
Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Blog Posts
Remembering Those We Lost
As Memorial Day approaches, we want to take a moment to honor and remember the Recipients who left us during this past year. These men bravely served our country and upheld the values of the Medal of Honor: courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, patriotism, and citizenship.
Bennie Adkins
Bennie Adkins was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service during the Vietnam War. He earned the Medal for his actions spanning between March 9-12, 1966. Recipient Adkins went beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety of others and saved the lives of several wounded comrades by retrieving much-needed supplies. His leadership during the thirty-eight hour battle and the following forty-eight hour escape and evasion displayed extraordinary heroism and selflessness.
On April 17th, 2020, we lost Recipient Adkins due to complications from the coronavirus. We invite you to honor his legacy and memory by reading more about his life and service.
Ronald J. Shurer II
Ronald J. Shurer II was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service with the United States Army during the War on Terrorism in Afghanistan. When attacked by enemy forces during the Battle of Shok Valley in April 2008, Recipient Shurer risked his own life to aid wounded soldiers. He put their needs above his own and eventually helped them evacuate via helicopter.
On May 14th, 2020, Shurer passed away at the age of 41 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. We continue to honor his service, bravery, and legacy today. Read his full story here.
Ronald E. Rosser
Ronald E. Rosser was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in the United States Army during the Korean War. On January 12, 1952, his company faced an attack from two directions. Leaping into action, Recipient Rosser charged the enemy trenches alone, exhausted all of his ammunition, and then made several return trips to his company for more ammo to continue the fight. His brave actions saved the lives of others, as he was able to remove his fellow wounded soldiers from harm’s way.
On August 26th, 2020, Ronald E. Rosser passed away in Bumpus Mills, Tennessee, at the age of ninety. Discover more about his story and service here.
Charles H. Coolidge
Charles H. Coolidge was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in the United States Army during World War II. In October 1944, Coolidge jumped into action and took the lead during a four-day forest battle next to the French village of Belmont-our-Battant. His quick and bold actions inspired his men, as he encouraged them and lifted their spirits. When it was time to withdraw from the enemy, he assigned himself as the last to leave.
On April 6th, 2021, Recipient Coolidge passed away peacefully in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the age of ninety-nine. Learn more about his leadership and bravery here.
Ernest E. West
Earnest E. West was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in the United States Army during the Korean War. Recipient West displayed courage and bravery when he voluntarily went to locate and destroy a reported enemy outpost.
While on this mission, he spotted his squad leader wounded and exposed to enemy fire. Jumping into action, he ordered troops to withdraw and braved the attack to assist him. When he returned the squad leader back to safety, he continued to fight and retrieved two other wounded soldiers. His actions and courage led all eight men in his squad to survive.
On May 1st, 2021, Recipient Earnest E. West passed away peacefully at the age of eighty-nine. We invite you to discover more about his story here.
These five men bravely served our country. We are honored to recognize them and their legacies throughout the month of May.
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