MEDAL OF HONOR
There are three present day variations of the Medal of Honor. (L to R above): A wreath version designed in 1904 for the U.S. Army; the original simple star shape established in 1861, which the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard have retained; and an altered wreath version for the U.S. Air Force, designed in 1963 and adopted in 1965.
MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS COMING TO TOWN
Something very rare is happening next week in the Inland Empire.
Seven Medal of Honor recipients are scheduled to speak Tuesday, March 12 at California State University, San Bernardino as part of the 6th Annual Stater Bros. Charities Dave Stockton Heroes Challenge Golf Tournament.
The Medal of Honor, the country’s highest military decoration, is bestowed on a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who distinguishes himself or herself through “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.”
The men will share their stories of heroism and gallantry and the importance of teamwork, leadership, and dedication to America, and answer questions from local Jr. ROTC Cadets and members of veterans’ organizations from across the Inland Empire Region.
“It is an honor and a privilege to host this event for our community,” Jack H. Brown, Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer, Stater Bros. Markets said in a news release announcing the event.
Photos of the men below include a link to their individual Medal of Honor citations at the Congressional Medal of Honor Society website.
Harvey C. Barnum Jr., 1st Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam War
Salvatore A. Giunta, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, War in Afghanistan
Robert J. Modrzejewski, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam War
Robert M. Patterson, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Vietnam War
Ronald E. Ray, 1st Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Vietnam War
James A. Taylor, 1st Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Vietnam War
Jay R. Vargas, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam War
Medal of Honor History
On Dec. 9, 1861 Iowa Senator James W. Grimes introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate designed to “promote the efficiency of the Navy” by authorizing the production and distribution of “medals of honor.” On Dec. 21, 1861 the bill was passed, authorizing 200 such medals be produced “which shall be bestowed upon such petty officers, seamen, landsmen and marines as shall distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other seamanlike qualities during the present war (Civil War).” President Lincoln signed the bill and the (Navy) Medal of Honor was born. The same medal is bestowed to members of the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard.
The U.S. Army Medal of Honor was established in 1862.
The U.S. Air Force Medal of Honor was authorized in 1956, and adopted in 1965.
Union Army soldier Jacob Parrott / Source: http://www.locomotivegeneral.com
The first award of the Medal of Honor was made March 25, 1863 to U.S. Army Private Jacob Parrott, who served with the 33rd Ohio Infantry during the Civil War.
The last award of the Medal of Honor was made Feb. 11, 2013 to U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Romesha.
Medal of Honor Statistics
- Since 1863, here have been 3,460 recipients of the Medal of Honor.
- Today, there are 80 living recipients of the Medal of Honor.
- World War II
• There are 11 Living Recipients who performed actions in the World War II.
• There are 456 Deceased Recipients who performed actions in the World War II - Korean War
• There are 11 Living Recipients who performed actions in the Korean War.
• There are 125 Deceased Recipients who performed actions in the Korean War. - Vietnam War
• There are 54 Living Recipients who performed actions in the Vietnam War.
• There are 195 Deceased Recipients who performed actions in the Vietnam War. - War In Iraq
• There are 4 Deceased Recipients who performed actions in the War In Iraq. - War In Afghanistan
• There are 4 Living Recipients who performed actions in the War In Afghanistan.
• There are 3 Deceased Recipients who performed actions in the War In Afghanistan. - At one time, there were as many as five Medal of Honor recipients living in the Coachella Valley
Medal of Honor Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery
Sources: Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Doug Sterner, Home of Heroes website
