Character Development Program: Medal of Honor

Character Development Program: Medal of Honor These six values are embodied in the Medal of Honor and exemplified in the actions for which it has been awarded.

The Medal of Honor Character Development Program teaches courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice, citizenship, and patriotism to students through educationally grounded lessons developed by teachers for teachers. Both the elementary and secondary resources of the Character Development Program teach students to recognize and exemplify these values, making them useful as a classroom management sys

tem or a tool to create a positive and healthy school culture. The lessons feature extraordinary military and civilian stories, providing students examples to live by. Because the lessons are grounded in cross-curricular academics, most teachers can incorporate them into an existing unit and double the accomplishments in their precious teaching minutes. Built to be flexible, the program is appropriate for public, private, charter, homeschool, and extra-curricular settings. The entire Medal of Honor Character Development Program is available at no cost to educators. The curriculum includes individual and group activities, worksheets and extended activity suggestions, and resources such as Medal of Honor citations, live and archived webinars, and an extensive living history collection. Both the elementary and secondary resources can be accessed on our website, where you will also find training opportunities and several other resources to use as you use the lessons and share the values with your students.

03/19/2026

Last week, Javier Martinez, our Education Programs Coordinator, spoke to an auditorium full of 8th grade students at Aptakisic Jr. High School in Buffalo Grove, IL about the Medal of Honor and the powerful values it represents.

Through stories of courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice, citizenship, and patriotism, students were encouraged to reflect on how these values can guide their own choices and actions. Thank you to the students and staff at Aptakisic Jr. High for welcoming us and being part of the conversation.

What does integrity look like when everything is on the line?This PATH TO HONOR module tells the powerful story of Medal...
03/18/2026

What does integrity look like when everything is on the line?

This PATH TO HONOR module tells the powerful story of Medal of Honor Recipient Captain Humbert Roque “Rocky” Versace. Captured during the Vietnam War just weeks before the end of his tour, Versace endured years of imprisonment, torture, and isolation. Despite immense suffering, he refused to give the enemy information that could harm the United States, remaining faithful to the Army’s Code of Conduct.

Even while imprisoned, Versace stood up for his fellow prisoners and demanded they receive better treatment and medical care. His unwavering integrity and courage ultimately cost him his life, but his example continues to inspire generations.

Explore this PATH TO HONOR lesson with your students and discuss what it truly means to stand firm in your values.

https://pathtohonor.cmohs.org/lessons/integrity/captain-humbert-roque-rocky-versace

What does courage really look like? In this lesson, students explore the true meaning of courage and examine real-life e...
03/17/2026

What does courage really look like? In this lesson, students explore the true meaning of courage and examine real-life examples of bravery through the story of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor.

As students learn about her remarkable service and determination, they will reflect on how courage can appear in many forms and discuss ways they see bravery demonstrated in everyday life.

https://www.cmohs.org/lessons/elementary/a-woman-of-courage

Educators across the country are seeing a troubling trend: less resilience, weaker ethical decision-making, and declinin...
03/16/2026

Educators across the country are seeing a troubling trend: less resilience, weaker ethical decision-making, and declining civic responsibility among students. But there is hope.

The Medal of Honor Character Development Program helps bring powerful real-life stories of courage, integrity, and commitment into the classroom to help students build the character they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Discover what’s driving this challenge and how educators are using character-based lessons to make a difference.

https://www.cmohs.org/news-events/society-programs/character-development-program/a-staggering-decline-in-student-character-the-medal-of-honor-foundations-urgent-response-to-a-national-crisis/

Safely home while others continue fighting overseas, what would you choose to do?During World War II, Medal of Honor Rec...
03/13/2026

Safely home while others continue fighting overseas, what would you choose to do?

During World War II, Medal of Honor Recipient Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone showed extraordinary courage on Guadalcanal in 1942. When his unit was overwhelmed and only two men remained to defend their position, Basilone moved through relentless enemy fire, operating multiple machine guns himself and delivering ammunition to keep the line from collapsing. His bravery earned him the Medal of Honor and the admiration of his hometown.

Yet even after returning home to recognition and praise, Basilone chose to go back into combat to stand alongside his fellow Marines. In 1945, he was killed in action, having given everything in service to others.

This PATH TO HONOR lesson invites students to reflect on commitment, sacrifice, and what it truly means to lead with selflessness.

https://pathtohonor.cmohs.org/lessons/courage/gunnery-sergeant-john-basilone

What truly determines a person’s impact on the world?In this engaging lesson, students compare and contrast the lives of...
03/12/2026

What truly determines a person’s impact on the world?

