The Elite Few: The Remarkable Stories of Double Medal of Honor Recipients

The Medal of Honor stands as the United States’ most revered military decoration, a testament to extraordinary valor and self-sacrifice. It is bestowed upon those who, in combat or in the line of duty, distinguish themselves by acts of conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Its very nature implies a singular, unparalleled achievement. Yet, a select group of individuals in American history has defied this singular perception, achieving the almost unimaginable feat of earning this prestigious award not once, but twice. Indeed, 19 service members have been awarded two Medals of Honor, a number that underscores the profound rarity of their heroism.  

This report delves into the remarkable narratives of these elite few, moving beyond a simple compilation of names to explore the intricate details of their heroic actions, the unique historical circumstances that made their dual recognition possible, and the enduring legacy they have etched into the annals of American military history.

The Medal of Honor: America’s Highest Valor Award

The Medal of Honor’s origins trace back to the crucible of the American Civil War. The Naval Service was the first to establish its version on December 21, 1861, followed by the Army on July 12, 1862. Over time, distinct medals were later instituted for the Air Force in 1956, the Coast Guard in 1963, and the Space Force in 2021, reflecting the evolving structure of the nation’s armed forces.  

Initial eligibility for the Medal of Honor was narrower than it is today. The Navy’s medal was initially reserved for enlisted men, with officers becoming eligible only in 1915. The Army’s criteria expanded earlier, including officers and non-commissioned officers in March 1863. The criteria for the award have undergone significant evolution. Early Civil War awards, for instance, sometimes recognized acts such as the capture of enemy flags, which held immense tactical and symbolic importance at the time. While still acts of profound bravery, these might not align precisely with the highly stringent “above and beyond the call of duty” standards applied to nominations today, particularly those established after World War I.  

A critical factor contributing to the possibility of dual recognition for some individuals was the historical landscape of awards. Specifically, five of the 19 individuals who received two Medals of Honor were Marines serving with Army units. Their singular, extraordinary act of valor was recognized by both the Department of the Army and the Department of the Navy, leading to the conferral of both the Army and Navy versions of the Medal for the same deed. This administrative reality, where separate departmental medals existed and inter-service operations were common, created a unique historical window for such dual awards for a single action. This stands in stark contrast to contemporary regulations, which generally preclude such dual recognition for the same act, highlighting how the historical context and the structure of the awards system directly influenced the possibility of these specific instances of double honors.  

The Nineteen Immortals: Profiles in Double Courage

The stories of these 19 individuals are narratives of unparalleled bravery, each a testament to the human capacity for courage under the most extreme conditions. Their actions span multiple conflicts and eras, from the brutal battlefields of the Civil War to the perilous peacetime duties at sea. The following table provides a concise overview of these remarkable individuals, followed by detailed profiles of their heroic deeds.

Table 1: The Nineteen Double Medal of Honor Recipients

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The Civil War Era (1861-1865)

The earliest instances of double Medal of Honor recipients emerged from the American Civil War, a conflict that saw the very inception of the award. The nature of warfare and the criteria for recognition during this period allowed for multiple distinctions for distinct acts of bravery.

