List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War I

World War I (also known as the First World War and the Great War) was a global military conflict that involved most of the world's great powers. The war was assembled in two opposing groups: the Entente and the Central Powers.  The immediate cause of the war was the June 28, 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. He was heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. He was killed by Gavrilo Princip who was a Bosnian Serb citizen of Austria–Hungary. He was also a member of the Black Hand.  The retaliation by Austria–Hungary against Serbia activated a series of alliances that set off a chain reaction of war declarations. Within a month, much of Europe was in a state of open warfare. This resulted in the mobilization of more than 65 million European soldiers, and more than 40 million casualties—including approximately 20 million deaths by the end of the war.

When World War I broke out, the United States maintained a policy of isolationism, avoiding conflict while trying to negotiate peace between the warring nations. However, when a German U-boat sank the British liner Lusitania in 1915, with 128 Americans aboard, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson demanded an end to attacks on passenger ships. Germany complied and Wilson unsuccessfully tried to mediate a settlement. He repeatedly warned that the U.S. would not tolerate unrestricted submarine warfare, in violation of international law.

By the time the United States of America entered the war in 1917—three years after the first shots were fired—several Americans had already gone to fight as pilots by joining the Royal Flying Corps. These pilots reported to Canada, and after flight training were sent to fight as officers in the British military.

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.

By the end of the war, 119 men received the Medal for their actions (33 of them posthumously): 90 from the Army, 21 from the Navy, and 8 from the Marine Corps. Among the recipients were Alvin York, who later became the basis for the movie Sergeant York, and Edward Rickenbacker, who became a flying ace. Ralph Talbot of the Marine Corps also became a flying ace and was the first Marine aviator to receive the Medal of Honor.

Since the Medal of Honor was established, 19 recipients have received it twice, of whom 5 received both awards during World War I. These 5 men were all Marines who received both the Army and Navy versions of the Medal of Honor for the same action. This was made possible by the practice of attaching some units of the U.S. Marine Corps, a part of the Department of the Navy, to larger U.S. Army commands, making Marines in such units eligible for both Army and Navy decorations. Of the other three Marines who earned the Medal of Honor during World War I, two were awarded only the Navy version and one, Fred W. Stockham, received only the Army version. In February 1919, the criteria for the award were amended to state that no person could receive more than one Medal of Honor, thus precluding any future double recipients.

