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The Medal of Honor has been around for 149 years. Click the image to see an infographic that detail some of the incredible stories that earned the award.
In the Korean War, Cpl. Joseph Vittori manned a machine gun alone for more than 1,000 rounds, killing nearly 200 before succumbing to enemy fire. Maj. Pappy Boyington and Capt. Joseph Foss both shot down a record 26 enemy aircraft in World War II. After Gunnery Sgt. Robert G. Robinson was shot 13 times while flying during World War I, he helped land the aircraft safely.
These are just some of the incredible acts that earned 296 Marines a Medal of Honor, the military's highest award for bravery. On Tuesday, the 149th anniversary of the first medal, the Marine Corps blog published an infographic detailing some of the larger-than-life heroics.
Sgt. Mark Fayloga, chief of social media for the Marines, told msnbc.com that the graphic was the result of a few weeks' work digging through records with two other Marines. Previously, the service did not have readily available statistics or stories about how each Marine earned his Medal of Honor.
Related: Pentagon to set up database for military medals
"We put a lot of pride in our history and our heritage," Fayloga said. "There are Marine names that every Marine knows. But I was coming across stories I’d never seen before that were inspiring, and I’d have to stop and think, 'Did I just read what I read?' "
The graphic resonated with the Marines' online audience as well. On Facebook, the post was seen by 420,000 people, Fayloga said.
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Though the graphic was created to mark the medal's anniversary, it also came in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that struck down the Stolen Valor Act. The federal law prohibits a person from falsely claiming that he has been awarded a military honor.
"It's something that's on people's minds," Fayloga said. Someone might falsely wear a Medal of Honor, he said, "but you can’t take away from what these Marines accomplished."
Rebecca Ruiz is a reporter at msnbc.com. Follow her on Twitter here.
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Semper Fidelis 1978-1998.
Good Night Chesty, where ever you are!
and don't forget our pal J. Bastilone.
SEMPER Fi!
Cpl Spark 1978-1984
Semper FI- 0311 Vietnam 69-70- We Love Chesty Puller!
MOH -- I am blessed to call one of our own Friend.
Thank you Cpl Woody Williams, Ona, WV -- Survivor and Flame Thrower operator, IWO JIMA. Our Only Surviving MOH Recipient here in West Virginia. GOD BLESS YOU DEAR BROTHER, WOODY! AROOGAH!
Semper Fi
Since this was the 149th Anniversary of the Medal Of Honor, why weren't all recipients of the Medal of Honor from all of our Armed Forces honored on that day? All due credit to Marine Corps recipients, but all who earned that honor should be recognized on that anniversary. It's a much larger list!
I have no words worthy to say to these men whom gave so much, so I will just say " THANK YOU ", from the midst of my heart.
Even though I am retired Army, SEMPER FI! Marines.
There are many soldiers who do not recive or request such honors that deserve concideration. air support and ground forces alike. think about it. GOD BLESS the fallen.
I am proud to say that being married to a Marine made me acknoledge the Bravery, Valor, Pride the Marines have. The sacrifices they make, not only for themselves but their families. It's amazing how that really makes a difference in my life. Reading stories like this makes me really proud of this beautiful country and their Military, God Bless them.
To all who have served, or are serving - Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. To those who have won the Medal of Honor, there are no words equal to the great service you have given.
Thank you.
semper fi devil dogs U.S.M.C 1984-1988, i salute all of our fellow service members who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom and all others who are serving in our armed services to protect our freedoms......(standing and saluting)...........
My father served his country as a US Marine - until the day he died.
*
He would want me to post this = Just a reminder - to those who may not know this information:
To give Purple Hearts to the Ft. Hood victims and the shooting victims from the Arkansas recruiting station:
H.R. 1142, the Global Combat Zone Recognition Act,
was introduced by Congressman Allen West and would assure that a member of the Armed Forces killed or wounded in a terrorist attack is afforded the same protections and treatments as one killed or wounded in a traditional active "combat zone."
Further, the legislation retroactively applies to the victims of Ft. Hood, Little Rock, and Frankfurt Germany, allowing those victims to be considered for the Purple Heart medal which they now cannot do.
A bipartisan group of Members of Congress have already expressed outrage at this injustice and have pledged to work together to reverse it.
Join with them.
Act for America website = Open Letter to Chairman of House and Senate Armed Services Committee.
So is it only the JARHEADS who win the COM? Jarheads there are lots more.