Celebrating National Medal of Honor Day
National Medal of Honor Day has been recognized since 1991. Since then, the holiday has taken place on March 25th, honoring heroism and sacrifice. The National Medal of Honor, also known as the Congressional Medal of Honor, was signed into law in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. Those who have been awarded a Medal of Honor meet certain criteria, which includes completing a meritorious action above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States, while engaged in conflict with an opposing foreign force during military operations, or while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing force.
Some of the first recipients of the National Medal of Honor were Union raiders William Bensinger, Robert Buffum, Elihu Mason, Jacob Parrott, William Pittenger, and William Reddick in the Great Locomotive Chase during the Civil War. The Great Locomotive Chase was a Civil War military raid in northern Georgia. Civilian James Andrews led the Union Army volunteers on a raid during which they took over a train called “The General” and disrupted Rebel supply lines. The six Union raiders received their Medals of Honor on March 25th, 1863.
Honoring Hometown Heroes
Sergeant Sims, who received the Medal of Honor on December 2nd, 1969
Sergeant Clifford Sims and Lieutenant Clyde Lassen are two recipients of the National Medal of Honor who were born in Jacksonville, Florida. Sergeant Clifford Sims served in the Vietnam War, and took action that led to earning the Medal of Honor on February 21, 1968. Sims earned this award for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company D.” Sims led his squad into an attack against enemy forces in Vietnam and noticed a brick structure filled with ammunition on fire. Sims and his squad left the area with two injured members, but If it weren’t for Sims’ quick actions, serious casualties could have occured. Sims also hurled himself onto a booby trap as it exploded, taking the full impact of the blast to keep his squad members safe. Sergeant Sims’ heroism at the potential cost of his own life earned him the National Medal of Honor on December 2nd, 1969.
Lieutenant Lassen, who received the Medal of Honor on January 16, 1969
Lieutenant Clyde Lassen also served in the Vietnam War, and took actions that led to receiving a National Medal of Honor on June 19, 1968. Lassen served in the Navy and piloted his helicopter over unknown terrain in North Vietnam. Survivors had been located in this area, and despite enemy fire being launched at Lassen’s helicopter, he did successfully hovered the aircraft between two trees to rescue the survivors. The helicopter crashed after colliding with a tree, but Lassen remained in the area, determined to make another rescue attempt. After a second failed rescue attempt, no remaining flares to illuminate the area, and a damaged aircraft, Lassen tried one last time to save the survivors. Lassen successfully landed his aircraft and the survivors were able to board the helicopter. Lieutenant Lassen was awarded his Medal of Honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson on January 16, 1969.
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