• Thomas W. Custer (U.S. Army) Thomas Ward Custer, the younger brother of the more famous George Armstrong Custer, holds the unique distinction of being the first individual to earn two Medals of Honor, both for actions during the Civil War. As a Second Lieutenant in Company B, 6th Michigan Cavalry, Custer’s first award came on   April 2, 1865, at Namozine Church, Virginia. During a charge against Confederate barricades, Custer demonstrated audacious courage by leaping his horse over the enemy’s defenses. In the ensuing confusion, he seized the Confederate flag of the 2nd North Carolina Cavalry and, remarkably, secured the capture of 14 enemy prisoners.   Just three days later, on April 6, 1865, at the Battle of Sailor’s Creek, Virginia, Custer again displayed extraordinary valor. He repeated his daring maneuver, leaping his horse over enemy works to capture two more Confederate color standards. His horse was shot from under him during this action, and he sustained a severe wound, yet he persisted in his objective. The capture of regimental flags was considered an act of immense significance during the Civil War, often disrupting enemy movements and symbolizing a profound blow to unit pride and morale. Thomas Custer continued his military career after the war, serving as a Captain in the 7th U.S. Cavalry alongside his brother, George Armstrong Custer. Tragically, he died with his brother at the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. He is interred at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery.  
• John Cooper (U.S. Navy) John Cooper, also known as John Laver Mather, a Coxswain in the U.S. Navy, earned his first Medal of Honor on August 5, 1864, during the pivotal Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama. Aboard the USS Brooklyn, Cooper exhibited exceptional skill and courage in fighting his gun throughout the furious engagement against rebel forts, gunboats, and the formidable ram Tennessee. His ship sustained severe damage, and many of his comrades fell, but Cooper remained steadfast, contributing to the Union victory that resulted in the surrender of the Tennessee and the destruction of enemy batteries.   His second Medal of Honor was awarded for an act of heroism under entirely different circumstances, a non-combat rescue during a massive fire at Mobile, Alabama, on April 26, 1865. Serving as Quartermaster on Acting Rear Admiral Thatcher’s staff, Cooper risked his life amidst exploding shells to advance through the burning locality. He located a wounded man and, with remarkable selflessness, carried him on his back to a place of safety, undoubtedly saving his life. Born in Dublin, Ireland , Cooper is buried at Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.  
• John Lafferty (U.S. Navy) John Lafferty, a Fireman in the U.S. Navy, received his first Medal of Honor for an act of daring during the Civil War. On May 25, 1864, on the Roanoke River, North Carolina, Lafferty volunteered for a highly hazardous mission to destroy the Confederate ram CSS Albemarle. He participated in the arduous transfer of two torpedoes across an island swamp and then served as a sentry, guarding the equipment and arms left by other members of the party. Despite the mission being discovered before completion, Lafferty successfully returned to his mother ship after enduring 24 hours of discomfort in the rain and swamp.   His second award came years later, on September 14, 1881, while serving as a First Class Fireman on the USS Alaska in Callao Bay, Peru. Following a critical rupture of the stop-valve chamber on the vessel, Lafferty demonstrated extraordinary bravery by hauling the fires from under the boiler, an action that prevented a catastrophic explosion and saved the ship and its crew. Lafferty, who was born in Ireland or New York , also used the alias John Laverty for his second enlistment and award. He is buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  
• Patrick Mullen (U.S. Navy) Patrick Mullen, a Boatswain’s Mate in the U.S. Navy, also known as Patrick Mullin, earned his first Medal of Honor on March 17, 1865, during a boat expedition up Mattox Creek, Virginia. He displayed immense courage and resourcefulness by rendering gallant assistance to his commanding officer. While lying on his back, he loaded and fired a howitzer with such precision that it killed and wounded many rebels, forcing their retreat.   His second award followed shortly after the war’s end, on May 1, 1865, aboard the USS Don. Engaged in picking up the crew of a swamped picket launch, Mullen observed an officer struggling below the surface, no longer able to keep afloat. Without hesitation, he jumped overboard and brought the officer to the boat, rescuing him from certain drowning. Both of Mullen’s awards were for separate acts, one combat-related and the other a life-saving rescue, both within the Civil War era. Born in Ireland , Mullen’s medal is now held by the American Numismatic Society in New York.  

The Indian Campaigns Era (1865-1891)

Following the Civil War, the nation’s military engagements shifted to the American West, where conflicts with Native American tribes presented new forms of valor.

