www.WisVets.com/MOH

The Medal of Honor is the highest military award for bravery that can be conferred on a member of the American armed forces. The origins of the Medal of Honor began when SB 82 was submitted in December 1861 and signed into law by President Lincoln, creating 200 Medals of Honor for Navy and Marine members who distinguished themselves in action during the Civil War. In July 1862 legislation allowed the creation of 2000 Medals of Honors for non-commissioned Army officers and privates who display gallantry in action. In March 1863 that legislation was expanded to include Army officers. A third type of Medal of Honor was added in 1965 for gallantry in action by members of the Air Force.

From the Civil War through the Vietnam War there have been 62 citizens of Wisconsin to receive the Medal of Honor. A list of these individuals is available by conflict from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Wisconsin Medal of Honor Recipients webpage. The museum also has two Medal of Honor medals in its collections that were awarded to Lt. Jerome Sudut and Cpl. Mitchell Redcloud, Jr. both during the Korean War era. Lt. Sudut's Medal of Honor is currently on display in the Korean War gallery. A third Medal of Honor was recently acquired by the museum. The medal had been awarded posthumously in 1945 to Staff Sgt. Gerald Endl.

The United States Congress chose March 25th when it designated a National Medal of Honor Day as the first Medal of Honor awards were made to six members of Andrew's Raiders during the Civil War on March 25, 1863. 2009 Wisconsin Act 144 enacted on March 3, 2010 creates an annual Wisconsin Medal of Honor Day. Remember to fly your flag with pride.

2009 Wisconsin Act 144 published March 17, 2010

AN ACT to create 14.16 (13) of the statutes; relating to: directing the governor to annually proclaim March 25 as Medal of Honor Day.

The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows: SECTION 1. 14.16 (13) of the statutes is created to read:
14.16 (13) MEDAL OF HONOR DAY.

The governor shall annually proclaim March 25 as Medal of Honor Day to celebrate and honor those members of the U.S. armed forces who have been awarded the Medal of Honor for their valor in action above and beyond the call of duty and to recognize their bravery, heroism, and sacrifice for the United States.

Proclamation by Governor Scott Walker:  Medal of Honor Day in Wisconsin

Medal of Honor Day Links

Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Lt. Jerome Sudut's Medal of Honor displayed in the Korean War Gallery of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum

National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History

U.S. Army Center of Military History – Medal of Honor

Wisconsin Medal of Honor Recipients