List of African-American 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. Recipients 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. Because of the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented posthumously.
Of the 3,470 Medals of Honor awarded, 91 have been awarded to 90 different African-American recipients. Robert Augustus Sweeney is one of 19 men, and the only African American, to have been awarded two Medals of Honor.
A 1993 study commissioned by the United States Army investigated racial discrimination in the awarding of medals. At the time, no Medals of Honor had been awarded to black soldiers who served in World War II. After an exhaustive review of files, the study recommended that several black Distinguished Service Cross recipients be upgraded to the Medal of Honor. On January 13, 1997, President Bill Clinton awarded the Medal to seven African-American World War II veterans; of these, only Vernon Baker was still alive.
On March 18, 2014, following a review of 23 other citations of Hispanic, and Jewish soldiers who may have been passed over for the Medal of Honor due to their race or religion, former Special Forces soldier Melvin Morris, an African American was selected to be included into the review in order to allow his Distinguished Service Cross Medal, which is the United States Army's second highest award for combat valor to be upgraded to the Medal of Honor the highest U.S. decoration for courage in combat.
American Civil War
Twenty-five African Americans earned the Medal of Honor during the American Civil War, including seven sailors of the Union Navy, fifteen soldiers of the United States Colored Troops, and three soldiers of other Army units. Fourteen African-American men earned the Medal for actions in the Battle of Chaffin's Farm, where a division of U.S. Colored Troops saw heavy action. Another four men, all sailors, earned their Medals at the Battle of Mobile Bay. William Harvey Carney was the first African American to perform an action for which a Medal of Honor was awarded, but Robert Blake was the first to actually receive the Medal. It was common for Civil War Medals of Honor to be awarded decades after the conflict ended; in one case, Andrew Jackson Smith's Medal was not awarded until 2001, 137 years after the action in which he earned it. Smith's wait, caused by a missing battle report, is the second longest delay of the award for any recipient, African American or otherwise. President Obama awarded the Medal of Honor to Union Army First Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing for his actions at the Battle of Gettysburg in November 2014, taking the longest delay of the award to 151 years.| Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
| Navy | Landsman | Mattox Creek, Virginia | "Participating with a boat crew in the clearing of Mattox Creek, L/man Anderson carried out his duties courageously in the face of a devastating fire which cut away half the oars, pierced the launch in many places and cut the barrel off a musket being fired at the enemy." | ||||
| — | Army | Private | 142nd New York Volunteer Infantry | Second Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina | "Voluntarily advanced with the head of the column and cut down the palisading." | ||
| — | Army | Private | 38th U.S. Colored Infantry | Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | "Among the first to enter the enemy's works; although wounded." | ||
| Army | First Sergeant | 5th U.S. Colored Infantry | Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | "Took command of his company, all the officers having been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it." | |||
| Navy | Sailor | off Legareville in the Stono River, Johns Island, South Carolina | "n an engagement with the enemy on John's Island. Serving the rifle gun, Blake, an escaped slave, carried out his duties bravely throughout the engagement which resulted in the enemy's abandonment of positions, leaving a caisson and one gun behind." | ||||
| — | Army | First Sergeant | 5th U.S. Colored Infantry | Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | "Took command of his company, all the officers having been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it." | ||
| — | Navy | Landsman | Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama | "emained steadfast at his post and performed his duties in the powder division throughout the furious action which resulted in the surrender of the prize rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan." | |||
| — | Navy | Landsman | Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama | "Knocked unconscious into the hold of the ship when an enemy shellburst fatally wounded a man on the ladder above him, Brown, upon regaining consciousness, promptly returned to the shell whip on the berth deck and zealously continued to perform his duties although 4 of the 6 men at this station had been either killed or wounded by the enemy's terrific fire." | |||
