Unsung Heroes: An Examination of America's Most Decorated Wartime Soldiers

When discussing America's most decorated wartime soldiers, names like Audie Murphy, Alvin York, and Robert L. Howard often come to mind. However, as we explore further, the question arises: Has anyone beaten Audie Murphy as America's most decorated wartime soldier? This essay delves into the decorated records of notable soldiers across various conflicts, focusing on these three exceptional individuals.

Audie Murphy: The Crowned Champion

As of my last update in August 2023, Audie Murphy remains the most decorated American combat soldier of World War II. His distinguished service earned him numerous accolades, including the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and multiple Silver Stars, among other awards. While there have been highly decorated soldiers in subsequent conflicts, none have surpassed Murphy's total number of combat decorations officially.

A Recent Contender: Colonel Robert Howard

My era also brought forth an unsung hero, Colonel Robert Howard, who stands out for his remarkable combat record. Howard was nominated for the Medal of Honor three separate times within a 13-month period, but his awards were downgraded due to the covert nature of his operations, which the military wanted to keep top secret. His combat service in Vietnam was extensive, lasting for a total of 54 months, and he was awarded every decoration for bravery this country could offer. Howard's 14 wounds and eight Purple Hearts further underscore his bravery.

A Marvel from the Great War: Sergeant Alvin York

Another remarkable soldier is Sergeant Alvin York, who, during World War I, achieved an astonishing feat. With a single carbine rifle, he captured 25 machine guns and 132 German soldiers. It is remarkable that at the time, they did not count the number of enemies he had to kill to achieve this. His feat was even more impressive given that he was a conscientious objector, leading to his notable omission from many historical accounts.

Comparative Decorations Across Wars

Comparing the decorations of these three soldiers reveals a complex picture. Robert L. Howard's combat awards exceed those of Audie Murphy, making him the most decorated soldier during the Vietnam War. Colonel Howard served a total of five combat tours, totaling 54 months of service in Vietnam. Despite his extensive service and numerous awards, Howard's reputation has largely been overshadowed. In contrast, Audie Murphy's medals are specifically linked to World War II, making direct comparisons challenging.

Furthermore, the posthumous awarding of additional medals or the possibility of re-evaluating soldiers who may have been overlooked highlights the continuous nature of military honor consideration. While Colonel Howard's legacy remains unsung, his contributions and the recognition of lesser-known soldiers' sacrifices continue to be an important topic in military history.

Conclusion

The debate over who holds the title of America's most decorated wartime soldier is ongoing. While Audie Murphy remains the most decorated soldier of World War II, Colonel Robert Howard and Sergeant Alvin York each bring unique perspectives and impressive records to the discussion. The ongoing reappraisal of military honors serves to remind us of the complexity and depth of military service during times of conflict.