Minnesota Recipients


Minnesota

56 Medals of Honor are Accredited to Minnesota, "For the Conspicuous Gallantry and Intrepidity in Action at the Risk of Life Above and Beyond the Call of Duty."

*Minnesota's Captain Charles A. Lindbergh received the Medal of Honor by special Congressional Action. 

*During World War I, Louis Cukela received two Medals of Honor (one for Navy and one Army award) for the same action during the Battle of Soissons. 

John G. Merritt

Civil War
Sergeant John Merritt served in the Army for Company K as a member of the 1st Minnesota Infantry Division. Merritt was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 1, 1880 for his actions at Bull Run, Virginia. Where on July 21, 1861 he demonstrated incredible bravery and heroism by running straight into the line of fire and capturing a flag.
July 21, 1861

Joseph Burger


Private Joseph Burger served in the Army for Company H as a member of the 2nd Minnesota Infantry Division. Burger was awarded the Medal of Honor on September 11, 1897 for his actions at Nolensville, Tennessee. Where on February 15, 1863 he was 1 of 16 men who successfully defended a wagon train against an attack from the 125 cavalry. Thereby demonstrating extreme courage and heroism in his efforts.
February 15, 1863

William A. Clark

Civil War
Corporal William Clark served in the Army for Company H as a member of the 2nd Minnesota Infantry Division. Clark was awarded the Medal of Honor on September 11, 1897 for his actions at Nolensville, Tennessee. Where on February 15, 1863 he was 1 of 16 men who successfully defended a wagon train against an attack from the 125 cavalry. In which he demonstrated bravery and commitment to his county and men.
February 15, 1863

James Flannigan

Civil War
Private James Flannigan served in the Army for Company H as a member of the 2nd Minnesota Infantry Division. Flannigan was awarded the Medal of Honor on September 11, 1897 for his actions at Nolensville, Tennessee. Where on February 15, 1863 he was also 1 of 16 men who successfully defended a wagon train against an attack of the 125 cavalry.
February 15, 1863

John Vale

Civil War
Private John Vale served in the Army for Company H as a member of the 2nd Minnesota Infantry Division. Vale was awarded the Medal of Honor on September 11, 1897 for his actions at Nolensville, Tennessee. Where on February 15, 1863 he demonstrated extreme bravery and wherewithal along with 15 other men by successfully defending a wagon train attack from the 125 cavalry.
February 15, 1863

Milton Hanna

Civil War
Corporal Milton Hanna served in the Army for Company H as a member of the 2nd Minnesota Infantry Division. Hanna was awarded the Medal of Honor on September 11, 1897 for his actions at Nolensville, Tennessee. Where on February 15, 1863 he demonstrated outstanding courage and bravery as 1 of 16 men who successfully defended a wagon train attack against the 125 cavalry.
February 15, 1863

Lovilo N. Holmes

Civil War
First Sergeant Lovilo Holmes served in the Army for Company H as a member of the 2nd Minnesota Infantry Division. Holmes was awarded the Medal of Honor on September 11, 1897 for his actions as Nolensville, Tennessee. Where on February 15, 1863 he demonstrated exemplary sacrifice and bravery to his men as one 1 of 16 men who successfully defended a wagon train attack against the 125 cavalry.
February 15, 1863

Byron E. Pay

Civil War
Private Byron Pay served in the Army for Company H as a member of the 2nd Minnesota Infantry Division. Pay was awarded the Medal of Honor on September 11, 1897 for his actions as Nolensville, Tennessee. Where on February 15, 1863 he along with 15 other men demonstrated extreme courage and sacrifice for successfully defending a wagon train attack against the 125 cavalry.
February 15, 1863

Samuel Wright

Civil War
Corporal Samuel Wright served in the Amy for Company H as a member of the 2nd Minnesota Infantry Division. Wright was awarded the Medal of Honor on September 11, 1897 for his actions at Nolensville, Tennessee. Where on February 15, 1863 he demonstrated extraordinary courage and bravery along with 15 other men by successfully defending a wagon train attack from the 125 cavalry.
February 15, 1863

