This State Leads the Nation with the Highest Medal of Honor Count from WWII

By Chris Lange Updated Mar 14, 4:16PM EDT · Published Mar 12, 8:10AM EDT

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This State Leads the Nation with the Highest Medal of Honor Count from WWII — © Stocktrek Images / Stocktrek Images via Getty Images

March 25th marks the observance of National Medal of Honor Day. Since 1990, this day has been set aside to honor the extraordinary sacrifices and bravery of those who have received the Medal of Honor, the highest military award given by the United States. This honor is given to those who served our country “through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty”. Since the American Civil War, more than 3,500 medals have been bestowed upon members of the U.S. military.

During the month of March, recent Medal of Honor recipients participate in two commemorative events. Last week, they rang the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange, continuing a cherished American tradition. Later, they will travel to Washington D.C. to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, paying tribute to all who have died in service to our country.

Here, 24/7 Wall St. is looking at the number of Medal of Honor recipients from each U.S. state. We reviewed data from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to identify the states with the most Medal of Honor recipients. States were ranked according to how many Medal of Honor recipients were accredited to each state. We also included supplemental information regarding how many recipients served in each military branch for each state since the Medal of Honor was established.

(This is a revised version of a previously published story, now featuring the most recent Medal of Honor recipient counts per state. This reflects the latest information as we commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of these individuals this month.)

Why This Matters Right Now

Veterans Day. US soldiers. US army. Military of USA. Memorial day.

With National Medal of Honor Day quickly approaching, we must continue to appreciate the profound sacrifices made by Medal of Honor recipients and other members of the armed forces. The Medal of Honor represents the highest standards of courage, selflessness, and dedication, commemorating the men and women who protect the freedoms we have today.

This past January, President Joe Biden presented the Medal of Honor to seven U.S. Army soldiers. While six were honored posthumously, one received the medal in person. This ceremony highlights the ongoing legacy of the Medal of Honor, with 61 living recipients today. Their actions are more than just historical records; they serve as enduring sources of inspiration and remind us of the values that make our nation strong.

Here is a look at the states with the most Medal of Honor recipients:

51. Alaska

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 0
Total recipients from all branches: 0 – #51 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 0
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 0
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 0
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

50. Nevada

View from the back of a male soldier in the uniform of the American army waving the US flag on top of a mountain in a clearing at sunset

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 1
Total recipients from all branches: 2 – #50 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 1
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 1
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 0
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

49. Rhode Island

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 1
Total recipients from all branches: 31 – #27 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 22
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 8
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 1
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

48. South Dakota

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 2
Total recipients from all branches: 3 – #49 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 1
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 1
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 1
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

47. Delaware

Delaware+veterans | Delaware veterans visit DC memorials

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 2
Total recipients from all branches: 13 – #42 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 11
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 2
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 0
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

46. North Dakota

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 2
Total recipients from all branches: 19 – #37 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 16
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 2
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 1
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

45. Washington D.C.

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 2
Total recipients from all branches: 33 – #24 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 15
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 10
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 8
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

44. New Hampshire

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 2
Total recipients from all branches: 35 – #22 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 25
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 9
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 1
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

43. Vermont

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 2
Total recipients from all branches: 47 – #18 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 43
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 3
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 1
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

42. Wyoming

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 3
Total recipients from all branches: 4 – #48 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 4
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 0
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 0
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

41. New Mexico

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 3
Total recipients from all branches: 9 – #45 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 8
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 0
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 1
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

40. Idaho

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 3
Total recipients from all branches: 10 – #44 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 6
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 0
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 3
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 1

39. Oregon

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 3
Total recipients from all branches: 13 – #41 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 11
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 0
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 2
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

38. Arizona

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 3
Total recipients from all branches: 16 – #40 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 11
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 0
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 5
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

37. West Virginia

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 4
Total recipients from all branches: 45 – #19 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 39
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 4
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 2
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

36. Utah

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 5
Total recipients from all branches: 6 – #47 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 3
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 3
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 0
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

35. Montana

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 5
Total recipients from all branches: 9 – #46 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 7
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 0
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 2
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

34. Nebraska

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 5
Total recipients from all branches: 21 – #35 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 11
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 6
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 4
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

33. Kansas

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 5
Total recipients from all branches: 31 – #28 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 28
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 1
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 2
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

32. South Carolina

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 5
Total recipients from all branches: 33 – #26 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 19
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 7
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 7
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

31. Maine

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 5
Total recipients from all branches: 66 – #13 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 41
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 24
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 0
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 1

30. Maryland

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 5
Total recipients from all branches: 84 – #9 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 50
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 30
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 3
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 1

29. Mississippi

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 6
Total recipients from all branches: 18 – #39 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 12
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 3
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 3
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

28. Georgia

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 6
Total recipients from all branches: 22 – #33 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 11
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 1
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 8
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 2

27. Florida

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 6
Total recipients from all branches: 24 – #30 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 14
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 5
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 5
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

26. Louisiana

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 6
Total recipients from all branches: 24 – #29 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 15
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 6
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 2
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 1

25. Connecticut

New Britain, Connecticut | Soldiers' Monument - Downtown New Britain, CT

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 6
Total recipients from all branches: 57 – #14 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 38
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 13
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 4
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 2

24. Arkansas

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 7
Total recipients from all branches: 12 – #43 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 7
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 3
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 2
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

23. North Carolina

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 7
Total recipients from all branches: 22 – #32 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 15
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 6
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 1
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

22. Tennessee

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 7
Total recipients from all branches: 33 – #25 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 27
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 4
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 2
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

21. Iowa

An American ship is moored in the Harbor. Ship on the background of the us flag. American fleet. The naval forces of America. us army. Participation of ships in military conflicts.