• Frank D. Baldwin (U.S. Army) Frank D. Baldwin, a Captain in Company D, 19th Michigan Infantry, was the first individual to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in different conflicts, a testament to his long and distinguished career. His first Medal of Honor was for his heroism during the Civil War on   July 20, 1864, at Peachtree Creek, Georgia. Under galling enemy fire, Baldwin led his company in a countercharge, pushing ahead of his own men. He single-handedly breached the enemy’s line, capturing two fully armed commissioned officers and a Georgia regimental guidon.   His second Medal of Honor was awarded for an action during the Indian Wars on November 8, 1874, at McClellan’s Creek, Texas. As a First Lieutenant in the 5th U.S. Infantry, Baldwin commanded two companies in a voluntary surprise attack on a Native American camp. His objective was to rescue two young white girls held captive. Despite the superior numbers and strong defensive position of the Indians, Baldwin understood that any delay for reinforcements would likely result in the captives’ death. His decisive leadership led to the successful rescue of the girls. Baldwin was a career U.S. Army officer, serving for 35 years across the American West under notable figures. He retired as a Brigadier General but briefly returned to service during World War I as Adjutant General for the Colorado National Guard. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  
• Henry Hogan (U.S. Army) Henry Hogan, a Private (later First Sergeant) in Company G, 5th U.S. Infantry, earned both of his Medals of Honor during the arduous Indian Campaigns. His first award was for “gallantry in action” on October 21, 1876, at Cedar Creek, Montana.   His second act of extraordinary bravery occurred less than a year later, on September 30, 1877, at Bear Paw Mountain, Montana Territory. Under heavy enemy fire, Hogan distinguished himself by carrying the severely wounded Lieutenant Henry Romeyn (who was himself a Medal of Honor recipient) off the field of battle to safety. Both of Hogan’s awards were for separate acts of valor during the Indian Campaigns, demonstrating a consistent pattern of courage in the face of danger. Born in County Clare, Ireland , Henry Hogan is buried in Custer County Cemetery, Miles City, Montana.  
• William Wilson (U.S. Army) William Wilson, a Sergeant in Company I, 4th U.S. Cavalry, received both of his Medals of Honor for distinct acts of bravery during the Indian Campaigns. His first award was for his courage on March 28, 1872, in Colorado Valley, Texas, “in pursuit of a band of cattle thieves from New Mexico”.   His second Medal of Honor followed just months later, on September 29, 1872, for his leadership in the Battle of the North Fork of the Red River, Texas. This action further underscored his sustained valor in the challenging environment of frontier warfare. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania , William Wilson participated in numerous Indian campaigns, including the Sioux War of 1876. He is interred at San Francisco National Cemetery.  

The Interim and Peacetime Era (1871-1913)

A significant number of double Medal of Honor recipients earned their awards during the “interim” period, between major conflicts, often for acts of non-combat heroism, primarily life-saving at sea or preventing industrial disasters.