Henry D. O'Brien

Civil War
Corporal Henry O'Brien served in the Army for Company E as a member of the 1st Minnesota Infantry Division. O'Brien was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 9, 1890 for his actions at the Battle of Gettysburg. Where on July 3, 1863 he demonstrated extreme heroism and courage for taking up the colors for his company when they had fallen. And with gunfire all around him still managed to engage the enemy and hold the colors high until they achieved victory.
July 03, 1863

Marshall Sherman

Civil War
Private Marshall Sherman served in the Army during the Civil War for Company C as a member of the 1st Minnesota Infantry Division. Sherman was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on December 1, 1864. Where on July 3, 1863 at the Battle of Gettysburg he demonstrated incredible bravery and patriotism as he captured a Confederate flag belonging to the 28th Virginia Infantry.
July 03, 1863

Axel H. Reed

Civil War
Sergeant Axel Hayford Reed served in the Army for Company K as a member of the 2nd Minnesota Infantry Division. Reed was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 2, 1898 for his actions at Chickamauga, Georgia and Missionary Ridge, Tennessee. Where on September 19th and November 15th, 1863 he demonstrated both perseverance and redemption for voluntarily grabbing a rifle and going to the front of enemy fire. Later he lead a charge of men into enemy territory where even after losing an arm refused to accept a discharge and continued to fight until the end of the war.
September 19, 1863

Clinton A. Cilley

Civil War
Captain Clinton Albert Cilley served in the Army for Company C as a member of the 2nd Minnesota Infantry Division. Cilley was awarded the Medal of Honor on June 12, 1895 for actions at Chickamauga, Georgia. Where on September 20, 1863 he took possession of enemy colors and from there took them directly into battle. Thereby demonstrating resounding heroism and bravery in his efforts.
September 20, 1863

Alonzo H. Pickle

Civil War
Sergeant Alonzo Pickle served in the Army for Company B as a member of the Minnesota Infantry Division. Pickle was awarded the Medal of Honor on June 12, 1895 for his actions at Deep Bottom, Virginia. Where on August 14, 1864 he became the symbol of self-sacrifice by voluntarily rushing to the aid of a wounded officer near the line of enemy fire and carried the man to safety.
August 14, 1864

Thomas P. Gere

Civil War
First Lieutenant Thomas Parke Gere served in the Army as a member of the 5th Minnesota Infantry Division. Gene was awarded the Medal of Honor on February 24, 1865 for his actions at Nashville, Tennessee. Where on December 16, 1864 he demonstrated immense heroism and courage in capturing the flag of the 4th Mississippi Confederate regiment.
December 16, 1864

John Tracy

Indian Campaigns
Private John Tracy served in the Army for Company G and as a member of the 8th U.S. Cavalry Division. Tracy was awarded the Medal of Honor on February 14, 1870. Where on October 20, 1869 he demonstrated extreme bravery in action at Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona Territory against hostile natives.
October 20, 1869

George E. Albee

Indian Campaigns
First Lieutenant George Emerson Albee served in the Army for Company L and as a member of the 41st U.S. Infantry Division. Albee was awarded the Medal of Honor on January 18, 1894. Where on October 28, 1869 he demonstrated extreme courage in Brazos River, Texas when he and two other men attacked a group of 11 Indians and drove them from the area.
October 28, 1869

Charles H. Welch

Indian Campaigns
Sergeant Charles Welch served in the Army for Company D and as a member of the 7th U.S. Cavalry Division. Welch was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 5, 1878. Where on June 25-26, 1876 he demonstrated extraordinary gallantry at Little Big Horn, Montana by voluntarily bringing water to fellow wounded soldiers under enemy fire.
June 25, 1876

