They Gave The Last Full Measure of Devotion
Originally published in 2008
Congressional Medal of Honor Citations for heroes interred in the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery, Washington D.C.
World War I
By virtue of an act of Congress approved 24 August 1921, the Medal of Honor, emblem of highest ideals and virtues is bestowed in the name of the Congress of the United States upon the unknown American, typifying the gallantry and intrepidity, at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, of our beloved heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in the World War. They died in order that others might live (293.8, A.G:O.) (War Department General Orders, No. 59, 13 Dec. 1921, sec. I).
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World War II
AN ACT To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to the unknown American who lost his life while serving overseas in the armed forces of the United states during the Second World War.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President is hereby authorized and directed to award, in the name of Congress, a Medal of Honor to the unknown American who lost his life while serving overseas in the armed forces of the United States during the Second World War, and who will lie buried in the Memorial Amphitheater of the National Cemetery at Arlington, Virginia, as authorized by the Act of June 24, 1946, Public Law 429, Seventy-ninth Congress. Approved March 9, 1948. Public Law 438, 80th Congress.
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Korean Conflict
AN ACT To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to the unknown American who lost his life while serving overseas in the Armed Forces of the United States during the Korean conflict.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President is hereby authorized and directed to award, in the name of the Congress, a Medal of Honor to the unknown American who lost his life while serving overseas in the Armed Forces of the United States during the Korean conflict, and who will lie buried in the Memorial Amphitheater of the National Cemetery at Arlington, Virginia, as authorized by the Act of August 3, 1956, Public Law 975, Eighty_fourth Congress. Approved August 31, 1957. Public Law 85_251.
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Vietnam Era
AN ACT To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to the unknown American who lost his life while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era and who has been selected to be buried in the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President is hereby authorized and directed to award, in the name of the Congress, a Medal of Honor to the unknown American who lost his life while serving in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and who has been selected to lie buried in the Memorial Amphitheater of the National Cemetery at Arlington, Virginia, as authorized by the National Cemeteries Act of 1973.
This past summer we went to Arlington. My first time. With us was our daughter, all of 10 years old.
We thought she wouldn’t really “get it.” We were wrong. She “got it.” Did she quickly get bored? Yes, she is only 10. But did she comprehend the gravity of it all? Yes. Amazing.
My grandfather served as a Medic in the Pacific theatre. Never wanted to talk about it. Typical. Four years of his life dedicated. Thank you, Grandpa Joe.
Anyone who goes to Arlington and who is not deeply moved is a strange agent indeed. This is the dark side – yet a proud memorial – to the story of our heritage, our greatness, our freedom, our struggles and foibles – and our triumphs.
My uncle was career Army. He chose to be buried in Georgia. I don’t know why. Perhaps he found more solace in the Georgia clay vs the pomp of Arlington as he dealt with the obvious issues of his tour in Viet Nam.
Thank you Uncle Harry.
And may you all rest in peace.