In this engaging lesson, students compare and contrast the lives of two Medal of Honor Recipients and explore whether size, strength, or intellect really define someone’s contribution to society. Through discussion and debate, students examine themes of courage, character, and standing up for others.

The lesson also challenges students to recognize what bullying is and is not, and to reflect on how they can support those who may not be able to stand up for themselves. Click the link below to access this powerful way to build empathy, critical thinking, and leadership in your classroom.

https://www.cmohs.org/lessons/secondary/courage-to-make-a-difference

03/11/2026

In this powerful reflection, Medal of Honor Recipient, Earl Plumlee, shares that courage is not just found on the battlefield. It is overcoming fear and choosing to do what is right, regardless of the consequences.

He recalls seeing courage first in his own father, injured during a tornado yet focused only on getting his family to safety. That lesson stayed with him. Courage begins in small, everyday decisions. Speaking up when something is wrong. Choosing integrity when it would be easier to stay silent.

True bravery, he reminds us, is always rooted in love. It is about protecting others, standing up for what matters, and anchoring your actions in compassion. Watch the video and reflect on where courage shows up in your own life.

(Video source: Military Times)

71% of educators have witnessed a measurable decline in student character over the last five years. Teachers are navigat...
03/11/2026

71% of educators have witnessed a measurable decline in student character over the last five years. Teachers are navigating a character crisis, yet many lack the time or resources to address it. As a leader, establishing a unified culture of integrity and courage is no longer optional—it is a mandate for student success.

Read Our 2026 Report on the State of Student Character:
https://www.cmohs.org/news-events/cdp-school-resources/

Elementary educators, this one is for you! Join us on April 23, 2026 at Naper Settlement in Naperville, IL for a full-d...
03/10/2026

Elementary educators, this one is for you! Join us on April 23, 2026 at Naper Settlement in Naperville, IL for a full-day Medal of Honor Character Development Program training designed specifically for elementary teachers, counselors, coaches, and administrators.

You’ll leave with free, ready-to-use resources, practical strategies for implementing lessons in your classroom, and the opportunity to earn one graduate credit through the University of San Diego. There is no cost to attend, lunch is included, and substitute reimbursement is available.

Spots fill quickly. Registration is required, so be sure to secure your place today.

https://www.cmohs.org/news-events/event/naperville-il-naper-settlement-elementary-training/

03/09/2026

During World War II, the fight for freedom extended far below the ocean’s surface. U.S. submariners patrolled the Pacific in dangerous, high-stakes missions designed to cut off Japanese supply lines and shorten the war.

This powerful video highlights the leadership and courage of Medal of Honor Recipients Richard O’Kane of the USS Tang and Eugene Fluckey of the USS Barb. From daring night attacks in heavily guarded waters to split-second decisions that meant life or death, their actions reflect extraordinary courage, commitment, and sacrifice.

Nearly 16,000 submariners served in the war, and more than 3,000 never came home. Their legacy lives on today in the submarines that still bear the names Tang and Barb, honoring the brave crews who helped secure victory in the Pacific.
Watch the video and reflect on what true leadership looks like when the stakes could not be higher.

Given the order to withdraw but knowing the mission was not complete, what would you do?In 1968 during the Vietnam War, ...
03/06/2026

Given the order to withdraw but knowing the mission was not complete, what would you do?

In 1968 during the Vietnam War, Medal of Honor Recipient Captain James Fleming faced that very decision. After inserting a Special Forces team into hostile territory, he learned they were under heavy fire and trapped along a riverbank. Low on fuel and ordered to leave, he initially pulled away, until he saw signals that revealed their exact location.

Fleming turned back. Hovering under enemy fire where landing was impossible, he and his crew pulled the soldiers into the helicopter by hand, rescuing all seven men.

This powerful PATH TO HONOR lesson challenges students to reflect on commitment, courage under pressure, and what it means to go back for others when it would be easier not to.

https://pathtohonor.cmohs.org/lessons/courage/captain-james-fleming

03/05/2026

Medal of Honor Recipient Melvin Morris has often spoken about courage as something rooted in care for others. For him, true bravery comes from valuing the lives of those around you and being willing to step forward when someone needs help, even in difficult or dangerous situations.

Inspired by the example of his father, who once rushed to help a wounded teenager and even donated blood to save his life, Morris learned early that compassion, integrity, and love for others shape real courage. His message reminds us that courage grows from strong character and shows itself through everyday choices to do what is right and support those around us.

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