Congressional Medal of Honor Society

On this day in 1968, James Fleming went above and beyond the call of duty while serving in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. His actions embody the courage, selflessness, and profound commitment to his comrades that define the Medal of Honor. In the face of overwhelming danger, Fleming piloted his UH-1F transport helicopter to rescue a six-man Special Forces reconnaissance patrol under threat of being overrun by a heavily armed hostile force. With one helicopter already downed and intense enemy fire raining around him, Fleming displayed unparalleled bravery. He balanced his helicopter precariously on a riverbank, the tail boom hovering over open water, in an effort to reach the patrol. When the team could not reach the landing site, he withdrew—only to return moments later, dangerously low on fuel, to attempt the rescue again. Exposing himself to a barrage of hostile fire, he held his position long enough for the patrol to board, sustaining damage to his helicopter but ensuring the safety of his fellow servicemen. His successful takeoff under fire and safe recovery to base demonstrated extraordinary gallantry, courage, and a selfless dedication to his mission and comrades. Fleming is one of only 60 living Medal of Honor Recipients, a breathing reminder of the remarkable valor and sacrifice that defines our nation’s heroes. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is dedicated to preserving the legacy of heroes like Fleming, ensuring their stories inspire generations to come. Join us in honoring their bravery and commitment to our nation by making a donation here: https://lnkd.in/gjuyyWW. ????

On this day in 1950, Ralph Puckett, Jr. went above and beyond the call of duty while serving in the United States Army during the Korean War. Leading the 8th U.S. Army Ranger Company in an assault on Hill 205, Puckett demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness. As his unit faced intense enemy fire from mortars, machine guns, and small arms, Puckett exposed himself to the danger by mounting a tank to direct supporting fire and rally his men. Once on foot, he ran across open terrain three times under heavy fire, intentionally drawing the enemy’s attention so his men could locate and neutralize enemy positions, securing the hill. That night, as the Rangers defended their position, the enemy launched a relentless counterattack with five human-wave assaults. Wounded by grenade fragments, Puckett refused evacuation and continued to lead, directing critical artillery fire that decimated the advancing enemy. He moved across the battlefield to check defenses, distribute ammunition, and encourage his men, all while under constant fire. During a sixth and final attack, Puckett was gravely injured when two mortar rounds struck his foxhole. Despite his wounds, he ordered his men to leave him behind and withdraw to safety. His Rangers refused the order, rescuing him under enemy fire and carrying him to safety. Even as they retreated, Puckett directed devastating artillery fire onto the enemy-controlled hill, ensuring their escape. Puckett’s unwavering bravery, leadership, and commitment to his men that day embody the highest ideals of service and sacrifice. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor more than 70 years later, in May 2021, by President Biden. Puckett continued to inspire others with his humility, wisdom, and courage until his passing in April 2024. By supporting the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, you help preserve Puckett's legacy and the legacies of all our Recipients, ensuring their stories inspire future generations for years to come. Consider donating to this important mission today: https://lnkd.in/gjuyyWW

? VOTE FOR THE MEDAL OF HONOR MUSEUM ? The Medal of Honor Museum at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum has been nominated for Best New Museum in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards! This recognition celebrates the Museum’s impact and inspiring tribute to our nation's Medal of Honor Recipients. Located aboard the USS Yorktown in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, the Museum offers an immersive experience, honoring the bravery and humanity of the fewer than 4,000 who have received our nation’s highest recognition for valor in combat. While the Medal itself transcends every combat, branch, rank, and race, each story is a reminder that courage, sacrifice, and integrity are within us all. Help us ‘honor the sacrifice and inspire the future’ by ensuring our nation’s heroes receive the recognition they deserve! Your vote will shine a spotlight on the Museum’s powerful message that ordinary people can accomplish the extraordinary. Vote DAILY for the Medal of Honor Museum until December 23rd: https://lnkd.in/gWMb3Afh

As Giving Tuesday approaches, we invite you to help preserve the enduring legacy of our nation's Medal of Honor heroes—individuals who embody the very essence of what it means to be American: to serve others with courage, integrity, and selflessness. The Medal of Honor transcends all boundaries—combat, branch, rank, and race—standing as a timeless symbol of sacrifice, unity, and unwavering devotion to our nation’s highest ideals. Your support ensures that the stories of these fewer than 4,000 recipients continue to inspire generations to come, fostering a commitment to the values that strengthen our nation and our communities. Why wait until Giving Tuesday? Honor the legacy of American heroism today by visiting cmohs.org/foundation/give and investing in the future of these powerful stories and lessons. Together, we can honor the sacrifice and inspire the future.

On this day in 2010, while serving in the United States Marine Corps during the Global War on Terror in Afghanistan, 20-year-old Kyle Carpenter went above and beyond the call of duty to protect his fellow Marines. While stationed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, during Operation Enduring Freedom, Carpenter was manning a rooftop security position when a grenade landed inside his sandbagged position. Without hesitation, he threw himself onto the grenade to shield his comrade, absorbing the blast and saving his fellow Marine’s life. Carpenter’s actions that day exemplified undaunted courage and selflessness in the face of enemy attack. Severely wounded, Carpenter would later receive the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama on June 19, 2014. His response to why he risked his life that day is as simple as it is profound: “Because you are worth it.” Today, we honor Kyle Carpenter—one of the 60 living Medal of Honor Recipients—for his heroic actions that day and the life he continues to lead. By supporting the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, you help preserve Carpenter’s legacy and the legacies of all our Recipients, ensuring their stories inspire future generations for years to come.