• Albert Weisbogel (U.S. Navy) Albert Weisbogel, a Captain of the Mizzen Top in the U.S. Navy, was recognized twice for his life-saving actions. His first Medal of Honor was awarded for his gallant conduct on January 11, 1874, while serving on the USS Benicia at sea. He bravely jumped overboard to rescue a shipmate, a U.S. Marine named Wolf, who had jumped into the water in a “fit of insanity” attempting to drown himself.   Barely a month after receiving his first Medal, Weisbogel again demonstrated his profound selflessness on April 27, 1876, while serving as Captain of the Mizzen Top on the USS Plymouth at sea. As the ship was entering Kingston, Jamaica harbor, Landsman Peter J. Kenny fell overboard. Weisbogel immediately jumped in and rescued him from drowning. Both of Weisbogel’s awards were for separate, non-combat, life-saving actions, which today would typically be recognized with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana , he is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.  
• Robert Augustus Sweeney (U.S. Navy) Robert Augustus Sweeney, an Ordinary Seaman in the U.S. Navy, is the only African American to have received two Medals of Honor, both for non-combat, life-saving actions. His first act of heroism occurred on   October 26, 1881, at Hampton Roads, Virginia. While serving on the USS Kearsarge, he jumped overboard without hesitation to save Seaman E.M. Christoverson, who had fallen into a strong tide and was sinking. Despite Christoverson’s panic causing him to be dragged under twice, Sweeney managed to break free and, with the help of an officer, kept the shipmate afloat until he could be pulled back aboard.   His second Medal of Honor was awarded on December 20, 1883, at the New York Navy Yard. While the training ship USS Jamestown was docked alongside the USS Yantic, a boy named A.A. George fell overboard. Sweeney again demonstrated his prompt and courageous action by jumping into the water and rescuing the boy from drowning. Born in Montserrat , Sweeney is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York, though the exact location of his grave is unknown.  
• Ludwig Andreas Olsen (Louis Williams) (U.S. Navy) Ludwig Andreas Olsen, who served under the name Louis Williams, was a Captain of the Hold in the U.S. Navy, and another recipient of two Medals of Honor for non-combat, life-saving acts. His first award came on   March 16, 1883, off Honolulu, Hawaii. While aboard the screw sloop-of-war USS Lackawanna, Olsen bravely jumped overboard and rescued Landsman Thomas Moran from drowning.   Just over a year later, on June 13, 1884, off the coast of Callao, Peru, Olsen again displayed his heroic selflessness. While still serving on the USS Lackawanna, he rescued another shipmate, William Cruise, who had fallen overboard. These peacetime actions, while not involving direct combat, were deemed to be “above and beyond” the call of duty at the time, and would today be recognized with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. Born in Oslo, Norway , Olsen is buried at Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.  
• John King (U.S. Navy) John King, a Watertender (later Chief Watertender) in the U.S. Navy, earned both of his Medals of Honor for repeated heroism in the dangerous environment of naval engineering. His first award was on May 29, 1901, aboard the USS Vicksburg, where he displayed “heroism in the line of his profession” during a boiler accident.   Eight years later, on September 13, 1909, while serving on the USS Salem, King again exhibited “extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession” during another boiler explosion. These awards highlight a unique form of repeated valor, not in combat, but in the face of severe industrial hazards. Born in County Mayo, Ireland , John King is commemorated by the U.S. Navy destroyer USS John King (DDG-3), which was named in his honor. A statue of him was also unveiled in his hometown of Ballinrobe, Ireland. He is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  
• John C. McCloy (U.S. Navy) John C. McCloy, a Coxswain (later Chief Boatswain) in the U.S. Navy, received his Medals of Honor for distinct acts of combat valor across different conflicts. His first recognition came during the Boxer Rebellion in China on June 13, 20, 21, and 22, 1900. During the relief expedition of Allied forces in China, McCloy distinguished himself by meritorious conduct in the presence of the enemy.   His second Medal of Honor was awarded for actions on April 22, 1914, during the Mexican Campaign in Vera Cruz, Mexico. Despite being wounded, McCloy gallantly remained at his post, leading three picket launches along the Vera Cruz seafront. His actions drew Mexican fire, enabling cruisers to locate and shell enemy sniper positions and ultimately save men on shore. McCloy, who joined the Merchant Marine at 15 and served in the Spanish-American War and World War I, retired as a lieutenant commander. The destroyer USS McCloy (DE-1038) was named in his honor. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  

Early 20th Century Conflicts (Pre-WWI Combat & WWI)

The early 20th century saw continued military operations, some of which provided the stage for two of the most famous double Medal of Honor recipients, both U.S. Marines.

