The Medal of Honor and Two American Heroes

A fascinating look at two of our bravest soldiers and the highest military decoration awarded in this country.

Since the Vietnam War ended in 1973, the Medal of Honor, our nation's highest award for valor, has been presented to only eight men for their actions "above and beyond the call of duty." All of these medals were awarded posthumously, as all had made the choice to give their lives so that their comrades might live.

Using an extraordinary range of sources, The Medal of Honor and Two American Heroes tells the stories of two of these eight brave men—Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith and Corporal Jason Dunham—and dramatically details how they found themselves in life-or-death situations, and why they responded as they did.

Previously published as part of UNCOMMON VALOR, winner of the Military Writers Society of America's highest honor: The Founder's Award