| Army | Sergeant | 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry | Battle of Fort Wagner, Morris Island, South Carolina | "rasped the flag, led the way to the parapet, and planted the colors thereon. When the troops fell back he brought off the flag, under a fierce fire in which he was twice severely wounded." | |||
| — | Army | Corporal | 39th United States Colored Infantry Regiment | Battle of the Crater, Petersburg, Virginia | "Planted his colors on the Confederate works in advance of his regiment, and when the regiment was driven back to the Union works he carried the colors there and bravely rallied the men." | ||
| Army | Sergeant Major | 4th U.S. Colored Infantry | Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | "Seized the colors, after 2 color bearers had been shot down, and bore them nobly through the fight." | |||
| Army | Private | 36th United States Colored Infantry Regiment | Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | "Rushed in advance of his brigade, shot a rebel officer who was on the parapet rallying his men, and then ran him through with his bayonet." | |||
| Army | Sergeant | 38th U.S. Colored Infantry | Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | "Gallantry in the assault" | |||
| Army | Private | 6th U.S. Colored Infantry | Battle of Deep Bottom, Virginia | "Rescue of regimental colors." | |||
| — | * | Army | Sergeant | 4th U.S. Colored Infantry | Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | "When the regimental color bearer fell, this soldier seized the color and carried it forward, together with the national standard, until disabled at the enemy's inner line." | |
| Army | Sergeant Major | 5th U.S. Colored Infantry | Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | "Took command of Company C, after all the officers had been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it." | |||
| — | Army | Corporal | 36th United States Colored Infantry Regiment | Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | "Having had his arm mutilated, making immediate amputation necessary, he loaded and discharged his piece with one hand and urged his men forward; this within 30 yards of the enemy's works." | ||
| Army | First Sergeant | 6th U.S. Colored Infantry | Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | "Gallantly seized the colors, which had fallen near the enemy's lines of abatis, raised them and rallied the men at a time of confusion and in a place of the greatest danger." | |||
| Navy | Landsman | Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama | Although "Wounded in the leg and thrown violently against the side of the ship when an enemy shell killed or wounded the 6-man crew as the shell whipped on the berth deck, Lawson, upon regaining his composure, promptly returned to his station and, although urged to go below for treatment, steadfastly continued his duties..." | ||||
| Navy | Engineer's Cook | Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama | "emained steadfast at his post and performed his duties in the powder division throughout the furious action which resulted in the surrender of the prize rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan." | ||||
| Navy | Seaman | off Cherbourg, France | "Acting as loader on the No. 2 gun during this bitter engagement, Pease exhibited marked coolness and good conduct and was highly recommended by the divisional officer for gallantry under fire." | ||||
| Army | First Sergeant | 5th U.S. Colored Infantry | Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | "Took command of his company after all the officers had been killed or wounded and gallantly led it in battle." | |||
| — | Army | First Sergeant | 38th U.S. Colored Infantry | Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | "Commanded and gallantly led his company after the commanding officer had been killed; was the first enlisted man to enter the enemy's works." | ||
| Army | Corporal | 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry | Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina | "Saving his regimental colors, after the color bearer was killed during al bloody charge called the Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina" | |||
| — | Army | Private | 4th U.S. Colored Infantry | Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Virginia | "Seized the national colors after 2 color bearers had been shot down close to the enemy's works, and bore them through the remainder of the battle." |
Indian Wars
Eighteen African Americans earned the Medal of Honor during the Indian Wars of the western United States. Fourteen were "Buffalo Soldiers", members of the Army's first peacetime black regiments. The four Buffalo Soldier regiments, the 9th Cavalry, 10th Cavalry, 24th Infantry, and 25th Infantry, fought in campaigns throughout the west. The remaining four Medal of Honor recipients were U.S. Army Indian Scouts recruited from among the Black Seminoles, a group of Seminole Indians of African descent.| Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
| — | Army | Sergeant | 9th Cavalry Regiment | Mimbres Mountains and near Ojo Caliente, New Mexico | and | "Bravery in action" | |