Charles H. Montrose

Indian Campaigns

October 21, 1876

Eli L. Huggins

Indian Campaigns
Captain Eli Lundy Huggins served in the Army for the 2nd U.S. Cavalry Division. Huggins was awarded the Medal of Honor on November 27, 1894. Where on April 1, 1880 he demonstrated supreme gallantry at O'Fallons Creek, Montana as he and the rest of his men defended themselves against a stronghold of tribesmen.
April 01, 1880

George H. Morgan

Indian Campaigns
Second Lieutenant George Horace Morgan served in the Army for the 3rd U.S. Cavalry Division. Morgan was awarded the Medal of Honor on July 15, 1892. Where on July 17, 1882 he demonstrated immense heroism in actions at Big Dry Fork, Arizona Territory for holding his position against enemy fire even though he became wounded in the heat of battle.
July 17, 1882

William O. Wilson

Indian Campaigns
Corporal William Wilson served in the Army for Company I and as a member of the 9th U.S. Cavalry Division. Wilson was awarded the Medal of Honor on September 18, 1891. Where in December 1890 he demonstrated immense bravery in action at White Clay Creek, South Dakota.
December 01, 1890

Albert W. Mcmillan

Indian Campaigns

December 29, 1890

Harry LeRoy Hawthorne

Indian Campaigns

December 29, 1890

Oscar R. Burkard

Indian Campaigns
Private Oscar Burkard served in the Army for the Hospital Corps Division.Burkard was awarded the Medal of Honor on August 21, 1899. Where on October 5, 1898 he demonstrated extreme courage and bravery by defending his unit against hostile Indians at Leech, Lake Minnesota.
October 05, 1898

Charles P. Davis

Philippine Insurrection

May 16, 1899

Harry Bell

Spanish American War
Captain Harry Bell served in the Army for the 36th Infantry Regiment and as a member of the U.S. Volunteers Division. Bell was awarded the Medal of Honor on March 8, 1902. Where on October 17, 1899 he demonstrated extreme bravery while in the Philippine Islands as he led a successful charge against a much larger and superior enemy force and even liberate some of his men from a bad position in battle.
October 17, 1899

Oscar F. Nelson

Special
Special Machinist's Mate First Class Oscar Frederick Nelson served in the Navy on board the U.S.S. Bennington. Nelson was awarded the Medal of Honor on January 5, 1906. Where on July 21, 1905 while on board he displayed immense bravery when a boiler exploded on the ship near San Diego, California.
July 21, 1905

Raymond E. Davis



July 21, 1905

Albertus Wright Catlin

Mexican Expedition
Major Albertus Catlin served in the United States Marine Corps for the Commanding Officer Company and as a member of the 3rd Marines Regiment. Catlin was awarded the Medal of Honor on December 4, 1915. Where on April 22, 1914 he demonstrated outstanding courage while leading his men through hostile territory and enemy fire at Vera Cruz.
April 22, 1914

George W. Rud

Special
Chief Machinist's Mate George William Rud served in the Navy on board the U.S.S. Memphis. Rud was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions on August 29, 1916, when his ship was hit by a severe hurricane off the coast of Santo Domingo City. As while remaining at his post in the boiler room scolding steam and water consumed his life.
August 29, 1916

Jesse T. Barrick

Civil War
Corporal Jesse Barrick served in the Army for Company H as a member of the 3rd Minnesota Infantry Division. Barrick was awarded the Medal of Honor on March 3, 1917 for his actions at Duck River, Tennessee. Where between May 26th and June 2, 1863 he single-handedly captured two heavily armed Confederate guerrilla officers.
March 03, 1917

Louis Cukela

World War I
Sergeant Louis Cukela served in the United States Marine Corps for the 66th Rifle Company, as a member of the 5th Regiment, and the 2nd Division American Expeditionary Forces. Cukela was awarded the Medal of Honor on March 7, 1919. Where on July 18, 1918 at Villers-Cotterets, France he demonstrated immense courage and heroism. As in the face of enemy fire Cukela managed to infiltrate German territory and use their own weapons against them and capture four enemy soldiers in his efforts.
July 18, 1918

