Throughout history, countless brave men and women have selflessly served their country and sacrificed their lives for the greater good. Some of these courageous individuals have been recognized for their exceptional courage and bravery on the battlefield.
The incredible feats of heroism of the most decorated soldiers of all time have earned them the highest military honors and distinctions.
From ancient times to modern-day conflicts, these soldiers have demonstrated unparalleled courage, dedication, and resilience in the face of danger.
Keep reading as we explore the incredible stories of the ten most decorated soldiers of all time.
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Most Decorated Soldiers Of All Time
#1. Audie Murphy
Audie Murphy is one of the most decorated soldiers due to his extraordinary bravery and exceptional service during World War II. He served in the US Army as an infantryman and fought in several key campaigns, including the invasion of Sicily, the Battle of Anzio, and the liberation of France.
During his service, Murphy demonstrated remarkable courage and skill on the battlefield, earning him an astonishing 33 medals and decorations. Among his many honors, Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military award in the United States.
He earned this honor for his actions during a fierce battle in the Colmar Pocket in France in 1945. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, Murphy single-handedly took out several enemy tanks and machine gun nests, holding off an entire company of German soldiers and saving his unit from inevitable defeat.
His heroic actions not only earned him the Medal of Honor but also earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow soldiers.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Murphy was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device, and three Purple Hearts, among many other awards and decorations.
Despite his incredible achievements and the accolades he received, Murphy remained humble and dedicated to serving his country.
#2. Sergeant Major Daniel Joseph Daly
Sergeant Major Daniel Joseph Daly is considered one of the most decorated soldiers due to his bravery, leadership, and service to the United States Marine Corps.
He served in several conflicts during his career, including the Boxer Rebellion, World War I, and the Banana Wars in Central America. Daly is known for his famous quote, “Come on, you sons of bitches, do you want to live forever?” which he reportedly shouted to his fellow Marines during the Battle of Belleau Wood in World War I. His bravery and leadership during this battle earned him the first of two Medals of Honor.
Daly’s second Medal of Honor came during the occupation of Haiti in 1915, where he led a group of Marines in a successful assault on a Haitian fortress. In addition to his two Medals of Honor, Daly received the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm, among other awards and decorations.
Daly’s leadership and bravery earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow Marines and superiors. He was known for leading from the front and never asking his men to do something he wouldn’t do himself.
His courage and dedication to duty set an example for all who served with him, and he remains a beloved figure in Marine Corps history.
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#3. Lieutenant General Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart
Lieutenant General Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart is undoubtedly one of the most decorated soldiers due to his remarkable bravery, leadership, and service during several conflicts throughout his military career. De Wiart served in both World War I and World War II and several other campaigns throughout his career.
During World War I, de Wiart was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the British and Commonwealth forces. He earned this honor for his actions during the Battle of the Somme in 1916.
De Wiart’s service in World War II was equally impressive, as he served in several key campaigns, including the defense of Calais in 1940 and the battle for North Africa. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and Bar, the Legion of Honour, and the Croix de Guerre for his service during the war.
Throughout his military career, de Wiart was known for his indomitable spirit, fearless leadership, and willingness to lead from the front.
#4. Sergeant Stubby
Sergeant Stubby is one of the most unique and remarkable figures in military history. Despite being a dog, he served with distinction during World War I and became one of the most decorated soldiers.
Stubby was found as a stray dog in Connecticut in 1917 and quickly became a beloved mascot of the 102nd Infantry Regiment. He was smuggled aboard a ship bound for France and served with his unit in several key battles, including the Battle of Château-Thierry and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
Stubby proved to be an invaluable asset to his unit during his service. He could detect gas attacks, warn his unit of incoming artillery, and even locate wounded soldiers on the battlefield. He also became known for his bravery, including capturing a German spy and alerting his unit to a mustard gas attack.
Stubby’s service earned him several awards and decorations, including the Purple Heart and the French Croix de Guerre. He also became a celebrity back home in the United States, where he met with several presidents and was honored with parades and other public events.
Stubby’s legacy continues to inspire people worldwide for his remarkable service and the bond he formed with his fellow soldiers. He became a symbol of loyalty, bravery, and service.
#5. Major General Patrick Henry Brady
Major General Patrick Henry Brady is widely recognized as one of the most decorated soldiers, receiving numerous awards and decorations for his exceptional service and bravery during the Vietnam War. Brady served as a helicopter pilot and rescue commander during the war, and his actions saved the lives of countless soldiers and civilians.
During his time in Vietnam, Brady flew over 2,500 combat missions and rescued over 5,000 wounded soldiers. He was known for his bravery under fire and ability to fly his helicopter into dangerous and hostile territory to rescue wounded soldiers. His daring rescues earned him the nickname “The Ace of Aces” and inspired others to emulate his courage and dedication.
Brady’s bravery and exceptional leadership earned him 59 awards and decorations, including the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor awarded by the United States government. He was also awarded two Distinguished Service Crosses, the second-highest military award for a member of the United States Army.
Brady’s exceptional service and bravery in Vietnam and his continued commitment to serving his country and fellow veterans have earned him among the most decorated soldiers. His legacy inspires future generations of soldiers and leaders to serve with bravery, dedication, and selflessness.
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#6. Corporal Tibor Rubin
Corporal Tibor Rubin is one of the most decorated soldiers of all time, having received numerous awards and decorations for his bravery and heroism during the Korean War. Born in Hungary, Rubin immigrated to the United States and enlisted in the Army in 1950.
