Congressional Medal of Honor Society

10/16/2026

Earlier this month, nearly 20 of our nation's 65 living Medal of Honor Recipients gathered in Detroit for the 2026 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention.

Each year, the Convention provides an important opportunity for Medal of Honor Recipients to gather in fellowship, honor the legacy of the Medal, and engage with communities across the country to share their experiences, inspiring future generations, and reinforcing the enduring values that the Medal represents.

This year's gathering also marked a historic milestone for the City of Detroit with the dedication of a Medal of Honor Monument, a permanent tribute to the Medal and the generations of Americans who have received it. We are grateful for the City's commitment to preserving this legacy and creating a place where residents and visitors alike can reflect on the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who have earned our nation's highest military decoration.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the local organizers, community partners, volunteers, and supporters who contributed their time, resources, and efforts to welcoming our Recipients and their families.

To the City of Detroit and all who joined us in honoring the Medal and those who have received it, thank you for being part of this important chapter in the Society's history!

09/11/2026

On September 11, 2001, our nation was shaken by unimaginable loss as nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken. Yet even in the face of such darkness, the American spirit endured.

Since that day, nearly 3 million service members have stepped forward to protect and defend our nation. Among them, 30 have been awarded the for acts of valor in the Global War on Terror. Some were already serving in uniform on that tragic day; others answered the call in its aftermath. Twelve of these heroes made the ultimate sacrifice and were honored posthumously.

Their courage reminds us that even in our darkest hours, ordinary people rise to accomplish the extraordinary, choosing service to others and to something greater than themselves.

Together, we will September 11, and we will the courage and sacrifice of those who have defended our freedoms ever since.

09/10/2026

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is proud to celebrate the signing of the Hershel “Woody” Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, an important milestone toward establishing a permanent National Medal of Honor Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Signed into law today by President Donald J. Trump at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, the Act ensures that the extraordinary valor, service, and sacrifice represented by the Medal of Honor will have a permanent place of national remembrance.

The Society is grateful to the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation for creating, supporting, and championing this legislation, and to the bipartisan members of Congress whose support carried it through both chambers.

Fifteen of our nation’s living Medal of Honor Recipients were present for today’s historic signing, alongside members of the family of the late Hershel “Woody” Williams, including Society Executive Director Chad Graham.

Named in honor of beloved Marine and American hero Woody Williams, who at the time of his passing in 2022 was the last living World War II Medal of Honor Recipient, this monument will help ensure that the legacy of the Medal of Honor and the values it represents endure for generations to come.

09/09/2026

Another incredible trip aboard Flagship Valor! 🇺🇸✈️

For the second year, we are deeply grateful to our Official Airline Partner, American Airlines, for hosting the Society and Medal of Honor Recipients for the 2026 Valor Tour. This year’s Valor Tour included:

• Maj. Gen. Patrick H. Brady
• Spc. 4 Kenneth J. David
• Col. Walter Joseph “Joe” Marm Jr.
• Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Richardson
• Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew O. Williams

The Tour brought Recipients to West Point, Fort Bragg, and Naval Station Norfolk, creating opportunities to connect directly with Cadets, Soldiers, Sailors, and military leaders and share lessons in courage, leadership, service, and sacrifice.

We were also proud to have GM Defense join the Tour, including a special welcome at Pope Army Airfield, where a motorcade of GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicles awaited Recipients before their visit to Fort Bragg.

From engaging with the next generation of Army leaders at West Point, to witnessing 80+ Soldiers reenlist at Fort Bragg, to spending an afternoon with Sailors at Naval Station Norfolk, each stop reflected what this Tour is all about: bringing Medal of Honor Recipients together with those serving today and carrying the legacy of service forward.

Our sincere thanks to American Airlines, GM Defense, and the military communities that welcomed Recipients so warmly along the way and helped fulfill the mission of the Society. 🇺🇸

08/28/2026

On this day in 2013, Earl Plumlee went above and beyond the call of duty during a fierce enemy attack in Afghanistan, actions for which he would later receive the Medal of Honor. Today, he is only one of 65 living Recipients.

Then-Staff Sergeant Plumlee was serving as a weapons sergeant with C Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), when an explosion tore a 60-foot breach in the perimeter wall of Forward Operating Base Ghazni. Ten insurgents wearing Afghan National Army uniforms and su***de vests poured through the opening. Plumlee and five others immediately raced toward the attack.

When his vehicle came under fire, Plumlee shielded the driver with his own body before exiting and engaging the enemy. Armed initially with only his pistol and advancing without cover, he fought multiple insurgents at close range. He later eliminated two attackers, one with a gr***de and another by detonating the insurgent’s su***de vest with precision sniper fire. Still, Plumlee continued forward.

During the fight, an insurgent detonated a su***de vest just seven meters from him, throwing Plumlee against a wall. Despite his injuries, he recovered and reengaged, eventually joining American and Polish soldiers in continuing the counterattack. When another su***de bomber charged the group and detonated his vest, mortally wounding a U.S. soldier, Plumlee ran to the fallen soldier, carried him to safety and rendered first aid before returning to help secure the area.