• Smedley D. Butler (U.S. Marine Corps) Major Smedley D. Butler, who rose to the rank of Major General, is arguably the best-known double Medal of Honor recipient and one of the most decorated Marines in history. His first Medal of Honor was for his distinguished conduct during the   Mexican Campaign in Vera Cruz, Mexico, on April 22, 1914. As the commanding officer of his battalion, Major Butler exhibited exceptional courage and skill in leading his men through the action and in the final occupation of the city.   His second Medal of Honor came just over a year later, on November 17, 1915, during the Haitian Campaign at Fort Riviere, Haiti. As commanding officer of various Marine and sailor detachments, Major Butler led the attack on the old French bastion fort. Following a concentrated drive, his Marines poured through a breach in the wall, engaging the Cacos in fierce hand-to-hand combat to crush their resistance. Throughout this perilous action, Butler was conspicuous for his bravery and forceful leadership. Butler is the only Marine to have received the Marine Corps Brevet Medal and two Medals of Honor, all for separate actions. After 33 years of service in numerous conflicts, he became an outspoken critic of war and U.S. imperialism, famously writing “War Is A Racket”. He is buried at Oaklands Cemetery in West Chester, Pennsylvania.  
• Daniel J. Daly (U.S. Marine Corps) Daniel J. Daly, a Private (later Gunnery Sergeant and eventually Sergeant Major) in the U.S. Marine Corps, is legendary for his bravery, with Major General John Lejeune famously calling him “the greatest of all leathernecks”. His first Medal of Honor was awarded for his meritorious conduct during the   Boxer Rebellion in Peking, China, on August 14, 1900, while serving with Captain Newt H. Hall’s Marine Detachment.   His second Medal of Honor was earned on October 24, 1915, during the Haitian Campaign at Fort Liberte, Haiti. While on a six-day reconnaissance mission, Daly’s detachment was suddenly ambushed by approximately 400 Cacos. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Daly fought with exceptional gallantry throughout the night, helping his detachment maintain a strong position. At daybreak, he was instrumental in leading one of three squads that advanced in different directions, surprising and scattering the Cacos in all directions. Both of Daly’s awards were for separate acts of combat valor in different conflicts, solidifying his reputation for unparalleled courage. He is buried at Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York, and his medals are preserved at the National Museum of the U.S. Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia.  

World War I Era (Dual Medals for Same Action)

World War I presented a unique scenario for five Marines, who, due to their service with Army units and the concurrent existence of separate Army and Navy Medal of Honor designs, received both versions of the medal for a single act of heroism.

• Louis Cukela (U.S. Marine Corps) Sergeant Louis Cukela, U.S. Marine Corps (66th Company, 5th Regiment), was awarded both the Army and Navy Medals of Honor for the same act of extraordinary heroism on July 18, 1918, in the Forest de Retz, near Villers-Cotterets, France. When his company’s advance was halted by a formidable enemy strong point, Cukela, disregarding warnings from his comrades, crawled alone through heavy fire to the rear of the German position. He then rushed a machine-gun emplacement, eliminating or driving off the crew with his bayonet. Following this, he utilized captured German hand grenades to clear the remaining portion of the strong point, successfully capturing two machine guns and four enemy soldiers. Born in Croatia , Cukela had previously served in the U.S. Army before enlisting in the Marine Corps for World War I. He retired as a major in 1940 but was recalled for shore duties during World War II. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  
• Matej Kocak (U.S. Marine Corps) Sergeant Matej Kocak, U.S. Marine Corps (66th Company, 5th Regiment, 2nd Division), was posthumously awarded both the Army and Navy Medals of Honor for a single act of valor on July 18, 1918, in the Villers-Cotterets section, south of Soissons, France. When his battalion’s advance was halted by a hidden machine-gun nest, Kocak advanced alone, without covering fire, working his way between German positions under heavy enemy fire. Upon locating the machine-gun nest, he rushed it with his bayonet, driving off the crew. Later the same day, Kocak organized French colonial soldiers who had become separated from their company and led them in an attack on another machine-gun nest, successfully neutralizing it. Tragically, Kocak was killed in action less than three months after this heroic deed. Born in Austria-Hungary (modern-day Slovakia) , he is buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial in France.  
• John J. Kelly (U.S. Marine Corps) Private John J. Kelly, U.S. Marine Corps (78th Company, 6th Regiment, 2nd Division), received both the Army and Navy Medals of Honor for his extraordinary actions on October 3, 1918, at Blanc Mont Ridge, France. Kelly displayed incredible audacity by running 100 yards in advance of his own front line, through his own artillery barrage, to attack an enemy machine-gun nest. He killed the gunner with a grenade, shot another crew member with his pistol, and then, still under fire, returned through the barrage with eight prisoners. Born in Chicago, Illinois , Kelly participated in multiple engagements during World War I and was the last surviving of the 19 double Medal of Honor recipients. He is buried at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, Illinois.  
• John H. Pruitt (U.S. Marine Corps) Corporal John H. Pruitt, U.S. Marine Corps (78th Company, 6th Regiment), was posthumously awarded both the Army and Navy Medals of Honor for his singular act of heroism on October 3, 1918, at Blanc Mont Ridge, France. Pruitt single-handedly attacked two machine-gun nests, capturing them and killing two enemy soldiers. His remarkable initiative continued as he then captured 40 prisoners in a nearby dugout. Tragically, this gallant soldier was killed by shellfire soon after his heroic actions while sniping at the enemy. Born in Fayetteville, Arkansas , the destroyer USS Pruitt (DD-347) was named in his memory. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  
• Charles F. Hoffman (Ernest A. Janson) (U.S. Marine Corps) Gunnery Sergeant Charles F. Hoffman, also known as Ernest A. Janson, U.S. Marine Corps (49th Company, 5th Regiment, 2nd Division), was awarded both the Army and Navy Medals of Honor for the same act of valor on June 6, 1918, near Chateau-Thierry, France, specifically on Hill 142. Immediately after his company reached its objective, several hostile counterattacks were launched. Hoffman observed 12 enemy soldiers, armed with five light machine guns, crawling toward his group. Giving the alarm, he courageously rushed the hostile detachment, bayoneting the two leaders and forcing the others to flee, abandoning their weapons. His swift action, initiative, and courage prevented the enemy from establishing a position that could have swept the hill with machine-gun fire and forced a withdrawal of American troops. Born in New York , Hoffman is buried at The Evergreens Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.  

