Today, the popular culture of America is dominated by Hollywood celebrities and professional athletes. Although many individuals in these professions can do noble things, they rarely live up to the accolades.
A group that always seems to live up to their accolades are members of the United States military. Since September 11, 2001, America has been involved in two major wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, where approximately 2.5 million Americans have served. Of those service members, 12 have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, America’s highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.
The latest to receive the award is Army Specialist Ty M. Carter. Specialist Carter showed tremendous bravery when he and his unit were attacked and outnumbered by enemy forces in Afghanistan. He helped prevent his outpost from being overrun and helped fellow soldiers with great risk to his own life. Read more about his story at the link below.
Army Specialist Ty M. Carter
Of the twelve Medal of Honor recipients, only five lived to receive their award in person. During a time in history when America faces enemies that are willing to blow themselves up to destroy human life, three winners of the award were willing to throw themselves on grenades to save human life. Their stories need to be shared with all Americans, especially younger ones.
*UPDATE* Since the original writing of this article, 2.77 million American service members have now served our country with at least one deployment in support of the Global War on Terror. Twenty-five service members have received the Medal of Honor. Of those, nine were received posthumously. Please read their stories below: