one another. We acknowledge the care that makes our relationships grow deeper.” By supporting the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, you help ensure that Beikirch's legacy and others are preserved to inspire future generations.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we proudly share a special moment from the 2024 Convention in San Antonio, Texas, where Medal of Honor recipient Alfred Rascon was serenaded by the Mariachi Campanas de America. Rascon, who once said, "I’m an immigrant by birth and American by choice," represents the vibrant and diverse face of service that strengthens our nation. As we mark the final day of observance for this important month, we recognize the countless individuals of Hispanic and Latino heritage who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Notably, 59 are known to have received the Medal of Honor in conflicts ranging from the Civil War to the War on Terrorism. Among the living Hispanic Medal of Honor recipients are Alfred Rascon, Leroy Petry, Jose Rodela, and Jay Vargas. Their service and sacrifice are part of the enduring legacy of Hispanic Americans, a testament to their profound contributions to the cultural fabric of America. Learn more about these brave individuals here: https://lnkd.in/gc_8hy9M

Help us reach 5,000 followers by the end of the month! Follow the Society on Instagram (@cmohsociety) for inspiring daily stories of valor, behind-the-scenes looks at special events and Recipient engagement, and a deeper connection to the legacy of America's fewer than 4,000 individuals who have gone #aboveandbeyond the call of duty. #MedalOfHonor

On this day in October 1918, Second Lieutenant Ralph Talbot, a pioneer Marine aviator, showcased extraordinary heroism during two intense aerial engagements in World War I. Serving with Squadron C, 1st Marine Aviation Force, Talbot was a key figure in multiple raids into enemy territory. On October 8, while leading an air raid over France, Talbot's plane was attacked by nine enemy scouts. Despite the overwhelming odds, he skillfully shot down an enemy aircraft, securing victory in the skies. Just six days later, on October 14 over Pittham, Belgium, Talbot's courage was tested once again. After becoming separated from his formation due to engine trouble, Talbot and his observer were attacked by 12 enemy planes. During the ensuing battle, Talbot’s observer was severely wounded, leaving Talbot to face the enemy alone. Displaying incredible bravery and tactical skill, Talbot shot down another enemy aircraft, then dived his damaged plane across German lines to escape. Despite his observer’s injuries and a failing engine, he safely landed at a hospital to drop off his comrade before returning to his base. For his gallantry, Talbot was awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the first Marine aviator to receive the nation’s highest military honor. His fearless actions remain a lasting symbol of valor in the face of overwhelming danger.

On this day in October 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of World War I, William "Wild Bill" Donovan led an assault on a heavily fortified enemy position, demonstrating extraordinary courage and leadership. Despite facing intense enemy fire and suffering a serious wound to his leg from machine-gun bullets, Donovan refused evacuation and remained with his men. Moving among his troops in exposed positions, he continued to encourage them, leading by example as they pressed forward in the attack. When his unit was forced to withdraw to a less exposed position, Donovan remained in the fight, urging his soldiers onward even in the face of overwhelming odds. His heroic actions and refusal to abandon his post, despite being gravely wounded, played a pivotal role in holding the line during the offensive. Donovan’s leadership helped his men withstand relentless enemy attacks, and his refusal to leave the battlefield until reinforcements arrived exemplified selfless service above and beyond the call of duty. For his conspicuous gallantry, Lieutenant Colonel Donovan was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1923. Beyond his WWI heroism, Donovan went on to become the "Father of the CIA," organizing and leading the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II. His legacy of leadership and bravery remains an enduring example of American valor