Courtesy of NM Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

March 25th is National Medal of Honor Day. The first Medals of Honor, a symbol of unparalleled bravery, were awarded on March 25, 1863. It is also known as the Congressional Medal of Honor. It is important for American citizen families, children, and writers to recognize that the Medal of Honor is EARNED by exceptional acts, not "won," in all mentions, an important distinction. Many Medals of Honor have been awarded "posthumously," meaning, the individual soldier, sailor, or airman gave his life for fellow citizens in earning the award.

This unparalleled prestigious award, presented by each branch of the U.S. military, is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional courage and selflessness in the face of enemy action. Their actions must have been performed conspicuously by gallantry and above and beyond the call of duty. May their names be forever remembered and honored.

Medal of Honor Recipients Who Were Born In New Mexico:

Martinez, Joseph P. Army Talpa, NM World War II
Moon, Jr., Harold Herman Army Albuquerque, NM World War II
Ruiz, Alejandro Renteria Army Loving, NM World War II
Valdez, Jose Frank Army Gobernado, NM World War II
Walker, Kenneth Newton Army AC Cerrillos, NM World War II
Miyamura, Hiroshi "Hershey" Army Gallup, NM Korean War
Fernandez, Daniel, Army Albuquerque, NM Vietnam War
Jennings, Delbert Owen Army Silver City, NM Vietnam War
Rocco, Louis Richard Army Albuquerque, NM Vietnam War
Worley, Kenneth Lee USMC Farmington, NM Vietnam War
Petry, Leroy Arthur Army Santa Fe, NM War on Terror-Afghanistan

Information on eight of New Mexico's Medal of Honor recipients are displayed at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial in Albuquerque. Click here for hours and visitor information: https://www.nmvetsmemorial.org/visit.html#/