George H. Mallon

World War I
Captain George Mallon served in the Army for Company E as a member of the 132nd Regiment and 33rd Division. Mallon was awarded the Medal of Honor on January 22, 1919. Where on September 26, 1918 in battle at Bois-de-Forges, France he demonstrated extraordinary heroism and courage as he became separated from part of his company. However in the midst of this adversity he led the personal charge and capture of 100 enemy prisoners, 11 machineguns, 4 155-mm howitzers, and 1 anti-aircraft gun.
September 26, 1918

Nels T. Wold

World War I

September 26, 1918

Charles Augustus Jr. Lindbergh

Peace Time Awards

May 20, 1927

Franklin VanValkenburgh

World War II

December 07, 1941

Willibald C. Bianchi

World War II
First Lieutenant Willibald Charles Bianchi served in the Army for the 45th Infantry Regiment and as a member of the Philippine Scouts Division. Bianchi was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on March 5, 1942. When on February 3, 1942 near Bagac, Province of Bataan, Philippine Islands he voluntarily lead of platoon of men into enemy gunfire and while wounded already twice in the hand and the chest. He single handedly took out an enemy machinegun nest with grenades and then manned the top of an American tank and continued to fire until a final wound took his life as he demonstrated outstanding courage and self-sacrifice to his men and country.
February 03, 1942

Richard E. Fleming

World War II
Captain Richard Eugene Fleming served in the United States Marine Corps for the Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron 241 Company, the Regiment of the Marine Air Group 22 (MAG-22) and as a member of the Naval Air Station, Midway Division. Fleming was awarded the Medal of Honor on November 24, 1942 posthumously as he was killed in action on June 5, 1942. Where he demonstrated outstanding sacrifice and bravery in leading Squadron 241 on a dive bombing assault on the Japanese Fleet. As he flew directly into enemy fire and managed to hit his target. Yet the sea would claim his plane on this fateful dive during the Battle of the Midway. Thereby exhibiting immense perseverance and devotion to his men and country.
June 05, 1942

Lloyd C. Hawks

World War II
Private First Class Lloyd Hawks served in the Army for Company G Medical Detachment, as a member of the 30th Infantry Regiment, and the 3rd Infantry Division. Hawks was awarded the Medal of Honor on January 15, 1945. Where on January 30, 1944 he demonstrated extreme courage and bravery when near Carano, Italy. As he succeeded in the aiding of two wounded soldiers and a fellow aid man. Surrounded by heavy gunfire Hawks crawled with enemy fire hailing all around him to his fellow soldiers. Where in the process of treating them became severely wounded himself as a sudden thrust of machinegun fire left him with a shattered right hip and a useless left forearm. Yet despite this obstacle he still managed to drag himself and the wounded men to safety.
January 30, 1944

Richard E. Kraus

World War II
Private First Class Richard Edward Kraus served in the United States Marine Corps for the 8th Amphibian Tractor Battalion and as a member of the Fleet Marine Force. Kraus was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on August 2, 1945. Where on October 3, 1944 he demonstrated immense bravery and courage in the Peleliu, Palau Islands. When he and three fellow soldiers were attempting to rescue a wounded man near the front lines. However they were soon forced to abandon this mission and suddenly found themselves under heavy gunfire. As they returned to safety they were approached by two men they thought were Marines, but in fact turned out to be Japanese soldiers. One of which then tossed a grenade directly at the men and acting quickly saw Kraus throw himself onto it. Thereby absorbing the full impact and at the cost of his life, but in the process saved the lives of his fellow soldiers.
October 03, 1944

