The United States Armed Forces is the third-largest military in the world by size, comprised of more than two million military personnel, of which the Department of Defence (DoD) classifies 1.29 million as active duty. These servicemen and women put their lives on the line to defend their countries. Many do so voluntarily, fulfilling what they see as the ultimate act of service to protect our liberty and freedom, and in the process have become the most decorated soldiers in U.S. military history.
We highlighted those who served after the Civil War, as earlier awards were often influenced by political factors. Only American medals are included and they were given to service members who demonstrated extraordinary bravery and selflessness in battle. We honor our fallen military on Memorial Day, former soldiers on Veteran's Day, and our current service members on Armed Forces Day, and although there is a National Military Appreciation month (May), our military – whether past or present – should be honored every day.
To create a list of the most decorated soldiers in U.S. military history, 24/7 Tempo reviewed information obtained from sources like the Department of Defense. All individuals listed here have been awarded the Medal of Honor. Nearly 3,500 Medals of Honor have been awarded, with more than 600 being presented posthumously. Many of those honored also received the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation's second-highest military honor. (Here is a list of the most famous battles in American history.)
Here are the most decorated soldiers in U.S. military history.
George E. Day
U.S. Air Force Medal of Honor recipients are photographed with, standing from left, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz and Commander of Air Education and Training Command Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz during the Air Education and Training Command 2010 Symposium at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 15, 2010. The honorees, seated from left, are retired Cols. Leo K. Thorsness, Bernard F. Fisher, George E. Day, Joe M. Jackson and James P. Fleming. (U.S. Air Force photo by Don Lindsey/Released)
- Military grade: Colonel
- Service branch: Air Force/Army/Marines
- Fought in: WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War
- Medal(s) of valor: Medal of Honor, Air Force Cross, Silver Star
Lewis L. Millett
Retired Army Colonel (COL) Lewis Millett, a Korean War Medal of Honor recipient, salutes the flag at a memorial service commemorating the charge he led up Bayonet Hill in 1951. The service is being held during the joint U.S/South Korean Exercise TEAM SPIRIT 85.
- Military grade: Captain
- Service branch: Army
- Fought in: WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War
- Medal(s) of valor: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star
Patrick H. Brady
BGEN Patrick H. Brady, USA (uncovered) Medal of Honor Recipient
- Military grade: Major
- Service branch: Army
- Fought in: Vietnam War
- Medal(s) of valor: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross
Richard I. Bong
Maj. Thomas B. McGuire Jr. with Richard I. Bong (Majs. Bong and McGuire were the top two scoring U.S. aces in World War II with 40 and 38 victories, respectively; taken Nov. 15, 1944 in the Philippines). (U.S. Air Force photo)
- Military grade: Major
- Service branch: Army
- Fought in: WWII
- Medal(s) of valor: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star
Robert L. Howard
Retired Army Command Sergeant Major Gary Littrell and retired Army Colonel Robert Howard write greetings on a 2,000lb Guided Bomb Unit -31V1 before it is loaded onto a B-1B Lancer for delivery to the enemy, Apr. 8, 2009, at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. The Medal of Honor recipients were on base as part of a USO Medal of Honor tour of the U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility. Both men are here to inspire and acknowledge servicemembers who are supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Andrew Satran/released)
- Military grade: Captain
- Service branch: Army
- Fought in: Vietnam War
- Medal(s) of valor: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star