Statistical Perspective: The Rarity of a Double Honor

The sheer numbers underscore the extraordinary nature of earning the Medal of Honor twice. Since its establishment in 1861, approximately 3,547 Medals of Honor have been awarded. Other sources offer slightly varied totals, such as 3,536 or 3,473, but all confirm the vast scope of its conferral.  

Out of this significant number of recipients, only 19 individuals have received two Medals of Honor. This means that double recipients constitute an incredibly small fraction: approximately  

0.53% of all Medal of Honor recipients. This statistic profoundly highlights the truly exceptional and almost unfathomable nature of their achievements.  

Table 2: Statistical Breakdown of Double Medal of Honor Recipients

The statistical breakdown reveals a notable concentration of double recipients in earlier conflicts and eras, particularly the Civil War, Indian Wars, and the interim period, along with a distinct cluster during World War I. This pattern is not coincidental; it is closely tied to the historical context and the evolving criteria for the Medal of Honor. In its early days, the Medal’s criteria were broader, encompassing acts like flag capture (as seen with Thomas Custer) or numerous instances of peacetime life-saving (like Weisbogel, Sweeney, Olsen, and King). This more flexible environment, combined with the existence of separate Army and Navy medals, created more opportunities for individuals to receive multiple awards, either for entirely distinct acts or, as in the case of the five Marines in World War I, for a single, extraordinary action recognized by both services. This historical perspective demonstrates that the administrative and operational realities of the time were significant catalysts, enabling these dual distinctions and making them products of their era as much as of individual bravery.  

It is important to note that there are currently no living double Medal of Honor recipients. The most recent double recipient earned the medal almost exactly 100 years ago in 1918, during World War I.  

Historical Nuances: Why Double Awards Were Possible

The unique phenomenon of double Medal of Honor recipients is best understood by examining the historical context and the evolution of the award’s criteria.

