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List of Korean War Medal of Honor recipients

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List of Korean War Medal of Honor recipients

This list represents all of the 146 United States military personnel who received the Medal of Honor for valor in combat during the Korean War. 98 Medals of Honor were awarded posthumously.

The Korean War was an escalation of border clashes between two rival Korean regimes (each of which was supported by external powers) with each Korean regime trying to topple the other through political and guerrilla tactics. In a very narrow sense, some may refer to it as a civil war, though many other factors were at play. After failing to strengthen their cause in the free elections held in South Korea during May 1950 and the refusal of South Korea to hold new elections per North Korean demands, the communist North Korean Army moved south on June 25, 1950 to attempt to reunite the Korean peninsula, which had been formally divided since 1948. The conflict was then expanded by the United States and the Soviet Union's involvement as part of the larger Cold War. The main hostilities were during the period from June 25, 1950 until the armistice was signed on July 27, 1953.

Medal of Honor recipients

The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. The recipient must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States. Due to the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented posthumously.

Korean War Medal of Honor recipients by service branch

US Air Force – 4
US Army – 93
US Marine Corps – 42
US Navy – 7

Korean War Medal of Honor recipients

  Lavender background indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously

  indicates that the recipient was killed in action. Note: Notes in quotations are derived or are copied from the official Medal of Honor citation

References

List of Korean War Medal of Honor recipients Wikipedia