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 7
Total recipients from all branches: 55 – #15 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 47
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 5
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 1
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 2

20. Alabama

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 8
Total recipients from all branches: 21 – #36 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 15
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 2
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 4
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

19. Kentucky

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 8
Total recipients from all branches: 44 – #21 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 36
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 3
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 5
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

18. Virginia

Battle of the Bulge Monument -... by Tim Evanson

Battle of the Bulge Monument -... (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Tim Evanson

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 9
Total recipients from all branches: 47- #17 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 25
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 17
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 4
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 1

17. Indiana

Indiana War Memorial, Michigan... by Warren LeMay

Indiana War Memorial, Michigan... (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Warren LeMay

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 9
Total recipients from all branches: 74 – #12 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 61
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 9
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 4
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

16. Colorado

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 10
Total recipients from all branches: 24 – #31 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 17
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 3
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 3
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 1

15. Minnesota

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 10
Total recipients from all branches: 45 – #20 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 34
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 2
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 8
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 1

14. Hawaii

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 11
Total recipients from all branches: 19 – #38 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 19
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 0
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 0
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

13. Missouri

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 11
Total recipients from all branches: 78 – #10 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 64
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 9
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 5
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

12. Oklahoma

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 13
Total recipients from all branches: 25 – #34 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 21
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 2
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 2
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

11. Washington

President Donald J. Trump meets with World War II veteran Hershal u201cWoodyu201d Williams Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2020 by The White House from Washington

President Donald J. Trump meets with World War II veteran Hershal u201cWoodyu201d Williams Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2020 (Public Domain) by The White House from Washington

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 13
Total recipients from all branches: 34 – #23 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 21
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 6
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 6
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 1

10. Michigan

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 14
Total recipients from all branches: 111 – #7 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 99
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 5
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 7
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

9. Wisconsin

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 16
Total recipients from all branches: 50 – #17 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 41
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 4
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 4
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 1

8. New Jersey

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 16
Total recipients from all branches: 93 – #8 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 60
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 21
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 12
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

7. Massachusetts

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 18
Total recipients from all branches: 265 – #3 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 140
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 104
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 21
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

6. California

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 25
Total recipients from all branches: 141 – #6 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 92
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 23
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 26
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

5. Illinois

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 26
Total recipients from all branches: 210 – #5 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 164
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 25
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 20
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 1

4. Ohio

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 29
Total recipients from all branches: 255 – #4 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 222
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 21
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 11
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 1

3. Pennsylvania

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 29
Total recipients from all branches: 380 – #2 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 276
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 71
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 32
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 1

2. Texas

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 32
Total recipients from all branches: 77 – #11 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 56
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 7
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 13
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 1

1. New York

Medal of Honor recipients from World War II: 35
Total recipients from all branches: 677 – #1 out of 51
Total recipients from U.S. Army: 417
Total recipients from U.S. Navy: 223
Total recipients from U.S. Marine Corps: 37
Total recipients from U.S. Air Force: 0

About the Author Chris Lange →

Chris Lange is a writer for 24/7 Wall St., based in Houston. He has covered financial markets over the past decade with an emphasis on healthcare, tech, and IPOs. During this time, he has published thousands of articles with insightful analysis across these complex fields. Currently, Lange's focus is on military and geopolitical topics.

Lange's work has been quoted or mentioned in Forbes, The New York Times, Business Insider, USA Today, MSN, Yahoo, The Verge, Vice, The Intelligencer, Quartz, Nasdaq, The Motley Fool, Fox Business, International Business Times, The Street, Seeking Alpha, Barron’s, Benzinga, and many other major publications.

A graduate of Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, Lange majored in business with a particular focus on investments. He has previous experience in the banking industry and startups.

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Here is a look at the states with the most Medal of Honor recipients:

51. Alaska

50. Nevada

49. Rhode Island

48. South Dakota

47. Delaware

46. North Dakota

45. Washington D.C.

44. New Hampshire

43. Vermont

42. Wyoming

41. New Mexico

40. Idaho

39. Oregon

38. Arizona

37. West Virginia

36. Utah

35. Montana

34. Nebraska

33. Kansas

32. South Carolina

31. Maine

30. Maryland

29. Mississippi

28. Georgia

27. Florida

26. Louisiana

25. Connecticut

24. Arkansas

23. North Carolina

22. Tennessee

21. Iowa

20. Alabama

19. Kentucky

18. Virginia

17. Indiana

16. Colorado

15. Minnesota

14. Hawaii

13. Missouri

12. Oklahoma

11. Washington

10. Michigan

9. Wisconsin

8. New Jersey

7. Massachusetts

6. California

5. Illinois

4. Ohio

3. Pennsylvania

2. Texas

1. New York

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