| Army | Sergeant | 24th Infantry Regiment | Arizona | "Although shot in the abdomen, in a fight between a paymaster's escort and robbers, did not leave the field until again wounded through both arms." | |||
| Army | Sergeant | 9th Cavalry Regiment | Las Animas Canyon, New Mexico | "Removed a wounded comrade, under a heavy fire, to a place of safety." | |||
| Army | Private | Indian Scouts | Pecos River, Texas | "With 3 other men, he participated in a charge against 25 hostiles while on a scouting patrol." | |||
| — | Army | Corporal | 9th Cavalry Regiment | Florida Mountains, Luna County, New Mexico | "While part of a small detachment to persuade a band of renegade Apache Indians to surrender, his group was surrounded. Cpl. Greaves in the center of the savage hand-to-hand fighting, managed to shoot and bash a gap through the swarming Apaches, permitting his companions to break free." | ||
| Army | Sergeant | 9th Cavalry Regiment | Milk River, Colorado | – | "Voluntarily left fortified shelter and under heavy fire at close range made the rounds of the pits to instruct the guards, fought his way to the creek and back to bring water to the wounded." | ||
| Army | Sergeant | 9th Cavalry Regiment | Fort Tularosa and Carrizo Canyon, New Mexico | and | For repulsing a larger force of Indians on two separate occasions | ||
| Army | Corporal | 24th Infantry Regiment | Cedar Springs, Arizona | "Gallantry in the fight between Paymaster Wham's escort and robbers. Mays walked and crawled 2 miles to a ranch for help." | |||
| Army | Sergeant | 10th Cavalry Regiment | Salt River, north of Globe, Arizona | "Distinguished himself for coolness, bravery and marksmanship while his troop was in pursuit of hostile Apache Indians." | |||
| — | Army | Private | Indian Scouts | Canyon Blanco, Staked Plains, Texas | – | "Rendered invaluable service to Col. R. S. Mackenzie, 4th U.S. Cavalry, during this engagement." | |
| — | Army | Trumpeter | Indian Scouts | Pecos River, Texas | "With 3 other men, he participated in a charge against 25 hostiles while on a scouting patrol." | ||
| Army | Sergeant | 9th Cavalry Regiment | Carrizo Canyon, Cuchillo Negra Mountains, New Mexico | "Forced the enemy back after stubbornly holding his ground in an extremely exposed position and prevented the enemy's superior numbers from surrounding his command." | |||
| — | Army | Sergeant | 9th Cavalry Regiment | Kickapoo Springs, Texas | "Gallantry on scout after Indians" | ||
| — | Army | Private | 9th Cavalry Regiment | Cuchillo Negro Mountains, New Mexico | "Bravery in action with hostile Apaches" | ||
| — | Army | Sergeant | Indian Scouts, 24th Infantry Regiment | Pecos River, Texas | "With 3 other men, he participated in a charge against 25 hostiles while on a scouting patrol" | ||
| Army | First Sergeant | 9th Cavalry Regiment | Cuchillo Negro Mountains, New Mexico | "Rallied a detachment, skillfully conducted a running flight of 3 or 4 hours, and by his coolness, bravery, and unflinching devotion to duty in standing by his commanding officer in an exposed position under a heavy fire from a large party of Indians saved the lives of at least 3 of his comrades." | |||
| — | Army | Corporal | 9th Cavalry Regiment | Sioux Campaign | "Bravery" | ||
| Army | Sergeant | 9th Cavalry Regiment | Gavilan Canyon, New Mexico | "Saved the lives of his comrades and citizens of the detachment" |
Spanish–American War
Six African Americans earned the Medal of Honor during the Spanish–American War: five Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry Regiment and one United States Navy sailor. Four of the five Buffalo Soldiers received the Medal for rescuing a trapped landing party during the Battle of Tayacoba.| Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
| Army | Sergeant Major | 10th Cavalry Regiment | Santiago, Cuba | "Left cover and, under fire, rescued a wounded comrade from drowning." | |||
| Army | Private | 10th Cavalry Regiment | Battle of Tayacoba, Cuba | "Voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts at rescue had been frustrated." | |||
| — | Army | Private | 10th Cavalry Regiment | Battle of Tayacoba, Cuba | "Voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts had been frustrated." | ||
| Navy | Fireman First Class | On board the U.S.S. Iowa off Santiago de Cuba | "Performing his duty at the risk of serious scalding at the time of the blowing out of the manhole gasket on board the vessel, Penn hauled the fire while standing on a board thrown across a coal bucket 1 foot above the boiling water which was still blowing from the boiler." | ||||
| — | Army | Private | 10th Cavalry Regiment | Battle of Tayacoba, Cuba | "Voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts at rescue had been frustrated." | ||
| — | Army | Private | 10th Cavalry Regiment | Battle of Tayacoba, Cuba | "Voluntarily went ashore in the face of the enemy and aided in the rescue of his wounded comrades; this after several previous attempts at rescue had been frustrated." |
World War I