Recipients

Image Name Service Rank Place of action Date of actionNotesArmyE-05SergeantSingle-handedly attacked and captured a machine gun position75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a man in a neatly-pressed military uniform with four medals hanging from ribbons on his chest and a garrison cap.ArmyE-04CorporalTook command of his platoon after all officers had been killed or wounded and single-handedly captured a machine gun nestArmyO-03CaptainSwam across a canal under fire, encouraging his men to follow, then led his unit in the capture of 100 prisoners75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a clean-cut square-jawed young man in an army uniform, U.S. Army World War I style, with a campaign hat.ArmyE-07First SergeantSingle-handedly attacked and captured a machine gun nest75px|alt=Head of man in his late twenties, wearing a U.S. Army officer's peaked capArmyO-01Second LieutenantKilled while trying to rescue a wounded soldier under heavy fireNavyE-06Pharmacist's Mate First Class and Exposed himself to intense fire in order to treat the wounded and establish a dressing stationArmyE-02Private First ClassWith Jesse N. Funk, entered no man's land and rescued two wounded officersArmyE-01PrivateSwam the Meuse River and reconnoitered German positions under heavy fire, drowned on the return tripArmyE-02Private First ClassManned a machine gun inside a disabled tank and single-handedly repelled two German counterattacksArmyE-01PrivateSingle-handedly attacked and silenced two machine gun nestsArmyE-01PrivateKilled while trying to carry a message calling for reinforcements through heavy fireAir ServiceO-01Second LieutenantKilled while trying to supply the Lost Battalion by air with Harold Goettler75pxNavyO-03LieutenantExposed himself to intense fire in order to treat the wounded and bring in supplies75pxNavyO-03Lieutenant en route to Buenos Aires, ArgentinaEntered a room containing explosives and extinguished a fire after an accidental detonationArmyO-02First Lieutenant – Continued to fight although suffering from severe woundsArmyE-04CorporalRescued a wounded officer from a disabled tank and carried him to safety under intense fire75px|alt=Head of a young man with full cheeks wearing a military peaked cap and looking off into the distance.NavyE-03SeamanDove into a flooded compartment to find and plug a leak which threatened his shipArmyO-03CaptainLed from the front despite intense machine gun fire until being mortally woundedArmyE-05SergeantSingle-handedly attacked and silenced three machine gun nestsArmyE-01PrivateMortally wounded while attacking a machine gun nest alone after everyone else in his team had become casualties75pxNavyE-04Ship's Cook Third ClassDove overboard and rescued a man who was surrounded by boxes of explosives75px|alt=Head and torso of a man with neatly combed hair and a toothbrush mustache. He is wearing a dressy military uniform with an array of medals on his chest, a medal tightly around his neck, and shoulder cords.Marine CorpsE-05SergeantSingle-handedly attacked and captured a German strongpointReceived both the Army and Navy versions of the Medal of Honor for the same action; one of nineteen people to receive two Medals of HonorArmyE-02Private First ClassMortally wounded while single-handedly attacking and silencing a machine gun position75px|alt=Three-quarters shot of a middle-aged man in a plain military uniform, standing almost at attention. He is wearing a campaign hat and two medals on his chest.ArmyE-05SergeantRescued six wounded men despite intense fire75px|alt=Head and shoulders of an older man with neatly combed and parted gray hair wearing a suit and tie.ArmyO-05Lieutenant Colonel – Exposed himself to fire in order to lead and organize his men, remained with them after being woundedArmyO-02First LieutenantContinued to lead after being wounded and, with another soldier, silenced a machine gun nestArmyE-02Private First ClassKilled while carrying a message through intense fireArmyE-02Private First ClassAlthough severely injured, single-handedly entered a German trench and killed or captured the occupantsArmyE-05SergeantWith two other men, rescued the crew of a disabled tank and protected them from attack all dayArmyE-05SergeantSingle-handedly attacked and captured several German positionsArmyE-05SergeantSingle-handedly attacked and silenced a machine gun nestArmyE-05SergeantSingle-handedly silenced a machine gun nestArmyE-02Private First ClassWith Charles D. Barger, entered no man's land and rescued two wounded officersArmyO-02First LieutenantSingle-handedly attacked and silenced a series of machine gun nestsArmyE-02Private First ClassSingle-handedly captured and held a German position until reinforcements arrivedAir ServiceO-02First LieutenantKilled while trying to supply the Lost Battalion by air with Erwin Bleckley75pxNavyE-03Seaman en route to Buenos Aires, ArgentinaExtinguished a fire after an accidental explosionArmyE-05SergeantSingle-handedly attacked and captured three German positions75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a man in a neatly pressed military uniform with three medals on his chest, a tight upright collar, and garrison cap.ArmyE-07First SergeantSingle-handedly silenced a machine gun nestArmyE-05SergeantSingle-handedly attacked and silenced a machine gun nest, killed while attacking a second75px|alt=Head of a young man in military uniform with shoulder straps, a high, stiff, collar, and a cap.Naval ReserveO-01EnsignRescued a fellow pilot who had been shot downArmyE-05SergeantSwam the Meuse River and reconnoitered German positions under heavy fire75px|alt=A