The Unmatched Valor: The Two Marines Who Earned Two Medals of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest military decoration, awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. To earn one is an extraordinary feat, a testament to exceptional bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. To be awarded *two* such medals is a level of heroism almost beyond comprehension, reserved for the absolute pinnacle of courage. For the United States Marine Corps, this distinction is held by an exceptionally small and distinguished group of men. The question of who are the only two Marines to win two Medals of Honor is a topic that evokes awe and demands a closer look at the lives and actions of these legendary individuals.
The First of Two: Sergeant Major Daniel Daly
Sergeant Major Daniel Daly, a veteran of numerous campaigns spanning from the Spanish-American War to World War I, stands as one of the two Marines to achieve this unparalleled honor. His first Medal of Honor was awarded for his actions during the Battle of Cuzco Well in Haiti in 1915. During this engagement, Daly, then a Gunnery Sergeant, single-handedly repelled an enemy attack with a machine gun, killing six of the attackers and driving off the rest. His fearless leadership and unwavering determination in the face of a numerically superior force were instrumental in securing the objective.
Daly's First Medal of Honor Citation (Summary):
- For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy at the Haitian Republic, October 24, 1915.
- While leading his detachment in the advance on the enemy, Gunnery Sergeant Daly, seeing that his men were being severely handled and that the machine gun was in danger of being captured, left his position and, with the machine gun unloaded, rushed forward, captured the gun and, with great personal risk, worked it effectively against the enemy.
- His heroic actions were instrumental in driving off the enemy and saving his detachment.
Sergeant Major Daly's second Medal of Honor came for his exceptional bravery during the Battle of the Aisne-Marne in France, as part of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. On July 18, 1918, Daly, then a Sergeant Major, demonstrated extraordinary leadership and courage under heavy enemy fire. He led his battalion in a daring assault against a heavily fortified German position, personally organizing and leading his men through intense artillery and machine-gun fire. His relentless drive and refusal to yield under extreme pressure were crucial in breaking the enemy lines and achieving a vital victory.
Daly's Second Medal of Honor Citation (Summary):
- For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action during the Aisne-Marne offensive, France, July 18, 1918.
- Sergeant Major Daly, commanding a battalion in the absence of its commander, led his men with exceptional valor and courage in the face of overwhelming enemy fire.
- He personally organized and led assaults against strongly fortified enemy positions, inspiring his men to extraordinary feats of bravery.
- His actions were instrumental in breaking the enemy line and contributing to the success of the offensive.
The Second of Two: Major General Smedley Butler
The other Marine to achieve the remarkable distinction of winning two Medals of Honor is Major General Smedley Butler. A decorated officer with a career spanning over three decades, Butler's two awards highlight his consistent and exceptional bravery in multiple conflicts. His first Medal of Honor was awarded for his actions during the U.S. occupation of Vera Cruz, Mexico, in 1914. During the landing and subsequent fighting, Butler displayed immense courage and leadership in directing his men under fire.
Butler's First Medal of Honor Citation (Summary):
- For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action at the occupation of Vera Cruz, Mexico, April 21-22, 1914.
- Major Butler distinguished himself by his conspicuous gallantry and valor in directing his men in the face of heavy fire.
- He was instrumental in securing the city and in repelling enemy forces.
Major General Butler's second Medal of Honor was earned during the First World War, specifically for his actions in France in 1918. While serving as commanding officer of the 5th Marine Regiment, Butler led his troops in critical engagements, including the Battle of Belleau Wood and the subsequent fighting. His citation highlights his fearless leadership and the daring nature of his assaults against well-entrenched enemy positions. He consistently placed himself at the forefront of the fighting, inspiring his Marines through his own personal bravery and tactical acumen.
Butler's Second Medal of Honor Citation (Summary):
- For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action in the Republic of France, June 6-July 1, 1918.
- Major General Butler, commanding the 5th Marine Regiment, displayed exceptional leadership and courage during operations against the enemy in the Aisne-Marne defensive sector.
- He personally led his regiment in repeated assaults against strongly fortified enemy positions, often under intense machine-gun and artillery fire.
- His audacious attacks and unwavering determination were crucial in pushing back the enemy and achieving significant battlefield gains.
The stories of Sergeant Major Daniel Daly and Major General Smedley Butler are etched in the annals of American military history. They represent the highest ideals of the Marine Corps: courage, commitment, and an unwavering devotion to duty, even when faced with the ultimate peril. Their two Medals of Honor serve as enduring symbols of their extraordinary valor and their place among the most decorated servicemen in U.S. history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Sergeant Major Daniel Daly earn his first Medal of Honor?
Sergeant Major Daniel Daly earned his first Medal of Honor during the Battle of Cuzco Well in Haiti in 1915. He single-handedly repelled an enemy attack with a machine gun, killing several attackers and saving his detachment from being overrun. His bravery and quick thinking under intense pressure were critical to the survival of his men.
Why is winning two Medals of Honor so rare?
Winning two Medals of Honor is incredibly rare because it requires an individual to perform acts of extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty on two separate occasions, both times at the risk of their own life. The circumstances that warrant such an award are extreme, and to repeat such a feat is a testament to an exceptionally high and sustained level of courage and leadership in the face of mortal danger.
What was Major General Smedley Butler's role in earning his second Medal of Honor?
Major General Smedley Butler earned his second Medal of Honor for his leadership during World War I in France. As the commanding officer of the 5th Marine Regiment, he led his men in multiple daring assaults against heavily defended enemy positions during the Aisne-Marne offensive. His personal bravery and tactical direction were instrumental in breaking enemy lines and achieving vital battlefield objectives.
Were there any other Marines who came close to winning two Medals of Honor?
While many Marines have displayed exceptional bravery and earned commendations, the distinction of winning two Medals of Honor is held exclusively by Sergeant Major Daniel Daly and Major General Smedley Butler. Their two awards represent a pinnacle of valor that has not been duplicated within the Marine Corps.
