Beyond The Call of Duty

THE Medal of Honor is the highest decoration for bravery in battle awarded by the United States. It is frequently called the Congressional Medal of Honor, though the word “Congressional” doesn’t properly belong in the title.

All citations for the Medal of Honor contain some variant of the following words:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity involving risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy.”

This book tells the stories of those first sixteen, plus two Army Air Force officers who won their decorations in a ground action during an infantry attack. Two of the winners in this book are Cavalry—jeep-mounted cavalry operating with the infantry during the Sicilian campaign.

These men received the Medal of Honor, first of all, because their most intimate comrades thought they deserved it. A recommendation for a Medal of Honor begins on the field of action, with fellow soldiers who saw or shared in the exploit.