Marines TV

Capt. Henry T. Elrod became the first American aviator to be awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II due to his efforts in the defense of Wake Island against the Japanese. Elrod shot down two enemy aircraft and became the first man to sink a major warship by small caliber bombs delivered from a fighter-type aircraft. After his plane was disabled by hostile fire, Elrod took control of a flank on the ground in defense of the island and he and his men fought vigorously against the Japanese. On 23 December, Elrod led his men with bold aggressiveness until he fell, mortally wounded. His superb skill as a pilot, daring leadership and unswerving devotion to duty distinguished him among the defenders of Wake Island. He gallantly gave his life for his country. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

1st Lt. George Cannon became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor in WWII for his actions on Midway. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Jamie Arzola)

U.S. Marines Corps Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hershel “Woody” Williams (retired), the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from the Pacific Theater during World War II, takes part in the christening of a ship that bears his name at General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, San Diego, Calif., Oct. 21, 2017. CWO4 Williams received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Christopher D. Thompson)

As a village burned and bullets whizzed by, 1st Lt. Christian F. Schilt, went above and beyond the call of duty as a Marine Corps aviator, earning himself the Medal of Honor. 1st Lt. Christian F. Schilt was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during an insurrection at Quilali, Nicaragua in January 1928. Schilt volunteered under extremely dangerous conditions to evacuate wounded by air and transport a relief commanding officer to assume charge of the situation. Under hostile infantry fire, Schilt took off a total of 10 times evacuating casualties and bringing supplies to others in desperate need. His actions resulted in three lives being saved. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Cody Lemons/ Released)

On August 21, 1968, Pfc. James Anderson Jr. became the first African-American Marine recipient of the Medal of Honor, for heroism in Vietnam while serving as a rifleman with Company F, 2d Battalion, 3d Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Justin Dixon)

Capt. Arthur Jackson, the Marine behind the "One-Man Assault", was laid to rest today, June 22, 2017. He received the Medal of Honor for actions at the battle of Peleliu during World War II.

On May 15, 1862, Cpl. John F. Mackie became the first Marine to receive the Medal of Honor. Mackie received the medal for his bravery when the USS Galena was attacked during the Civil War. Although the ship encountered heavy gunfire, Mackie fearlessly maintained defenses even when men around him were killed or wounded. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Robert Sweet)