Audie Murphy

Photo to the right shows Audie Murphy, a much decorated American soldier who served in the European theatre during World War II. Murphy went on to become one of the most highly decorated United States soldiers during World War II, with his awards including the Medal of Honor, and the Distinguished Service Cross. After the war, he successfully pursued an acting career. On May 28, 1971 Audie Murphy died in a plane crash just outside of Roanoke, Virginia at the young age of 47.

Sargeant William Harvey Carney

William Harvey Carney is the first African American to earn the Medal of Honor. Born a slave on February 29, 1840 in Norfolk, Virginia, he and his father escaped to Massachusetts via the Underground Railroad. They later would arrange for the rest of their family to be freed.

Carney served the W54 Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as a Sergeant. He was awarded the medal for saving the American flag in battle on July 18, 1863 during the assault on Fort Wagner in Charleston, South Carolina.