black and white headshot of Hayden in his military dress uniform without a hat and smiling.NavyE-03Hospital Apprentice First ClassReached a wounded man, treated him, and carried him to safety despite intense fireArmyO-02First Lieutenant – Carried messages through heavy fireArmyE-04CorporalSingle-handedly attacked and captured a machine gun nest, killed while attacking a secondArmyE-04CorporalRan through heavy fire to rescue a downed French pilotArmyE-05SergeantLed an attack which successfully captured a machine gun nestArmyO-03Captain – As part of the Lost Battalion, continued to lead despite being repeatedly wounded and rescued two wounded men from under intense fire75pxNavyE-06Gunner's Mate First Class, off the coast of IrelandKilled while attempting to release depth charges in the face of an oncoming torpedo75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a young white man with a cleft chin and neatly combed hair parted at the side. He is wearing a dark, heavy, pea coat with military shoulder straps.NavyO-03LieutenantGerman submarine U-90Gathered intellegience while a prisoner of war, escaped and brought the information to the AlliesMarine CorpsE-07Gunnery SergeantSingle-handedly attacked and dispersed a machine gun detachmentServed under the name Charles F. HoffmanArmyE-02Private First ClassSwam the Meuse River and reconnoitered German positions under heavy fireArmyE-05SergeantWith Calvin Ward, attacked and captured a machine gun nestArmyE-05SergeantRescued a wounded man from under heavy fireArmyE-07First SergeantAlthough wounded, single-handedly attacked and captured a machine gunMarine CorpsE-01PrivateSingle-handedly attacked a machine gun nest under an artillery barrage75px|alt=Head of a young man with thick, dark, hair parted at the side. He is wearing a military jacket with a high collar and bright buttons down the center.Marine CorpsE-05SergeantSingle-handedly silenced a machine gun nest and led a successful attack on a second nestArmyE-05SergeantWith two other men, rescued the crew of a disabled tank and protected them from attack all dayArmyE-07First SergeantSingle-handedly silenced three machine guns, killed while attacking a fourth with another manArmyE-01PrivateSingle-handedly attacked and captured a machine gun75px|alt=Head and torso of a white man with short, light, hair and a stern look on his face. His arms are crossed and he is wearing a military uniform with a strap across the chest, a high stiff collar, and a winged badge on his left breast. Behind him can be seen part of a biplane.Air ServiceO-01Second LieutenantDestroyed three observation balloons before being forced to land because of mortal wounds75pxNavyO-04Lieutenant CommanderFranceExposed himself to hostile fire to treat a wounded man75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a man wearing a military jacket with a tie and high-collared white shirt underneath. A medal hangs from around his neck and his hat, a peaked cap, bears an anchor-shaped emblem with the letters "USN".NavyE-07Chief Boatswain's Mate in the Bay of BiscaySecured a live depth charge75px|alt=Head and torso of a man in a dressy military uniform, with white gloves, stripes on his sleeve near the wrist, emblems on his collar, a decorated peaked cap, and a sword held loosely in his hand.Naval ReserveO-04Lieutenant CommanderContinued to lead his ship after being severely wounded during a U-boat attack75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a middle-aged man in military uniform with a strap across his chest, four medals on his left breast, and a peaked cap.ArmyO-03CaptainLed a small group in the capture of a series of German positionsArmyE-04CorporalTook command of his platoon and, although repeatedly wounded, led his men forward75pxNavyE-06Shipfitter First ClassRescued the pilot of a crashed observation balloonArmyO-03Captain – As part of the Lost Battalion, continued to lead and encourage his men despite being repeatedly woundedArmyE-05SergeantRescued a wounded officer from under heavy fireArmyO-03CaptainLed an attack against a German trench and continued to lead after being severely woundedArmyO-04MajorContinued to lead an attack despite being repeatedly wounded, later died of his woundsArmyE-01PrivateLed a small group in capturing a series of machine gun nests and then treated the woundedArmyE-01PrivateAlthough wounded and cut off from his unit, helped hold off a German counterattackArmyE-05SergeantContinued to lead an attack despite being repeatedly woundedNavyE-07Chief Machinist's MateRescued the gunner of a downed plane, tried unsuccessfully to rescue the pilot75px|alt=Head of a young man with carefully combed hair wearing a dark military tunic with an oak leaf emblem and bar on the upright collar.NavyO-02Lieutenant, Junior GradeKilled while rescuing wounded men from under heavy fireArmyE-04CorporalKilled while attempting to rescue the crew of a disabled tankArmyO-01Second Lieutenant – Led an attack which captured a German strong point, continued to lead after being woundedArmyE-01PrivateRescued two wounded men from under heavy fireArmyE-02Private First ClassSingly-handedly attacked and captured a pillbox75pxNaval ReserveO-03LieutenantTended the wounded despite artillery and gas attacks, even after his gas mask was rendered useless75px|alt=Head of a young man with neatly combed and parted hair wearing a military cadet's jacket, with cords running horizontally across the chest and a high, stiff collar.ArmyO-05Lieutenant ColonelContinued to lead after being mortally wounded while aiding an injured soldier75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a clean cut man