As part of our Character Development Program, we are proud to provide a variety of resources and lessons to help spread the values of the Medal of Honor and teach students about its Recipients. We are excited to announce that we have expanded our program to include new lessons and resources for secondary teachers to incorporate into their classrooms during the upcoming school year. 

Here are a handful of new lessons that help promote social-emotional learning and provide students with a good understanding of the Medal of Honor and its Recipients. 

Courage in the Face of Prejudice 

In our new lesson, “Courage in the Face of Prejudice” middle and high school students will recognize prejudice in the past and analyze how to address past injustices in the modern era. They also will have an opportunity to examine courage in the face of danger and how these courageous actions can ultimately protect others. Students will hear the story of Henry Johnson, who displayed courage and bravery during World War I. 

Spirit of Courage by Land of by Sea

“Spirit of Courage by Land or Sea”  has students reflect upon the Medal of Honor value of courage and how courageous actions can impact the lives of others. Students will learn the stories of Medal of Honor Recipients Van T. Barfoot, Ernest “Chief” Childers, and Ernest “Chief” Evans who all courageously served in World War II. 

Conquering Challenges with Integrity

Our new lesson “Conquering Challenges with Integrity” asks middle and high school students to evaluate the challenges of conquering personal and social obstacles with integrity. Students will also gain an understanding of the role of segregated Black soldiers during World War II by exploring the story of Recipient Vernon J. Baker, who served in the U.S. Army. 

Remembering the Fallen Heroes of Normandy

With “Remembering the Fallen Heroes of Normandy”, students will learn about the courage and sacrifice of Allied Forces in Normandy during World War II. They will take time to reflect on honoring the memory of the fallen and explain the importance of Memorial Day in the United States. Students will also have the opportunity to hear the stories of Recipients John E. Butts, Charles N. Deglopper, Jimmie W. Monteith Jr., and John J. Pinder Jr., all of whom made the ultimate sacrifice during their service. 

Sacrifice and Memory

“Sacrifice and Memory” asks students to explain the significance of sacrifice by exploring and understanding the observance of Memorial Day. Through this lesson, they will also learn about other holidays involving the United States Armed Forces. Students will also hear and explore the story of Medal of Honor Recipient Florent A. Groberg who served during the War on Terrorism in Afghanistan. 

Honoring Their Memory

In “Honoring Their Memory,” middle and high school students will synthesize information from various sources to understand a narrative. They will also explain the significance of sacrifice by exploring the observance of Memorial Day and how people honor the memory of the fallen. With this lesson, students will hear the story of Leroy Petry, who bravely served in the War on Terrorism in Afghanistan. 

Memory in Their Words 

In our lesson “Memory in Their Words,” students will analyze oral history sources to compare the concepts of memory and sacrifice over time in the context of the experiences of Medal of Honor Recipients. They will hear the stories of James E. Livingston, Leroy A. Petry, Robert B. Nett, and George H. O’Brien Jr. 

William H. Carney: Commitment in Action

In “William H. Carney: Commitment in Action,” students will understand the historical context of African-American soldiers in the U.S. Army during the Civil War and discover how courage transcends race and citizenship status through individual decisions and actions. Students will learn the story of William H. Carney, who courageously served in the U.S. Civil War. 

Interested in Learning More About Our New Lessons? 

On July 20th, we will be hosting a webinar to provide teachers with recent updates to our Character Development Program, including these new lessons, new online training, and refreshed resources. Click here to register for this free 30-minute presentation. 

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