was the first of only two African American to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in World War I. Stowers had led an assault on German trenches, continuing to lead and encourage his men even after being twice wounded. Stowers died of his wounds, and was shortly afterwards recommended for the Medal of Honor; however, this recommendation was never processed. In 1990, the Department of the Army conducted a review and the Stowers recommendation was uncovered. An investigation was launched, and based on results of the investigation the award of the Medal of Honor was approved. Stowers' Medal of Honor was presented on April 24, 1991—seventy-three years after he was killed-in-action. Henry Johnson's Medal of Honor was presented on June 2, 2015-eighty five years after he died.| Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
| — | * | Army | Corporal | 371st Infantry Regiment, 93d Division | Hill 188, Champagne Marne Sector, France | Led his squad to destroy a group of enemy soldiers and was leading them to another trench when he was killed | |
| * | Army | Sergeant | U.S. 369th Infantry Regiment, 93d Division | Argonne Forrest, Champagne Marne Sector, France | Fought against a 24-man German raiding party |
World War II
No African American was awarded a Medal of Honor either during World War II or immediately afterwards with respect to their actions during that conflict. This changed in 1992 when a study conducted by Shaw University and commissioned by the U.S. Dept. of Defense and the United States Army asserted that systematic racial discrimination had been present in the criteria for awarding medals during the war. After an exhaustive review of files the study recommended that several of the Distinguished Service Crosses awarded to African Americans be upgraded to the Medal of Honor. On January 13, 1997, more than fifty years after the end of the war, President Bill Clinton awarded the Medal to seven African-American World War II veterans. Vernon Baker was the only living recipient—the other six men had been killed in action or died in the intervening years.| Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
| Army | First lieutenant | 370th Infantry Regiment, 92d Infantry Division | near Viareggio, Italy | and | For extraordinary heroism in action on 5 and 6 April 1945, near Viareggio, Italy. Then Second Lieutenant Baker demonstrated outstanding courage and leadership in destroying enemy installations, personnel and equipment during his company's attack against a strongly entrenched enemy in mountainous terrain. When his company was stopped by the concentration of fire from several machine gun emplacements, he crawled to one position and destroyed it, killing three Germans. Continuing forward, he attacked an enemy observation post and killed two occupants. With the aid of one of his men, Lieutenant Baker attacked two more machine gun nests, killing or wounding the four enemy soldiers occupying these positions. He then covered the evacuation of the wounded personnel of his company by occupying an exposed position and drawing the enemy's fire. On the following night Lieutenant Baker voluntarily led a battalion advance through enemy mine fields and heavy fire toward the division objective. Second Lieutenant Baker's fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces | ||
| * | Army | Staff sergeant | 56th Armored Infantry Battalion, 12th Armored Division | near Speyer, Germany | "For extraordinary heroism on March 23, 1945, near Speyer, Germany. When the tank he was riding received heavy bazooka and small arms fire, Sgt. Carter voluntarily attempted to lead a three-man group across an open field. Two of his men were killed and the third seriously wounded. Continuing on alone, he was wounded five times and finally was forced to take cover. As eight enemy riflemen attempted to capture him, Sgt. Carter killed six of them and captured the remaining two. He then crossed the field, using as a shield his two prisoners from whom he obtained valuable information concerning the disposition of enemy troops." | ||
| * | Army | First lieutenant | 598th Field Artillery Battalion, 366th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division | the vicinity of Sommocolonia, Italy | "oluntarily remained on the second floor of a house to direct defensive artillery fire" so his unit could escape. "when a counterattack retook the position from the Germans, Lieutenant Fox's body was found with the bodies of approximately 100 German soldiers." | ||
| — | * | Army | Private first class | 413th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division | near Lippoldsberg, Germany | "ed a squad in the assault, accurately designating targets as he advanced, until he was killed by enemy machine gun fire while going to the aid of his fatally wounded platoon leader." | |
