How many Medal of Honor recipients are alive?

How many Medal of Honor recipients are alive today? As of 2024, approximately 60-65 Medal of Honor recipients remain living, representing the surviving members of America's most distinguished military heroes.

Current Living Recipients Overview

The number of living Medal of Honor recipients fluctuates as these brave individuals age, with most current survivors serving during the Vietnam War, Korean War, and more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society maintains official records and actively tracks these numbers.

Breakdown by Conflict Era

Vietnam War Recipients

The majority of living recipients earned their medals during the Vietnam conflict, with approximately 40-45 survivors from this era. These veterans are now in their 70s and 80s.

Korean War Veterans

Fewer than 10 Korean War Medal of Honor recipients remain alive, as this conflict occurred over 70 years ago.

Modern Era Recipients

Approximately 15-20 recipients earned their medals during operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other recent military actions, representing the youngest group of living recipients.

Historical Context

Since the Medal of Honor's establishment in 1861, over 3,500 individuals have received this prestigious award. The declining number of living recipients reflects the natural passage of time and the Medal of Honor's strict criteria for extraordinary valor in combat.

Honoring Living Recipients

The Medal of Honor Society works tirelessly to support living recipients through various programs, including educational initiatives and veteran assistance. These surviving heroes continue participating in ceremonies, school visits, and patriotic events nationwide.

The exact number changes regularly due to the advanced age of many recipients. To learn about specific living Medal of Honor recipients and their remarkable stories of courage, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society provides updated information and inspiring biographical details.