08/25/2026

Today, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society wishes a very happy 89th birthday to Medal of Honor Recipient Major James Capers Jr., one of only 65 living Recipients.

Born on August 25, 1937, in Bishopville, South Carolina, Major Capers served with extraordinary courage during the Vietnam War. From March 31 to April 3, 1967, then-Second Lieutenant Capers led a nine-man reconnaissance team deep into enemy territory near Phu Loc, Vietnam.

On the final day of the patrol, his team came under attack by a significantly larger enemy force. Despite sustaining multiple gunshot and fragmentation wounds, Major Capers continued to lead his Marines, coordinate supporting fire, and direct their movement to an extraction site. He refused to leave until every one of his Marines had been evacuated.

For his gallantry, leadership, and devotion to his Marines, Major Capers was presented the Medal of Honor at the White House on June 18, 2026.

Today, we are proud to celebrate not only his extraordinary service, but the life and legacy of a Marine who has continued to exemplify courage, leadership, and commitment to others.

Please join us in wishing Major James Capers Jr. a very happy birthday.

08/13/2026

Last month, 13 of our nation’s 65 living Medal of Honor Recipients gathered at the Center for American Values in Pueblo, Colorado for their second Recipient Retreat.

A remarkable sight: representing the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, each of these Recipients was recognized for extraordinary service during the Vietnam War.

Front row, from left: Melvin Morris and Alfred Rascon. Back row, from left: Sammy Davis, Drew Dix, Terry Richardson, Michael Fitzmaurice, Gary “Mike” Rose, Jay Vargas, Michael Thornton, James “Jim” Taylor, Harvey “Barney” Barnum, and Kenneth David.

Our sincere thanks to the Center for American Values for once again welcoming the Recipients and hosting this special gathering!

08/06/2026

During the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, a young Marine stood against overwhelming enemy forces at Toktong Pass to protect his fellow Marines.

Hear Medal of Honor Recipient Hector A. Cafferata Jr. share his story in his own words as part of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's Living History series.

Special thanks to the Garand Collectors Association for permission to utilize interview footage for this piece.

▶️ Watch now: https://vimeo.com/1210816422

Learn more about Hector A. Cafferata Jr.: https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/hector-a-cafferata-jr

Living History interview with Hector Cafferata, Medal of Honor Recipient for the Korean War.

06/22/2026

Father’s Day is a time to reflect on the strength, sacrifice, and steady leadership of the men who have shaped us, both in our homes and on the battlefield.

As we celebrate, we recognize two extraordinary father-son duos - bound not only by blood but by uncommon valor - who each received the for their distinguished service to our nation:

Arthur MacArthur Jr. was a First Lieutenant and Adjutant for the U.S. Army and served during the U.S. Civil War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 25th, 1863, when he planted the colors of his regiment on the captured ground of Missionary Ridge.

His son, Douglas MacArthur, went on to serve in World War II and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions as a General of the Armies. Recipient Douglas MacArthur mobilized, trained, and bravely led Allied forces in the fight for the Philippines – and did so from the front lines, often under heavy fire and without regard for his personal safety.

President Theodore Roosevelt was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in the Spanish-American War. On July 1st, 1898, he led a daring charge up San Juan Hill in the Republic of Cuba. During this charge, he encouraged his troops and bravely faced the enemy. His leadership turned the tide in the battle for San Juan Hill and for these actions he received the Medal.

His son, Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr., served in the U.S. Army during World War II. During the Normandy Invasion, at the age of 56, he went ashore with the first wave and repeatedly led groups from the beach and established them inland. Under General Roosevelt’s calm leadership under fire, American forces eventually reduced the enemy’s hold on the beach and were successful at moving inland with minimal casualties.

These are stories not just of fathers but of leaders who lived the values they passed on: courage, commitment, and selfless service.

06/18/2026

Today, during a ceremony at the White House, President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to three service members whose acts of courage span generations of American service. The Medal awarded to Colonel John W. Ripley, U.S. Marine Corps, was presented posthumously and accepted by his son, Tom Ripley.

On April 2, 1972, then-Captain Ripley was serving as Senior Marine Advisor to the 3rd Vietnamese Marine Battalion in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, as the North Vietnamese launched the massive Easter Offensive. The enemy's advance depended upon capturing the strategic D**g Ha Bridge, the only crossing capable of supporting heavy armored vehicles.

When he discovered that demolition charges had not been properly emplaced, Captain Ripley acted without hesitation. For more than three hours, while under intense enemy fire, he climbed beneath the bridge and hand-carried nearly 500 pounds of explosives across its steel girders. Battling exhaustion, blood loss, and enemy rounds, he repeatedly exposed himself to danger as he painstakingly placed charges at key structural points along the 600-foot span. After completing the task, Captain Ripley detonated the explosives, destroying the bridge and halting the North Vietnamese advance.

His extraordinary gallantry, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to duty played a decisive role in blunting one of the largest enemy offensives of the Vietnam War and reflected the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Armed Forces.

One Medal. Three stories of extraordinary valor. Honor never fades. With today's ceremony, there have now been 3,536 Recipients of our nation's highest award for valor in combat. Of the fewer than 4,000 ever awarded, just 65 are living today.

📷: Jacquelyn Martin / AP