| * | Army | Staff sergeant | 761st Tank Battalion, 26th Infantry Division | Guebling, France | – | For extraordinary heroism in action during the 15–19 November 1944, toward Guebling, France. Though severely wounded in the leg, Sergeant Rivers refused medical treatment and evacuation, took command of another tank, and advanced with his company in Guebling the next day. Repeatedly refusing evacuation, Sergeant Rivers continued to direct his tank's fire at enemy positions through the morning of 19 November 1944. At dawn, Company A's tanks began to advance towards Bougaktroff, but were stopped by enemy fire. Sergeant Rivers, joined by another tank, opened fire on the enemy tanks, covering company A as they withdrew. While doing so, Sergeant River's tank was hit, killing him and wounding the crew. Staff Sergeant Rivers' fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to his unit and exemplify the highest traditions of military service. | |
| * | Army | First lieutenant | 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 411th Infantry Regiment, 103rd Infantry Division | near Climbach, France | "For extraordinary heroism in action on December 14, 1944, near Climbach, France. While riding in the lead vehicle of a task force organized to storm and capture the village of Climbach, France, then First Lieutenant Thomas's armored scout car was subjected to intense enemy artillery, self-propelled gun, and small arms fire. Although wounded by the initial burst of hostile fire, Lieutenant Thomas signalled the remainder of the column to halt and, despite the severity of his wounds, assisted the crew of the wrecked car in dismounting. Upon leaving the scant protection which the vehicle afforded, Lieutenant Thomas was again subjected to a hail of enemy fire which inflicted multiple gunshot wounds in his chest, legs, and left arm. Despite the intense pain caused by these wounds, Lieutenant Thomas ordered and directed the dispersion and emplacement of two antitank guns which in a few moments were promptly and effectively returning the enemy fire. Realizing that he could no longer remain in command of the platoon, he signalled to the platoon commander to join him. Lieutenant Thomas then thoroughly oriented him on enemy gun dispositions and the general situation. Only after he was certain that his junior officer was in full control of the situation did he permit himself to be evacuated. First Lieutenant Thomas' outstanding heroism were an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces." | ||
| * | Army | Private | 2nd Battalion, 29th Quartermaster Regiment, Quartermaster Corps | Porloch Harbor, New Guinea | When his ship was hit by enemy bombers he sacrificed himself to save several other crewmembers who could not swim and drowned when the suction of the ship sinking pulled him under |
Korean War
Two African Americans received the Medal of Honor for action in the Korean War, both were soldiers of the 24th Infantry Regiment. Despite a 1948 Executive Order commanding the integration of the military, segregated units persisted until 1954; the 24th Infantry was one of the last remaining all-black regiments, and these two men were the last African Americans to receive the Medal of Honor for actions while serving in a segregated unit.| Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
| * | Army | Sergeant | 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division | Near Chipo-ri, Korea | Using grenades and machine-gun fire he led his men to fight back a group of enemy soldiers until he was killed | ||
| * | Army | Private first class | 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division | Near Haman, Korea | Sacrificed his life to allow the rest of his unit to escape a group of enemy soldiers |
Vietnam War
Twenty African Americans were awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in the Vietnam War, including James Anderson, Jr., the first African-American Marine to receive the Medal.| Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
| * | Marine Corps | Private first class | 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division | Cam Lo, Vietnam | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | ||
| Army | Staff sergeant | 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division | Tam Kỳ, Vietnam | Anderson's artillery unit was attacked by North Vietnamese forces near Tam Kỳ in the Republic of Vietnam. Anderson directed the defense of the unit's position and continued to lead after twice being severely wounded. | |||
| — | * | Army | Sergeant first class | 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces | Battle of Lang Vei, Vietnam | – | Led 5 assaults against the enemy, continuously exposing himself to enemy grenades, machine gun and automatic weapons fire until he was killed by enemy mortar fire after being carried off the battlefield |
| * | Marine Corps | Private first class | 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division | Da Nang, Vietnam | Sacrificed his life to save a wounded Marine | ||
| — | * | Army | Sergeant first class | 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces | Long Khánh Province, Vietnam | Killed by an enemy rocket after leading his men on repeated attacks upon enemy bunkers | |
| Marine Corps | 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, Company A | Huế | – | Originally awarded the Navy Cross which was upgraded to the Medal of Honor on October 17, 2018. | |||
