The Medal of Honor Recipients’ Museum in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, has a new feature focusing on the War on Terrorism, which spotlights the stories of valor and sacrifice in the War on Terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. This addition to the museum that is overseen by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society is accompanied by an extension of the Vietnam War section of the museum. The interactive exhibit brings to life the stores of Medal of Honor Recipients from their respective wars.  

The Recipients who fought gallantly in these wars embody the core values of the Medal of Honor: courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice, citizenship, and patriotism. It is our hope that these new portions of the museum will inspire attendees to take up those values for themselves. 

Here is what you can expect from the new additions.  

The New Exhibit for The War On Terrorism: 

The focus of The War on Terrorism feature in the Medal of Honor Museum is the brave sacrifices of all veterans from the War on Terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. In this section, attendees will learn about five Recipients from those conflicts: John Chapman from the U.S. Air Force, Jason Dunham from the U.S. Marine Corps, Michael Murphy from the U.S. Navy, and Ronald Shurer II, and Paul R. Smith both from the U.S. Army. While attending this interactive exhibit, visitors will hear about the brave sacrifices these men made during their service and how they contributed to the fight against Terrorism.  

The Expanded Section on The Vietnam War: 

This newly expanded section focusing on the Vietnam War includes two mini-documentaries which highlight Recipients John Levitow from the U.S. Air Force and Bennie Adkins from the U.S. Army. Those who attend this exhibit will be able to experience the existing portion of the Vietnam war exhibit as well as watch the new documentaries on these two brave men.  

Why Should You Visit the Medal of Honor Recipients’ Museum? 

Upon receiving the Society’s Patriot Award in 1983, President Ronald Reagan said, “It’s so easy to love America.” This museum helps the visitor understand why by offering ways to learn about our country and what it stands for as well as pay tribute to those who have gone above and beyond for our freedom. It is an educational, interactive, and family-friendly experience where any person or family can learn about what the Medal of Honor stands for and why we should all strive to live out those values in our own lives.  

Medal of Honor Recipient and Society President Leroy Petry commented on the additions to the museum, “As a veteran of the War on Terrorism, I know firsthand how critical it is to educate the public about the courage and sacrifices of our service members in Afghanistan and Iraq and before that, Vietnam. We must never forget what these individuals have done. The stories in this exhibit provide lessons for a new generation about what it means to love your fellow soldiers and sailors on the battlefield and what it means to love your country.” 

Where Is The Museum? 

The Medal of Honor museum is located onboard the U.S.S. Yorktown at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. To learn more about the museum, see pictures of exhibits and buy tickets, visit our page here.  

About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society 

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Medal of Honor and its Recipients, inspiring Americans, and supporting the Recipients as they connect with communities across the country. Chartered by Congress in 1958, its membership consists exclusively of those individuals who have received the Medal of Honor, including 66 living Recipients. 

The Society carries out its mission through outreach, education, and historical preservation programs, including the Medal of Honor Museum, Valor Outreach Program, Character Development Program, and more. 

Learn more about the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s initiatives and how you can partner with us at https://www.cmohs.org.