The highest U.S. military medal for valor in combat, the Medal of Honor was first authorized during the Civil War. There are three designs: One design is for the Army, another is designed for the Air & Space Forces, and the 3rd is shared by the Coast Guard, Navy, and the Marine Corps. To receive the medal, a service member must demonstrate extreme valor above and beyond the call of duty while risking their life in combat.
Below are the stories of 6 such servicemen associated with Nebraska that EARNED the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War (we don't like to say "AWARDED the Medal of Honor" as it is not a prize given to recognize a happy event or personal/professional/athletic accomplishment. Rather, it is a distinction of extraordinary valor in combat earned while these recipients, many of whom do not survive the event, are experiencing the most horrendous, violent experiences of their lives). In recognition of this extraordinary valor, it is a military custom that ALL ranks salute a Medal of Honor recipient.