The Medal of Honor was established during the Civil War, with the Navy’s version created in 1861 and the Army’s in 1862. In its nascent years, the criteria for awarding the Medal were less rigidly defined than they are today. For example, during the Civil War, capturing an enemy flag was an act of immense strategic and psychological importance, often warranting the Medal of Honor. Similarly, many Navy Medals of Honor during the interim period (1871-1899) were awarded for non-combat heroism, such as saving lives from drowning or preventing boiler explosions. These criteria, while recognizing profound bravery, differed from the singular focus on “above and beyond the call of duty” in direct combat that would become the hallmark of later awards.  

A particularly significant factor enabling five of the 19 double awards was the existence of distinct Army and Navy Medals of Honor. During World War I, Marines frequently served alongside Army units. When a Marine performed an act of valor that met the criteria for the Medal of Honor, it could be recognized by both the Department of the Army and the Department of the Navy, leading to the conferral of both versions of the medal for a single heroic deed. This administrative overlap explains the cluster of five Marine double recipients from World War I: Louis Cukela, Matej Kocak, John J. Kelly, John H. Pruitt, and Charles F. Hoffman (Ernest A. Janson).  

A pivotal moment in the Medal of Honor’s history was the “Purge of 1917.” In 1916, a review board, led by General Nelson Miles, was established to re-evaluate all Medals of Honor awarded up to that point. This rigorous review resulted in the revocation of 911 Army Medals of Honor in 1917, primarily due to awards that no longer met the increasingly strict criteria, such as the 864 medals given to soldiers of the 27th Maine for merely re-enlisting, or awards to civilians. The purpose of this purge was to restore the Medal’s prestige and ensure its alignment with the highest standards of valor. A remarkable, and often overlooked, detail is that despite this significant historical cleansing, none of the 19 double Medal of Honor recipients had their awards revoked. This fact carries considerable weight; it implies that even under a more rigorous, retrospective review, the acts of valor performed by these individuals, whether in combat or peacetime, and whether for single or dual-branch recognition, were unequivocally deemed to meet the highest standards of heroism. This historical validation further underscores the profound and undeniable nature of their courage, reinforcing their status as truly exceptional, even by later, stricter interpretations of valor.  

Following World War I and the 1917 purge, the criteria for the Medal of Honor became significantly more stringent. The focus shifted decisively towards individual acts of “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty” in direct engagement with the enemy. The practice of awarding multiple Medals of Honor for the same action ceased, and a second award for a  

separate act of valor became exceedingly rare, effectively establishing an unwritten, yet deeply ingrained, understanding that the Medal of Honor is typically a “once in a lifetime” award for a distinct act of supreme heroism.  

Beyond the Citations: The Enduring Legacy of Unparalleled Bravery

The stories of the 19 double Medal of Honor recipients transcend their individual citations; they offer a profound glimpse into the nature of courage and the evolution of national recognition.

The modern interpretation of the Medal of Honor largely operates under an unwritten, yet deeply understood, “one award per lifetime” principle. While no formal federal law explicitly states this, the practical application for many decades has been that the Medal is a singular, ultimate award for a distinct act of valor. Contemporary awards are reserved for singular, extraordinary acts that unequivocally stand “above and beyond the call of duty,” making the possibility of a second, entirely distinct act meeting this extreme threshold virtually unprecedented in recent history.  

Of the 19 individuals, 14 received their Medals for two entirely separate acts of valor, often occurring in different conflicts or involving different types of actions (e.g., combat versus life-saving rescues). This demonstrates an astonishing pattern of repeated, distinct heroism over extended periods. The remaining five, all Marines from World War I, received both the Army and Navy versions of the Medal for the  

same singular act of valor. This unique historical circumstance arose from the concurrent existence of separate departmental medals and the operational realities of inter-service assignments. This distinction highlights two different pathways to “double honor”: one reflecting repeated individual bravery across time, the other stemming from a specific administrative structure.  

