CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL of HONOR
The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest award for military valor in action.
And while over 150 years have passed since its inception, the meaning behind the Medal has never tarnished. Etched within are the very values that each Recipient displayed in the moments that mattered --- bravery, courage, sacrifice, integrity.
As displayed in our Canteen
carlton rouh, lindenwold, nj - marines; ww2
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau group, 15 September 1944. Before permitting his men to use an enemy dugout as a position for an 81-mm. mortar observation post, 1st Lt. Rouh made a personal reconnaissance of the pillbox and, upon entering, was severely wounded by Japanese rifle fire from within. Emerging from the dugout, he was immediately assisted by 2 marines to a less exposed area but, while receiving first aid, was further endangered by an enemy grenade which was thrown into their midst. Quick to act in spite of his weakened condition, he lurched to a crouching position and thrust both men aside, placing his own body between them and the grenade and taking the full blast of the explosion himself. His exceptional spirit of loyalty and self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death reflects the highest credit upon 1st Lt. Rouh and the U.S. Naval Service.
jack jacobs - army; vietnam
US Army 1st Lieutenant Jack Jacobs was sent to Vietnam just one year out of college. His youth did not hinder his ability to take charge in dangerous situations, and Jacobs singlehandedly saved fourteen men in battle.
alfred rascon - army; vietnam
US Army Specialist 4th Class, Alfred Rascon was a medic in the Vietnam War. On a dangerous recon mission, he charged through unexpected enemy fire to help those in need, even continuing his work after he was hit with a grenade.
ola mize - army; korea
US Army Sergeant Ola Mize volunteered for one of the most dangerous missions in the Korean War. With his entire company’s officers either killed or wounded, Mize moved from bunker to bunker making the offense seem more intense than it actually was.
james swett - marines; ww2
In 1943, Marine Corps 1st Lieutenant James Swett singlehandedly destroyed seven enemy bombers and became an ace in his first combat.
robert howard - army; vietnam
Army Sergeant Robert Howard served as a paratrooper, just like his father and brothers before him. On a mission to find captured soldiers during the Vietnam War, he was one of only six men in a company of thirty-seven to survive an ambush. He rallied his fellow soldiers to “fight or die.”
richard sorenson - marines; ww2
Marine Corps Private Richard Sorenson entered enemy territory on a mission in World War II and never received word to pull back. After camping overnight, the marines woke to find themselves surrounded. Howard threw himself on a grenade thrown into camp and saved the lives of his fellow marines.
carl sitter - marines; korea
Marine Corps Captain Carl Sitter served in North Korea in 1950, inspiring his men to rally against incredible odds. He refused to be evacuated without his men.