| * | Marine Corps | Sergeant | 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division | Quảng Nam Province, Vietnam | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | ||
| * | Marine Corps | Private first class | 3rd Marine Division | Fire Support Base Argonne, DMZ, Vietnam | Sacrificed his life to shield a wounded Marine from an exploding grenade | ||
| Army | Specialist six | 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade | Vietnam | After a long battle with enemy soldiers and despite his own wounds he continued to treat wounded until he was ordered to evacuate | |||
| — | Army | Specialist five | 69th Armor Regiment, 4th Infantry Division | Dak To, Kon Tum Province, Vietnam | Risked his life to repeatedly attack a group of enemy soldiers until all of the enemy had been repulsed or killed | ||
| * | Marine Corps | Private first class | 1st Marine Division | Hill 146, Quan Duc Valley, Vietnam | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | ||
| — | * | Army | Private first class | 17th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade | Plei Djereng, Pleiku Province, Vietnam | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | |
| * | Army | Sergeant first class | 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division | Suoi Da, Vietnam | Although severely wounded he continued to fight the enemy until succumbing to his wounds | ||
| — | * | Army | Sergeant | 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division | Vietnam | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | |
| Army | Staff sergeant | Third Company, Third Battalion of the IV Mobile Strike Force | Chi Lăng, Vietnam | Shot three times while retrieving a wounded comrade | |||
| * | Army | Private first class | 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade | Phu Cuong, Vietnam | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | ||
| * | Army | Captain | 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division | Ap Dong, Vietnam | Led his men against numerous attacks against the enemy until they had been defeated | ||
| Army | Lieutenant colonel | 5th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division | Fishook region, Vietnam | "Although too severely wounded to physically lead the defenders, Lt. Col. Rogers continued to give encouragement and direction to his men in the defeating and repelling of the enemy attack" | |||
| — | * | Army | First lieutenant | 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division | Hậu Nghĩa Province, Vietnam | Sacrificed his life by smothering two enemy grenades with his body | |
| Army | Private first class | 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division | Ding Tuong Province, Vietnam | Although wounded himself he proceeded to administer first aid to the wounded for more than five hours until they were evacuated | |||
| — | * | Army | Staff sergeant | 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division | Huế, Vietnam | Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body | |
| * | Army | First lieutenant | 22d Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division | Tây Ninh Province, Vietnam | Treated the wounded and administered last rites to the dead and dying until he was killed by the enemy |
Peacetime
Before World War II, the Medal of Honor could be awarded for actions not involving direct combat with the enemy; eight African Americans earned the Medal in this way, all of them sailors. Robert Augustus Sweeney received two peacetime Medals of Honor, one of only 19 men, and the only African American, to be awarded the medal twice. Most of the non-combat medals, including both of Sweeney's, were awarded for rescuing or attempting to rescue someone from drowning.| Image | Name | Service | Rank | Unit | Place of action | Date of action | Notes |
| Navy | Ship's Cook First Class | aboard ship at sea | Attempted to save the life of an officer who fell overboard at sea | ||||
| — | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | Toulon, France | "Jumping overboard, Davis rescued Augustus Ohlensen, coxswain, from drowning" | |||
| — | Navy | Seaman | aboard ship at sea | "earlessly exposing his own life to danger for the saving of others" | |||
| — | Navy | Seaman | near Greytown, Nicaragua | "isplayed great coolness and self-possession at the time Comdr. A. F. Crosman and others were drowned and, by extraordinary heroism and personal exertion, prevented greater loss of life." | |||
| — | Navy | Cooper | Navy Yard, Mare Island, California | "escued Daniel W. Kloppen, a workman, from drowning" | |||
| Navy | Seaman | Norfolk, Virginia | "aved Boatswain J. C. Walton from drowning" | ||||
| — | Navy | Seaman | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | "escuing from drowning James Grady, first class fireman" | |||
| — | Navy | Ordinary Seaman | First action: Second action: | First action: Hampton Roads, Virginia Second action: Brooklyn Navy Yard | First action: Second action: | First action:"umped overboard and assisted in saving from drowning a shipmate who had fallen overboard into a strongly running tide" Second action:"escued from drowning A. A. George, who had fallen overboard from that vessel" |