World War II Heroes: Knights of Modern Times

Essay by DocKnightCollege, UndergraduateA+, January 2009

download word file, 7 pages 5.0

I had to pick a subject from a list and write a 1450-1750 word report on it. The subject was heroes.

World War II Heroes: Knights of Modern TimesDocKnightA CollegeAll cultures and societies have produced heroes. There is no doubt in anyone's mind of this fact. In American culture there are many types of heroes and classifications for each. There are political, artistic, athletic, fictional, mythological and military, to name a few. This article will focus on the greatest among them. World War II produced more heroes than other foreign wars, they were a class of their own, the likes of which have not been seen since.

To begin with let's define what makes a hero. The United States government defines a hero as someone who receives the Congressional Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor:is awarded in the name of Congress to a person, who, while a member of the armed forces, distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against any enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

The deed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice, an action that conspicuously distinguished the individual above his comrades. Incontestable proof of the performance of service is exacted and the recommendation for award of this decoration is considered on the standard of extraordinary merit. Eligibility is limited to members of the armed forces of the United States in active military service. (United States Army 2007)An example would be of James Thomas Reeves...