LEGENDS OF THE BATTLEFIELD: THE 7 MOST DECORATED US SOLDIERS IN HISTORY
Getting an award is one of the most satisfying feelings of a service member; it only means that their sacrifice and hard work are being recognized. Numerous brave men and women throughout the history of the U.S. fought, bled, and died for the country's freedom, and those who have served earn the highest respect. However, some go above and beyond their duty, which makes them stand out. Awards, recognitions, and medals vary from time period to which military branch they are assigned, making it difficult to rank the most decorated U.S. soldiers. The important thing is these brave service members have made a significant contribution to the country.
The Most Decorated U.S. Soldiers
Staff Sgt. Albert L. Ireland
Staff Sergeant Albert Ireland is rewarded the most Purple Hearts of any individual across all branches of service. He served from 1941 to 1953 and had been wounded 9 times.
Ireland had fought in the Pacific during World War II with the Marines, and he was wounded five times. His bravery did not stop there; he served in the Korean War and was injured four times, and the last one was intense enough to result in his being discharged from service.
Maj. Daniel J. Daly
He was also called by Maj. Gen. Smedley Butler as the “fightingest Marine I ever knew.” One of his famous actions is when he encouraged the Marine troops to advance at Belleau Wood in 1918. He turned to them, yelling, “Come on, you sons of bitches, do you want to live forever?”
Maj. Daniel J. Daly was recommended to receive a Medal of Honor due to his bravery. To recognize his actions, he received a Distinguished Service Cross, a Navy Cross, two Medals of Honor, a Silver Star, and numerous overseas awards for other battles during his career.
Gen. George L. Mabry Jr.
Mabry Jr. is another of the most decorated U.S. Soldiers in history. Even though he was young, he led his troops into battle at Normandy on June 6th. Gen. George L. Mabry Jr. used his bravery and leadership to go through the German minefield.
He was able to kill a few enemies and captured 20 more. With this bravery, he earned the Distinguished Service Cross. He also earned a Bronze Star for guiding his men through the Siegfried Line.
On November 18th, he spearheaded the command of the 2nd Battalion and led the attack on Hürtgen Forest, in which he earned the Medal of Honor for his immense courage. Throughout his career, he earned several more, such as the Purple Heart, awards for combat valor, and the Distinguished Service Order the British government vested.
Maj. Audie Murphy
One of the most decorated U.S. Soldiers of World War II was Maj. Audie Murphy. During his time, he received a Distinguished Service Cross, Medal of Honor, a Legion of Merit with Combat V, two Bronze Stars with Combat V, and two Silver Stars.
He did not stop there, as he received various international awards such as the Legion of Honor, Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 with Palm, Croix de Guerre with Palm and Silver Star, and the French Fourragere. Lastly, he also received a Texas Legislative Medal of Honor.
Maj. Gen. Robert T. Frederick
He began as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 1st Special Service Force during World War II. Frederick fought alongside his force in North Africa, Italy, and the Aleutian Islands before getting his new post as a Brigadier General.
He was wounded several times when he was with the 1st Special Service Force. Due to his bravery, he got eight Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, and two Distinguished Service Crosses.
Col. Edward V. Rickenbacker
He joined the Army in World War I. He was assigned to the Army Air Corps, which later became the Air Force. With his skills and bravery, he was able to take down 26 enemy aircraft in 9 months.
On September 25, 1918, Rickenbacker was patrolling alone over France when he was struck by seven German aircraft. Although outnumbered, he fought back and took down 2 of them.
Due to his outstanding service, he received a Medal of Honor, seven Distinguished Service Crosses, and received the French Croix de Guerre medal.
Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller
He is a Marine Corps legend and is considered one of the most decorated U.S. Soldiers due to his awards. Puller holds 5 Navy Crosses, a Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, and an Army Distinguished Service Cross. He showed his bravery at the Chosin Reservoir, overseeing the Army and Marine defenses.
Suggested reads:
- 5 Asian-American War Heroes We Should've Learned About in School
- What Was the Most Decorated Unit in WW2?
- Daniel Inouye Was an American Hero on and Off the Battlefield
Sources:
SHARE:
TAGS:
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
Get the latest news and military discounts
