National Medal of Honor Museum

08/24/2026

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix got underway in Washington, D.C., with Medal of Honor Recipients Command Sgt. Maj. Matt Williams and Col. Paris Davis delivering the green flag alongside our partners at Penske.

Honored to see their stories of courage and service represented on the National Mall.

📷: Courtney Reed

08/22/2026

Today, the details engraved on the back of a Medal of Honor follow a standardized format. But early Medals of Honor were far less uniform, with hand-etched details that make each one unique.

During this month’s View the Vault, we looked at two Civil War-era Medals of Honor presented to Edward Houghton and Jacob Swegheimer, including the engravings on the backs of their medals and the personal details that make each artifact unique.

View the Vault offers close-up access to artifacts from our collection not currently on display and the stories behind them. Join us in the Library every third Thursday, 9:30–11:00 a.m.—no RSVP needed.

08/20/2026

The most powerful lessons are the ones students carry with them into their everyday lives.

Educators Melissa Beck from Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD and Bethany Turner from Arlington ISD have seen how Moments That Matter helps students connect Medal of Honor Recipient stories to their own experiences, bringing lessons of integrity, courage, commitment, and sacrifice into the choices they make every day.

Presented by the Texas Lottery®, this Teacher Spotlight recognizes educators who are helping shape the next generation. Since 1997, the Texas Lottery has contributed $37 billion to support public education in Texas.

To learn more about Moments That Matter, email [email protected].

08/19/2026

The USS Barb is the only U.S. submarine known to have destroyed a train during World War II.

In July 1945, under the command of Medal of Honor Recipient Commander Eugene Fluckey, the USS Barb crew carried out a daring mission along the Japanese coastline. After days of observation, eight sailors went ashore under the cover of darkness to place explosives along a railway. When the train passed, the blast sent the locomotive and rail cars off the tracks.

The train patch on the USS Barb’s battle flag commemorates this extraordinary operation—and the courage, ingenuity and determination of the sailors who made it possible.

Discover the story behind the train patch and the legacy of Commander Eugene Fluckey, whose leadership, courage and relentless pursuit of opportunity continue to inspire today.

08/18/2026

Middle school is full of moments that ask more of kids than we realize—keeping a promise, standing up to peer pressure, or doing the right thing when it’s hard.

Moments That Matter, a Center for Character Excellence program at the National Medal of Honor Museum’s Griffin Institute, helps students navigate those moments using the values embodied in the Medal of Honor: Commitment, Integrity, Sacrifice, and Courage.

With the support of American Airlines, the Center for Character Excellence is helping bring character development into classrooms nationwide.
We’re proud to have Moments That Matter and the research behind it featured in UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Magazine.

Read the article➡️ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_prepare_students_for_lifes_pivotal_moments
Bring Moments That Matter to your school: [email protected]

We can help students align their daily actions and decisions with the values that will allow them to become their best selves.

08/17/2026

Today, we're proud to welcome Troy Bertram as the next Chief Executive Officer of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation in Arlington, Texas.

A U.S. Army veteran, Troy spent three decades leading teams in the Army, Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, and Dell Technologies. He brings decades of experience growing organizations, developing teams, and turning big missions into meaningful impact.

Now, he's bringing that experience to the America's BEST New Museum as we build on an incredible first year: more than 100,000 visitors welcomed and 300,000 students reached through the Griffin Institute.

Fewer than 4,000 Americans have received the Medal of Honor. Their stories carry a powerful reminder that we are all born with the potential to be extraordinary. With Troy's leadership, we're ready to share that reminder with even more of the country as our grassroots supported, nonprofit mission continues.

Join us in welcoming Troy to the Museum!

08/15/2026

Most trips to a national museum require a flight.
This one is just down the road.

Right here in Arlington, the National Medal of Honor Museum shares thousands of true stories of courage, character, and service.

A national museum experience. Closer than you think.

08/13/2026

Teachers spend all year creating moments that matter.

Our youth field trip program is designed to be one of them.

Whether you're introducing American history, reinforcing lessons on character and integrity, or giving students an experience they'll carry back to the classroom, the National Medal of Honor Museum invites students to explore true stories that continue the conversation long after the day is over.

Plan your school visit today: https://bit.ly/4qxrAVX

The youth field trip program is made possible by the Texas Lottery®.

08/11/2026

A classic. A cause. A chance to drive both home.

This beautifully restored 1964 Pontiac LeMans could be yours. Every National Medal of Honor Museum membership purchased or renewed in 2026 comes with an entry to take home this American classic, with additional entries at higher levels. You'll also enjoy benefits like unlimited admission, member events, and special discounts.

Behind it all is a mission to preserve and share the stories of Medal of Honor Recipients.

Learn more and become a member➡️ https://bit.ly/4qaoWWg

08/09/2026

Before Tommy Norris became a U.S. Navy SEAL, he was an Eagle Scout and a two-time ACC wrestling champion. During the Vietnam War, he rescued two downed pilots—actions for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor. He later served for 20 years as an FBI special agent.

His accomplishments span a lifetime—but what shaped the person behind them? Where did he find courage in the moments that demanded it most? And what did each chapter teach him about service?

In our Conversations exhibit, you lead the conversation. Ask Tommy Norris your own questions about his life, his career, and even specific missions—and hear his answers in his own words.

What would you ask him first?