Dirk John Cornelius Vlug

World War II

December 15, 1944

Donald E. Rudolph

World War II
Second Lieutenant Donald Eugene Rudolph served in the Army for Company E, as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, and 6th Infantry Division. Rudolph was awarded the Medal of Honor on September 10, 1945. Where on February 5, 1945 he demonstrated immense gallantry and ingenuity near Munoz, Luzon, Philippine Islands. When acting as a platoon leader he noticed enemy fire in the distance and then proceeded to take out several enemy fortifications single-handedly with his rifle, grenades, and even his bare hands. Even after this he jumped atop an enemy tank and proceeded to take out the enemy crew with a grenade. Thus by his demonstration of courage, bravery and outstanding leadership resulted in one of the most successful achievements in the Philippines campaign.
February 05, 1945

James D. LaBelle

World War II
Private First Class James Dennis LaBelle served in the United States Marine Corps for the 27th Marines Regiment and as a member of the 5th Marine Division. LaBelle was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on July 21, 1946. Where on March 8, 1945 he demonstrated extreme courage and commitment to his men on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands. Realizing the enemy would stop at nothing to advance their position he and two fellow Marines dug a foxhole and kept a sharp lookout for enemy fire. However suddenly a grenade was dropped into the hole beyond his reach and acting quickly LaBelle threw himself onto the blast and unfortunately lost his own life but saved his fellow Marines.
March 08, 1945

Michael Colalillo

World War II
Private "Mike" Colalillo served in the Army for Company C, the 1st Battalion, 398th Infantry Regiment, and finally the 100th Infantry Division. Colalillo was awarded the Medal of Honor on December 18, 1945. When on April 7, 1945 he along with some members of his company were pinned down near Untergriesheim, Germany. And with enemy fire flying all around him, Colalillo managed to jump onto a friendly tank and man a machine gun. Thereby taking out ten enemy soldiers in the process and through his efforts twenty-five enemy soldiers in all throughout this particular fight. Even when his company was told to retreat he continued to demonstrate true courage and commitment to his men when Colalillo stayed behind to help a wounded American soldier to safety over open terrain and enemy fire hailing all around him.
April 07, 1945

Louis J. Hauge Jr.

World War II
Corporal Louis James Hauge served in the United States Marine Corps for Company C, as a member of the 1st Battalion, the 1st Marines Regiment, and the 1st Marine Division. Hauge was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on June 14, 1946. Where on May 14, 1945 he demonstrated outstanding courage and self-sacrifice at Okinawa when his company became pinned down under a hail of machinegun fire. Acting quickly Hauge put himself directly into the line of fire by becoming a one-man assault team after managing to destroy two enemy machineguns with grenades. And while he was successful in this assault, tragically Hauge would soon fall to Japanese sniper fire. Yet it was his bravery that protected his men from heavy enemy fire and thereby allowed them to advance and overthrow enemy forces.
May 14, 1945

John U.D. Page

Korea
Lieutenant Colonel John Upshur Dennis Page served in the Army for the 52nd Transportation Truck Battalion and as a member of X Corps Artillery Division. Page was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on April 25, 1957 for his actions at the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Where from November 29th to December 11th 1950, Page demonstrated "supreme self-sacrifice" for putting himself in the line of fire of the Chinese Red Army numerous times. As he fought the enemy bravely on numerous occasions until tragically he was mortally wounded and succumbed to his wounds. It was said through his unwavering spirit and devotion to his men that Page was able to hold off the enemy for as long as he could.
November 29, 1950

Leo K. Thorsness

Vietnam
Major Leo Keith Thorsness served in the Air Force for the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, as a member of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing Regiment, and finally the 7th Air Force Division. Thorsness was awarded the Medal of Honor on November 6, 1973. Where on April 19, 1967 he demonstrated extreme courage and bravery as while on a suppression mission came across multiple MIG-17 enemy aircraft in his path and while low on fuel still managed to drive them off. Thereby helping to help prevent further loss of life for his fellow soldiers.
April 19, 1967