On behalf of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, we want to wish U.S. Army Medal of Honor Recipient Walter Marm a very happy birthday! Today, he is one of only 60 living Medal of Honor Recipients. During the Vietnam War, Marm went above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrating extraordinary courage in the face of overwhelming odds. Leading his platoon through the Ia Drang Valley to support a friendly unit surrounded by a massive enemy force, Marm's actions turned the tide of the battle. Under heavy fire, Marm eliminated advancing enemy soldiers and then took bold action when his troops were pinned down by a concealed machine gun. With unwavering resolve, he exposed himself to locate the threat and charged 30 meters across open ground under intense fire, deploying grenades to neutralize the enemy position. Severely wounded, he continued his assault, breaking the enemy advance and saving countless lives. For his extraordinary heroism, Marm was awarded the Medal of Honor. Please join us in celebrating Walter Marm's birthday and honoring the courage and selflessness he displayed in service to our nation.

Last week, in honor of Veterans Day, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society partnered with Purple Heart Homes and the Patriot Military Family Foundation to host the Selfless Service Alliance Awards, celebrating those who go above and beyond to serve the veteran community. This year, the prestigious 2024 Selfless Service Award was presented to Montel Williams, a veteran, television personality, and passionate advocate for service members and their families. The event was graced by the presence of several of our nation's living Medal of Honor Recipients, including Paris Davis, Ed Byers, Robert Patterson, Walter Marm, and keynote speaker Jim McCloughan. Williams’ dedication to veterans is rooted in his distinguished military career. He began in the United States Marine Corps and became the first Black Marine selected to attend the Naval Academy Prep School. He went on to graduate from the United States Naval Academy with degrees in engineering and international security. As a Naval Officer, he earned multiple commendations, including Meritorious Service and Navy Achievement Medals, and became fluent in Russian and Mandarin through the Defense Language Institute. Today, Williams continues to serve through his work as the host of Military Makeover, a transformative television show dedicated to renovating the homes and lives of veterans and their families. We are grateful for such a meaningful partnership and to celebrate those who continue to go 'above and beyond' in service to others and uphold the values of the Medal of Honor.

On this day in 1968, Michael Crescenz displayed remarkable courage and selflessness during the Vietnam War, actions that would forever define his legacy and inspire generations to come. While serving as a rifleman in the United States Army with his unit in Company A, Crescenz and his comrades encountered a large, well-entrenched North Vietnamese force. Their sudden and overwhelming fire pinned down the lead squad, halting their advance and claiming the lives of two soldiers at the front. Faced with incredible danger and recognizing the immediate need to protect his fellow soldiers, Crescenz made a choice that defined the meaning of going “above and beyond the call of duty.” Leaving the relative safety of his position, Crescenz seized a nearby machine gun and charged up a slope toward the enemy, fully exposing himself to withering fire. He eliminated two bunkers, silencing them and allowing his unit to move forward. Undeterred by the relentless enemy attack, he advanced again, destroying another bunker and continuing to pave the way for his comrades. Tragically, while moving toward a fourth hidden bunker, Crescenz was mortally wounded. His actions, however, had already ensured his unit's ability to maneuver safely and ultimately complete their mission. His courage, sacrifice, and unyielding determination saved countless lives and turned the tide for his company in a moment of critical need. Michael Crescenz’s heroism represents the highest ideals of service, valor, and sacrifice. His willingness to give his life for others not only reflects his profound character but also honors the values that the Medal of Honor represents. Today, we honor his extraordinary bravery and selfless service, remembering a man whose actions continue to inspire us all to strive for courage, integrity, and a commitment to something greater than ourselves.

On this day in 1967 during the Vietnam War, Sammy Davis went above and beyond the call of duty while serving in the United States Army. In the early hours of November 18, Davis and his unit were stationed at a remote fire support base when they came under heavy enemy mortar fire. Moments later, a reinforced Viet Cong battalion launched a fierce ground assault, advancing to within 25 meters of the American position. Separated from the enemy only by a river, Davis quickly seized a machine gun, providing covering fire to protect his crew as they prepared artillery to repel the attack. During the battle, an enemy round struck the howitzer, blasting Davis and his crew away from their weapon. Despite painful injuries, Davis returned to the burning howitzer, rammed a shell into the gun, and fired multiple rounds—disregarding the withering hail of enemy fire. Each time the weapon's recoil knocked him down, Davis got back up to fire again, ultimately repelling the enemy assault. While surveying the battlefield, Davis spotted three wounded comrades stranded across the river. Though he could not swim, Davis grabbed an air mattress and paddled through the deep, enemy-fire-swept waters. Upon reaching the wounded men, he stood guard, firing into the dense vegetation to keep the enemy at bay. Davis helped the most critically injured man across the river, then returned to bring the other two to safety. Despite his own extensive injuries, Davis refused medical treatment and rejoined his unit, helping another howitzer crew repel the remaining enemy forces. For his unparalleled courage and selflessness, Sammy Davis was awarded the Medal of Honor. Today, he is one of only 60 living recipients of our nation’s highest military honor, and his heroism continues to inspire generations. ????

In honor of Veterans Day, our employees had the opportunity to hear from Medal of Honor recipient MSG Earl Plumlee (Ret.) in a virtual event hosted by Zillow’s Veterans Employee Resource Group. We are grateful for MSG Plumlee, and all those who serve and have served. His story reminds us of the dedication of those who serve—and the importance of supporting them in meaningful ways as they transition to civilian life. At Zillow, we’re committed to advancing policies, practices and products that support fair housing for all people, including veterans and active military. #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans