The Congressional Medal of Honor

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Recipients of the medal tell their stories in their own words.
http://vimeo.com/congressionalmoh/videos

 

[Harp]

I have had the privilege of meeting Sam Davis. Quite a guy.
Lew Millett is a legend.

If the whole of History lies in one man,
it is all to be explained through individual experience.

Emerson, First Series; History

 

[bil_maxx]

I once visited Westpoint and was told by many of the personnel I met there that the Medal of Honor was so highly regarded that even though it is not required by military law, when a recipient enters the room, everyone, including the commander will snap to attention. This is apparently instilled in all military members from the moment they start training. In case you miss it, when a recipient enters a room, the highest ranking officer will yell out "TEN HUT, THE BUTTON IS ON DECK" and all personnel that are able will stand at attention. I witnessed it once on a ship, again as a visitor, and got chills watching it.

 

[too much coffee]

Hello bil_maxx;
Any idea what "The Button" is or means?

Regards, coffee

 

[obxgyrene]

I'd just like to point out that the medal's correct name is the "Medal of Honor" not the "Congressional Medal of Honor." It amazes me that the society representing Medal of Honor recipients would choose a name that perpetuates an erroneous name (Congressional Medal of Honor Society) http://www.cmohs.org/

 

[bil_maxx]

Hello bil_maxx;
Any idea what "The Button" is or means?

Regards, coffee

Sorry Coffee no idea.

A google search produced nothing when I checked it a while ago.

The other thing is it's called the Medal of Honor officially.

 

[too much coffee]

Sorry Coffee no idea.

A google search produced nothing when I checked it a while ago.

The other thing is it's called the Medal of Honor officially.

OK, Thank You for checking!

coffee

 

[ChiTownScion]

Ever meet a Medal of Honor recipient? I did-- although I was about 4 years old at the time, and don't recall the experience.

Joseph J. McCarthy (no relation to, and not to be confused with, the Red baiting alkie senator from Wisconsin) was, after the war, director of Ambulance Services for the Chicago Fire Department. I was with my dad at a CFD wake when I was introduced to Captain McCarthy. He was addressed as Captain McCarthy because of his wartime rank, although I believe that his fire service rank must have been Chief.

Here is the citation he was given:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of a rifle company attached to the 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 21 February 1945. Determined to break through the enemy's cross-island defenses, Capt. McCarthy acted on his own initiative when his company advance was held up by uninterrupted Japanese rifle, machine gun, and high-velocity 47mm. fire during the approach to Motoyama Airfield No. 2. Quickly organizing a demolitions and flamethrower team to accompany his picked rifle squad, he fearlessly led the way across 75 yards of fire-swept ground, charged a heavily fortified pillbox on the ridge of the front and, personally hurling hand grenades into the emplacement as he directed the combined operations of his small assault group, completely destroyed the hostile installation. Spotting 2 Japanese soldiers attempting an escape from the shattered pillbox, he boldly stood upright in full view of the enemy and dispatched both troops before advancing to a second emplacement under greatly intensified fire and then blasted the strong fortifications with a well-planned demolitions attack. Subsequently entering the ruins, he found a Japanese taking aim at 1 of our men and, with alert presence of mind, jumped the enemy, disarmed and shot him with his own weapon. Then, intent on smashing through the narrow breach, he rallied the remainder of his company and pressed a full attack with furious aggressiveness until he had neutralized all resistance and captured the ridge. An inspiring leader and indomitable fighter, Capt. McCarthy consistently disregarded all personal danger during the fierce conflict and, by his brilliant professional skill, daring tactics, and tenacious perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, contributed materially to the success of his division's operations against this savagely defended outpost of the Japanese Empire. His cool decision and outstanding valor reflect the highest credit upon Capt. McCarthy and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service."

Prior to his service at Iwo Jima, McCarthy was awarded a Silver Star for his services at Saipan.

He died in 1996. In a 1992 interview, he stated:

"I would hope and pray there never be another Medal of Honor issued. I hope and pray there's never any more wars."

 

[filfoster]

I was lucky to enjoy the friendship of a retired Army bird colonel, a WW2 vet, who chafed at the mention of the word 'Congressional' applied to our nation's highest valor award.
For what it's worth, the example above of calling the room to attention with reference to 'the button's on deck' would only apply to the Marines or the Navy since they are the only services that use the term 'deck'. I don't know but expect this respect is simiilar in each service branch. Most of us remember the wonderful scene in 'Heartbreak Ridge' when Clint Eastwood's character Marine Gunnery Sergeant 'Tom Highway' enters a formal occasion.

 

[p51]

I've met numerous MoH awardees over the years. I couldn't name them all.
At the end of March, I was at the Post Office one afternoon. As I left the building, I saw a man walking up, probably in his 60s, and he had a MoH awardee license plate.
Now, I'm no MoH 'groupie' but I am a former US Army officer.
I stopped at the door, stood tall and saluted him.
He smiled, patted me on the shoulder and asked if was active duty. "Not anymore sir, but that's not the point," I replied. He smiled again, thanked me, and walked inside.
I didn't ask his name or bug him further as he was clearly in a hurry and so was I.
Just thought I'd share that, it felt like the right thing to do, to recognize him but not make a huge deal of it.

 

[Treetopflyer]

I stopped at the door, stood tall and saluted him.
He smiled, patted me on the shoulder and asked if was active duty. "Not anymore sir, but that's not the point," I replied.

That was definitely the right thing to do.

 

[Stearmen]

I was lucky to enjoy the friendship of a retired Army bird colonel, a WW2 vet, who chafed at the mention of the word 'Congressional' applied to our nation's highest valor award.
For what it's worth, the example above of calling the room to attention with reference to 'the button's on deck' would only apply to the Marines or the Navy since they are the only services that use the term 'deck'. I don't know but expect this respect is simiilar in each service branch. Most of us remember the wonderful scene in 'Heartbreak Ridge' when Clint Eastwood's character Marine Gunnery Sergeant 'Tom Highway' enters a formal occasion.

Almost the only branch to use the term decks. The Air Force has one exception, N.O.R.A.D. in Cheyenne Mountain was built by Navy Seabees, and all the buildings have decks not floors.

 

[cm289]

Not a WWII story, but I was lucky enough to meet Leroy Petry on a flight back in 2012. He was on his way to Ft Bliss to speak with some wounded warriors. He was nice enough to allow me to hold his medal for a bit and take a picture.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RJR]

I was honored to know and become a friend of T/Sgt Ralph Neppel from Iowa.
He served with my dad but was a buddy of my in laws.
His MOH citation is more than worth reading.He was certainly one of the "greatest generation".

 

[Redshoes51]

This is quite an interesting read concerning one, Audie Murphy...

http://amhistory.si.edu/militaryhistory/collection/object.asp?ID=421

~shoes~