in military uniform with four medals hanging from ribbons on his chest and a garrison cap.ArmyE-04CorporalSingle-handedly attacked and silenced a machine gun nest75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a square-jawed young man with short, light, hair, which stands straight up in the front. He is wearing a military jacket with breast pockets and a row of buttons down the center.Marine CorpsE-04CorporalSingle-handedly captured two machine guns and forty prisonersArmyO-01Second LieutenantLed his platoon in the capture of a machine gun nest and continued to lead after being wounded75px|alt=Head and torso of a man turned in his chair, his right arm laying stiffly on the arm rest in front of him. He is wearing a military uniform with a strap diagonally across the chest, a winged emblem on his left breast, and a garrison cap.Air ServiceO-02First LieutenantAttacked seven German planes, shooting down twoArmyO-02First Lieutenant – Continued to lead despite being repeatedly woundedArmyE-04CorporalDrowned after pushing another man to safety when their tank fell into a water-filled shell hole75pxMarine CorpsE-07Gunnery Sergeant and Continued to fire his weapon after being severely wounded in an aerial battle against twelve German planesArmyE-04CorporalSingle-handedly attacked and silenced a machine gun nest75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a stern faced man in a military uniform with breast pockets, shoulder straps, and garrison cap.ArmyE-05SergeantSingle-handedly attacked three machine gun nestsArmyE-05SergeantKilled while aiding a wounded man under heavy fireArmyO-02First LieutenantLed his men in a defense against German counterattacks, personally captured a German officer and extracted information from him75px|alt=Head of a man wearing a dark jacket and tie and a peaked cap with an anchor and "USN" emblem on the front.NavyE-07Chief Gunner's MateRescued a wounded man from the water and attempted to rescue another75px|alt=A white marble headstone with a cross, "LLOYD M. SEIBERT", a medal, then "MEDAL OF HONOR" "CWO" "US ARMY" "WORLD WAR I" "MAY 23 1889" "OCT 15 1972" "SS PH"ArmyE-05SergeantAlthough ill, led his men in an attack on a machine gun and continued to lead after being woundedNavyE-05Boatswain's Mate Second ClassRescued two men from a burning vessel before being trapped and collapsing from the smokeArmyO-03CaptainKilled while leading two other men in an attack on German pillboxes75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a young man in a military uniform with an array of medals on his chest and a garrison cap with a "US" button.ArmyE-01PrivateSingle-handedly attacked and captured a group of German soldiersArmyO-05Lieutenant ColonelDrew German fire onto himself so his men could find cover, retrieved a supply of grenades and was mortally wounded while planning a counterattack75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a man in military uniform with a line of large buttons down the middle of his jacket, two medals hanging from ribbons on his chest, and a peaked cap with an eagle, globe, and anchor emblem on the front. An image of a star-shaped medal with the word "valor" is superimposed over the bottom right of the image.Marine CorpsE-07Gunnery Sergeant – Gave his gas mask to a wounded comrade, later died of poison gas exposureArmyE-04CorporalLed an attack on German positions and continued to lead after being mortally wounded75px|alt=A seated man, his hands folded and resting on his knee, in military uniform with stripes on his sleeve near the wrist, oak leaf and anchor emblems on his collar, and a peaked cap.Naval ReserveO-01EnsignSecured a group of live depth charges75px|alt=Head of a young, dark-haired man in a white military coat with bright buttons and an emblem on the collar.Marine CorpsO-01Second Lieutenant and With gunner Robert G. Robinson, shot down one plane in an aerial battle against twelve German aircraftArmyE-05SergeantSingle-handedly attacked and silenced a machine gunArmyO-04MajorGuided a tank towards a German machine gun nest on foot, despite intense fireArmyE-04CorporalSingle-handedly attacked and captured a German strong pointArmyO-02First LieutenantKilled while leading his men in a series of attacks despite being woundedNavyO-01EnsignDove overboard and rescued a man who was surrounded by boxes of explosivesArmyE-01PrivateWith another man, silenced two machine gun nests and attacked a German trenchArmyE-05SergeantUnder heavy fire, reconnoitered a damaged bridge and swam the river to investigate German positionsArmyE-04CorporalSingle-handedly attacked a dugout and captured a machine gun nestArmyE-05SergeantRescued two men from a burning tank under heavy fireArmyE-01PrivateWith James Karnes, attacked and captured a machine gun nestArmyE-07First SergeantSingle-handedly attacked a machine gun nestArmyO-04Major – As commander of the Lost Battalion, led his unit in holding their position and refused to surrenderArmyO-01Second LieutenantContinued to lead and fight after being mortally woundedArmyE-01PrivateWith another soldier, silenced four machine gun nests, killed while attacking a fifth75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a man in military uniform wearing the Medal of Honor.ArmyO-02First LieutenantSupported by his company, attacked and silenced three machine gun nests75px|alt=Head and shoulders of a man in military uniform with combed back hair and a neatly trimmed mustache. Three medals hang from ribbons on his chest.ArmyE-04CorporalTook command of his platoon and led an attack on a machine gun nest

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World War I