VMI Archives
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The following seven Virginia Military Institute (VMI) alumni have received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award.
View Sutton’s biography here.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, United States Marine Corps
Action date and place: July 13, 1900 in Tientsin, China
Citation: In action during the battle near Tientsin, China, 13 July 1900. Although under heavy fire from the enemy, Sutton assisted in carrying a wounded officer from the field of battle.
View Kilbourne’s biography here.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, United States Volunteer Signal Corps
Action date and place: February 5, 1899 at Paco Bridge, Philippine Islands
Citation: Within a range of 250 yards of the enemy and in the face of a rapid fire climbed a telegraph pole at the east end of the bridge and in full view of the enemy coolly and carefully repaired a broken telegraph wire, thereby reestablishing telegraphic communication to the front.
View Langhorne’s biography here.
Rank and organization: Surgeon, United States Navy
Action date and place: April 22, 1915 in Vera Cruz, Mexico
Citation: For extraordinary heroism in battle, engagement of Vera Cruz, 22 April 1914. Surgeon Langhorne carried a wounded man from the front of the Naval Academy while under heavy fire.
View Staton’s biography here.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, United States Navy
Action date and place: April 22, 1914 in Vera Cruz, Mexico
Citation: For distinguished conduct in battle, engagement of Vera Cruz, Mexico, 22 April 1914; was eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion. He exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through the action of the 22nd and in the final occupation of the city.
View Upshur’s biography here.
Rank and organization: Captain, United States Marine Corps
Action date and place: October 24, 1915 in Haiti.
Citation: In company with members of the 15th Company of Marines, all mounted, Capt. Upshur left Fort Liberte, Haiti, for a 6-day reconnaissance. After dark on the evening of 24 October 1915, while crossing the river in a deep ravine, the detachment was suddenly fired upon from 3 sides by about 400 Cacos concealed in bushes about 100 yards from the fort. The marine detachment fought its way forward to a good position which it maintained during the night, although subjected to a continuous fire from the Cacos. At daybreak, Capt. Upshur, in command of one of the 3 squads which advanced in 3 different directions led his men forward, surprising and scattering the Cacos, and aiding in the capture of Fort Dipitie.
View Byrd’s biography here.
Rank and organization: Commander, United States Navy
Action date and place: May 9, 1926 in Spitsbergen, Norway
Citation: For distinguishing himself conspicuously by courage and intrepidity at the risk of his life, in demonstrating that it is possible for aircraft to travel in continuous flight from a now inhabited portion of the earth over the North Pole and return.
View Schowalter’s biography here.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, United States Army
Action date and place: October 14, 1952 near Kumhwa, Korea
Citation: First Lieutenant Edward R. Schowalter, commanding, Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Committed to attack and occupy a key approach to the primary objective, the 1st Platoon of his company came under heavy vicious small-arms, grenade, and mortar fire within 50 yards of the enemy-held strongpoint, halting the advance and inflicting several casualties. The 2d Platoon moved up in support at this juncture, and although wounded, Lieutenant Schowalter continued to spearhead the assault. Nearing the objective he was severely wounded by a grenade fragment but, refusing medical aid, he led his men into the trenches and began routing the enemy from the bunkers with grenades. Suddenly from a burst of fire from a hidden cove off the trench he was again wounded. Although suffering from his wounds, he refused to relinquish command and continued issuing orders and encouraging his men until the commanding ground was secured and then he was evacuated. 1st Lt. Schowalter's unflinching courage, extraordinary heroism, and inspirational leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.