The shift from dual-branch awards for a single action, as seen with the five Marines in World War I, to the modern “one award per lifetime” understanding reflects a profound evolution in the Medal of Honor’s symbolism. Initially, the award might have been perceived as recognizing exceptional bravery within specific departmental structures, allowing for multiple forms of recognition for a single heroic moment. Over time, however, the Medal has matured to represent a singular, ultimate act of national valor—a pinnacle achievement that is inherently “once in a lifetime” due to its extreme criteria. This progression signifies a deeper understanding of the award’s meaning, moving from a mere tally of heroic acts to the recognition of an unparalleled, defining moment of courage that stands as the ultimate testament to a service member’s valor.

To perform at such an exceptional level not once, but twice, speaks volumes about the psychological and leadership aspects of these individuals. Their actions go far beyond mere physical courage. They consistently demonstrated extraordinary initiative, making split-second decisions under unimaginable pressure. Their selflessness was absolute, prioritizing the mission or the lives of others with complete disregard for their own safety. Such repeated acts of profound bravery also suggest an inherent resilience and an unwavering commitment to duty that few possess. These are individuals whose character and leadership inspired those around them, often turning the tide of battle or saving lives in dire circumstances.

These individuals are remembered not merely as Medal of Honor recipients, but as a unique subset of heroes whose achievements stand in a category of their own. Many are interred in national cemeteries, including Arlington National Cemetery, which serves as the final resting place for over 400 Medal of Honor recipients. Their gravesites often feature special engraved headstones provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Beyond individual graves, specific memorials and honors exist. The National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, explicitly features a display showcasing a pair of Medals of Honor, underscoring the extreme rarity of double recipients. The Indiana War Memorial is another notable tribute, featuring curved glass walls etched with the names of all recipients, including the double honorees, and offering recorded stories of their valor. Furthermore, the U.S. Navy has named vessels, such as the USS John King and USS Pruitt, in honor of some of these double recipients, ensuring their legacies continue to inspire future generations.  

The Enduring Spirit of Recognition: From National Heroes to Everyday Champions

The profound significance of national awards like the Medal of Honor lies in their ability to recognize extraordinary acts of courage and sacrifice, etching them into the collective memory of a nation. This spirit of acknowledging excellence, however, extends far beyond the battlefield. It is a fundamental human drive to recognize achievement, contribution, and valor in countless aspects of life. The historical evolution of the Medal of Honor, from its early, varied criteria to its modern, highly stringent standards, and the unique circumstances that allowed for dual recognition in the past, mirror a broader societal understanding of how excellence is identified and celebrated. This principle—the identification and commemoration of peak performance and extraordinary contribution—is not confined to military heroism. It is a universal human need that extends to all fields of endeavor.

This timeless tradition of honoring merit continues today, as organizations, communities, and institutions seek to create meaningful symbols of achievement for a wide range of accomplishments. The legacy of these double Medal of Honor recipients underscores a fundamental human drive: to acknowledge extraordinary acts and contributions. This spirit of recognition extends beyond the battlefield, with organizations and communities today seeking to create meaningful symbols of achievement, often turning to specialists in commemorative awards to craft tangible expressions of gratitude and honor. Whether for corporate milestones, sporting triumphs, or academic excellence, designing custom medals for modern achievements allows for the creation of unique and lasting tributes that carry forward this timeless tradition of honoring merit.

Conclusion

The 19 individuals who have earned two Medals of Honor represent an almost unfathomable pinnacle of courage, selflessness, and dedication in American military history. Their stories, spanning conflicts from the Civil War to World War I, highlight not only their individual acts of extraordinary bravery but also the evolving nature of military recognition. From the distinct acts of valor performed by figures like Thomas Custer and Smedley Butler to the unique historical circumstances that allowed five Marines to receive both Army and Navy Medals for a single, defining moment of heroism, each narrative contributes to a deeper understanding of what it means to serve “above and beyond the call of duty.”

Their achievements, statistically minuscule in the vast landscape of Medal of Honor recipients, stand as enduring symbols of the highest ideals of military service and human bravery. These heroes, validated even by later, stricter reviews of valor, continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the extraordinary capabilities of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity and the profound importance of recognizing those who embody the very best of courage.