During the Korean War, Rubin was a rifleman with Company I, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. In 1950, his unit fought in North Korea when enemy forces surrounded and outnumbered them. Rubin and several other soldiers were captured by the North Koreans and spent more than two years as a prisoner of war.
Despite the difficult conditions of his captivity, Rubin refused to give up his commitment to serving his country and fellow soldiers. He risked his life to smuggle food and medical supplies to other prisoners and even helped to convert several North Korean guards to his cause. His bravery and selflessness earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow prisoners, many of whom credited him with saving their lives.
After his release from captivity in 1953, Rubin returned to the United States. He received numerous awards and decorations for his service, including the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor awarded by the United States government. He was also awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Prisoner of War Medal, and the Korean Service Medal with four bronze service stars.
Rubin’s remarkable bravery and selflessness, both as a prisoner of war and a soldier, have earned him a place among the most decorated soldiers.
#7. Colonel Robert L. Howard
Howard’s military career began in 1956 when he enlisted in the United States Army at 17. He served in the 101st Airborne Division in the Dominican Republic during the 1960s, where he received his first Bronze Star Medal for valor in combat. Howard also served in the Vietnam War on multiple tours of duty between 1965 and 1972.
During his time in Vietnam, Howard served as a Special Forces operative with the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG).
This elite unit conducted covert operations behind enemy lines, gathered intelligence, and supported indigenous forces. Howard’s service with MACV-SOG earned him numerous awards and decorations, including the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor in the United States.
Howard received the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 16, 1967. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Howard has four Silver Stars, a Distinguished Service Cross, a Purple Heart, and numerous other awards and decorations. He retired from the United States Army in 1992 as a full colonel.
#8. Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti
Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti was a United States Army soldier who served in the War in Afghanistan. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor in the United States, for his actions during a mission in Afghanistan on June 21, 2006. Monti’s heroism and bravery in the face of danger have earned him a place as one of the most decorated soldiers of all time.
On June 21, 2006, Monti led a small team of soldiers in eastern Afghanistan’s mountains when a large enemy force attacked them. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Monti led a counter-attack and called for reinforcements. During the intense firefight that followed, Monti repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to rescue a wounded soldier.
Monti was hit by enemy fire and mortally wounded while trying to reach the wounded soldier. Despite his injuries, he continued to direct his team and call in air support until his death. His actions allowed several team members to escape and ultimately saved their lives.
For his heroism and bravery, Monti was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama on September 17, 2009. He also received the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and numerous other awards and decorations for his service in the United States Army.
Monti’s sacrifice and bravery in the face of danger inspire all soldiers and civilians. His commitment to his fellow soldiers and his selflessness in the face of danger make him a true American hero and one of the most decorated soldiers.
#9. Captain Eddie Rickenbacker
Captain Eddie Rickenbacker is one of the most decorated soldiers of all time. He was an American fighter pilot and a flying ace during World War I, with 26 aerial victories. Rickenbacker’s bravery and skill in the air earned him numerous awards and decorations, including the Medal of Honor.
On September 25, 1918, Rickenbacker engaged in a dogfight with German planes over the Argonne Forest in France. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Rickenbacker shot down two enemy planes and forced a third to land.
His actions earned him the Medal of Honor, which was presented to him by General John J. Pershing on December 12, 1930.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Rickenbacker received numerous other awards and decorations for his service in the United States Army. These included the Distinguished Service Cross, the French Croix de Guerre, and the British Distinguished Flying Cross.
Rickenbacker’s bravery and skill as a fighter pilot during World War I have made him a legend in military history. His numerous awards and decorations testify to his courage and dedication to duty.
Rickenbacker’s contributions to aviation and the military have had a lasting impact on both fields. He is a true American hero and one of the most decorated soldiers.
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#10. General Douglas MacArthur
General Douglas MacArthur was a five-star general in the United States Army. He played a significant role in World War I and World War II. MacArthur’s military career spanned more than four decades, and his numerous awards and decorations are a testament to his courage and dedication to duty.
In World War II, MacArthur played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater of Operations, serving as the United States Army Forces commander in the Far East. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor in the United States, for his leadership during the defense of the Philippines.
MacArthur received numerous other awards and decorations for his service in the United States Army, including the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. The British government and the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government also awarded him the Order of the Bath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Being a decorated soldier means that an individual has received one or more awards or decorations in recognition of their bravery, service, and sacrifice while serving in the military. Decorations can include medals, ribbons, badges, and other insignia.
Soldiers are typically awarded medals and decorations based on their achievements, bravery, and service to their country. It typically involves a superior officer nomination, a selection committee review, and final approval from the relevant military authorities.
Some of the most prestigious military awards and decorations include the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. These awards are for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional bravery, leadership, and service in the face of danger and adversity.
Yes, soldiers can receive awards posthumously if they are killed or die while on active duty or due to injuries sustained while serving. In many cases, the families of deceased soldiers receive the awards on their behalf.
Yes, there are typically strict eligibility criteria for military awards and decorations. These can include the length of service, rank, and specific achievements or acts of bravery.
Conclusion
The story of the most decorated soldiers of all time is a testament to the courage, selflessness, and dedication that members of the military exhibit in service of their country.
These brave men and women have faced incredible challenges and demonstrated exceptional bravery and leadership in the face of danger and adversity.
Their sacrifices and achievements have earned them a place in history as some of the most revered and respected military figures.
As we honor their legacies, we remember the importance of service, sacrifice, and commitment to a cause greater than oneself.
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