American War heroes

American war heroes have always been heroes in the eyes of the American people. It's not just because they survived battles and stood up to guns, but they are also characterized by their fearless behavior, quick thinking, and courage. This article contains all the biggest names that have made their name in America's history — men who stood up against all odds and changed the course of history with deeds of bravery.

Audie L. Murphy

Audie L. Murphy, a 24-year-old private first class with the 307th Infantry Regiment, was one of the most decorated soldiers in World War II. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during an attack on a heavily fortified Japanese position on March 3, 1945, during the Battle for Luzon and is one of only three living recipients.

Murphy's Medal of Honor citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty near Sibolangit, Luzon Island, Philippine Islands, on 3 March 1945. As Company I was advancing to attack strongly fortified enemy positions which were well emplaced and supported by automatic weapons fire from pillboxes and riflesmen, Private Murphy left his platoon to reconnoiter ahead of his company. He encountered a large group of Japanese troops and charged through their midst valiantly killing 1 with his bayonet and capturing 2 others before he was wounded by shrapnel in the chest which knocked him down. Keeping up his advance despite heavy fire which had cut off all other members of his platoon from him, he rose again to continue fighting until he fell mortally wounded by grenade splinters concussion from exploding hostile grenades 5 yards away from him. His indom

Douglas MacArthur

General of the Army Douglas MacArthur was one of America's greatest military leaders. He is most famous for his command of U.S. armed forces in World War II, where he led his troops to victory over Japan and earned the nickname "the butcher" for his ruthless treatment of enemy soldiers.

MacArthur was born in 1880 in a log cabin near Little Rock, Arkansas, the son of a hardscrabble farmer who died when the boy was only three years old. His mother moved him and his younger brother to her parents' home in Waco, Texas. She later married Arthur MacArthur Jr., who had served as a colonel during the Spanish-American War and later as governor of Puerto Rico.

His grandfather had been a Confederate general during the Civil War; he was killed at the Battle of Atlanta in 1864, becoming one of America's most revered heroes after he refused to surrender even though he knew that Grant had surrounded him with 50,000 men and could have taken him prisoner if he wanted.

Douglas MacArthur grew up on stories about his grandfather's exploits at war—and how he lost them—which left an impression on him that would shape his life forever: "The more I know about war," he said later, "the more it impress

Alvin York

Alvin York was born in 1887 and grew up on a farm in North Carolina. He served in the army during WWI. York joined up after he witnessed a murder, but he never told anyone why he enlisted. Once he was in the army, York began to excel as a sharpshooter. He earned a reputation for being able to hit targets at great distances with his rifle.

York's first combat experience came on September 19th, 1918. The Germans had launched an attack on the town of Stoumont in Belgium which was defended by American troops led by George S. Patton. During this attack, York helped capture several German machine guns and other weapons which helped turn back the Germans' advance toward Paris.

York received the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty" during this battle (the citation also mentions that he took part in another raid later that month). After receiving the medal from President Woodrow Wilson at a White House ceremony, York became an instant celebrity who traveled around the country giving speeches about his experiences fighting in WWI.

York retired from military service at age 40 and moved back home to North Carolina