Dale E. Wayrynen

Vietnam
Specialist Fourth Class Dale Eugene Wayrynen served in the Army for Company B, a member of the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, and the 101st Airborne Division. Wayrynen was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 27, 1969 posthumously. Where on May 18, 1967 he demonstrated outstanding bravery, courage, and self-sacrifice. As while on a rescue mission near Duc Pho, Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam, his unit was ambushed by enemy soldiers, and while dragging a fellow wounded soldier, Wayrynen suddenly thrust himself onto a live grenade to save the lives of his fellow men.
May 18, 1967

Kenneth L. Olson

Vietnam
Specialist Fourth Class Kenneth Lee Olson served in the Army for Company A, as a member of the 5th Battalion, and the 12th Infantry Regiment. Olson was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 23, 1970 posthumously. Where on May 13, 1968 he demonstrated extreme courage and self-sacrifice as he and a fellow soldier went on ahead from his regiment and were soon pinned down by heavy enemy fire. And while already wounded Olson continued to put himself directly in the line of enemy fire. Tragically however he soon perished while protecting the rest of his men from an enemy grenade blast. Yet his sacrifice inspired the rest of his regiment to overcome these enemy forces and defeat them once and for all.
May 13, 1968

Laszlo Rabel

Vietnam
Staff Sergeant Laszlo Rabel served in the Army for the Team Delta Company, as a member 74th Infantry Detachment, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade Regiment. Rabel was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 23, 1970 posthumously. Where on November 13, 1968 in the Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, he demonstrated outstanding bravery and heroism. As while on patrol he protected the rest of his regiment by jumping onto an enemy grenade and absorbing the complete impact.
November 13, 1968

Michael Reinert Blanchfield

Vietnam War

July 03, 1969

Robert J. Pruden

Vietnam
Staff Sergeant Robert Joseph Pruden served in the Army for Company G, the 75th Infantry Regiment, and as a member of the Americal Division. Pruden was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on May 26, 1971 for his actions at Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam. Where on November 29, 1969 he demonstrated outstanding courage and sacrifice by leading a reconnaissance team into enemy territory on what was deemed a suicide mission. As soon after he and his men became surrounded by enemy fire and the mission became compromised. Where Pruden took it upon himself to leave his position and run straight into enemy fire where he was wounded several times and yet still managed to get his men to safety.
November 29, 1969

Richard K. Sorenson

World War II
Private Richard Keith Sorenson served in the United States Marine Corps for Company M, as a member of the 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines Regiment, and 4th Marines Division. Sorenson was awarded the Medal of Honor on July 19, 1944. When on the February 1-2, 1944 he demonstrated extreme bravery and self-sacrifice during the fight at Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands. When he and five fellow Marines were occupying a shellhole a grenade was suddenly tossed in with them and acting quickly Sorenson covered it with his body and thereby saved the lives of his fellow soldiers. Even more astounding was the fact that he survived the blast despite being severely wounded.
February 01, 2015

Jesse Farley Dyer

Mexican Expedition
Captain Jesse Dyer served in the United States Marine Corps. Dyer was awarded the Medal of Honor on December 4, 1915. Where on April 14-15, 1914 he demonstrated outstanding leadership and courage while leading Marines with exemplary skill and conduct in the heat of battle at Vera Cruz.
April 14, 2015

Henry A. Courtney Jr.

World War II
Major Henry Alexis Courtney Jr. served in the United States Marine Corps for the 2nd Battalion, as a member of the 22nd Marines Regiment, and 6th Marine Division. Where he awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions on May 14th and 15th, 1945. As he was stationed near Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Islands and lead a near suicide mission of men to clear the surrounding area. Yet even as they were outmanned and outgunned Courtney was determined to advance his position. And even though his men managed to take out many enemy Japanese soldiers, tragically he was killed instantly by a hostile mortar. However in this sacrifice Courtney never wavered from his intentions to remain aggressive and fight the enemy to the very end and demonstrating amazing courage in his efforts.
May 14, 2015