Back in Time Today
Throughout American history, brave soldiers have shaped our nation through their courage, sacrifice, and leadership. From battlefield heroics to strategic brilliance, these individuals represent the highest ideals of military service. Their stories inspire us and remind us of the human cost behind our freedoms and the exceptional character of those who defend our country.
1. George Washington: The Founding Commander
Before he was our first president, Washington commanded ragtag colonial forces against the world’s mightiest military power. His leadership transformed inexperienced militiamen into a disciplined fighting force.
During the brutal winter at Valley Forge, Washington refused comfortable quarters, sharing his troops’ hardships. His daring Delaware River crossing caught Hessian forces by surprise and revitalized the struggling revolution.
Unlike most victorious generals throughout history, Washington willingly relinquished power after the war, establishing the crucial precedent of military subordination to civilian authority that continues today.
2. Audie Murphy: From Farm Boy to War Hero
Standing just 5’5″ and weighing 112 pounds, Murphy was initially rejected by military recruiters. The baby-faced Texan would become the most decorated American soldier of World War II, earning 33 medals including the Medal of Honor.
His most extraordinary feat? At 19, Murphy single-handedly held off an entire company of German soldiers for an hour in France. Wounded and running low on ammunition, he climbed onto a burning tank destroyer and used its machine gun to repel the enemy.
After the war, Murphy battled PTSD while starring in 44 films, including one about his own wartime experiences.
3. Alvin York: The Reluctant Warrior
A deeply religious man from rural Tennessee, York initially registered as a conscientious objector. His commanding officers convinced him that military service could align with his faith, forever changing American military history.
On October 8, 1918, Corporal York’s patrol was caught in deadly machine gun fire. While his comrades sought cover, York advanced alone through the German positions. Armed with only a rifle and pistol, he killed 25 enemy soldiers and captured 132 more, including four officers.
His extraordinary bravery earned him the Medal of Honor and international fame, though he remained humble throughout his life.
4. Pat Tillman: The Athlete Who Answered the Call
Few have sacrificed more for their convictions than Tillman. After the September 11 attacks, he walked away from a $3.6 million NFL contract with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist as an Army Ranger.
“I haven’t done a damn thing as far as laying myself on the line like our ancestors did,” Tillman told a reporter, explaining his decision. His death by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004 sparked controversy about military transparency.
Tillman exemplified putting principle above personal gain. His foundation now provides academic scholarships to veterans and military spouses, continuing his legacy of service.
5. Lyle Bouck: The Young Lieutenant Who Changed History
At just 21, Lieutenant Bouck became the youngest officer to command an Intelligence and Reconnaissance platoon in the European Theater. His leadership would prove crucial during the Battle of the Bulge.
Positioned along the Belgian-German border in December 1944, Bouck’s 18-man platoon encountered an entire German battalion. Rather than retreat, they fought fiercely for 18 hours, inflicting over 400 casualties while delaying the German advance at a critical juncture.
Captured and held as POWs, Bouck’s men wouldn’t learn until 1969 that their actions had earned them the Distinguished Service Cross, making them the most decorated platoon of WWII.
6. David Hackworth: The Military Maverick
Enlisting at 15 by lying about his age, Hackworth became one of America’s most battle-tested officers. His combat career spanned from Korea to Vietnam, earning him 91 decorations including 10 Silver Stars and 8 Purple Hearts.
Known as “Hack” to his men, he revolutionized counter-insurgency tactics in Vietnam. His mobile guerrilla force turned struggling units into elite fighting teams by adopting the enemy’s own tactics against them.
Later in life, Hackworth became a vocal critic of Pentagon bureaucracy and military leadership. His controversial memoir “About Face” and journalism career established him as an advocate for combat soldiers and military reform.
7. Joe Hooper: America’s Forgotten Hero
Often called the “forgotten hero,” Staff Sergeant Hooper received more combat decorations than Audie Murphy, including the Medal of Honor, two Silver Stars, and eight Purple Hearts. His battlefield ferocity became legendary among fellow soldiers.
During a single battle in Vietnam, despite being wounded several times, Hooper personally destroyed numerous enemy bunkers and eliminated 24 enemy soldiers. He repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire while rescuing wounded comrades.
Like many Vietnam veterans, Hooper struggled to adjust to civilian life after the war. His story highlights both the extraordinary courage of Vietnam-era soldiers and the challenges they faced upon returning home.
8. Robert Howard: The Special Forces Legend
Master Sergeant Howard operated so deep behind enemy lines that many of his missions remain classified decades later. A member of the elite Studies and Observations Group, he conducted covert operations throughout Southeast Asia.
Nominated for the Medal of Honor three times in 13 months (receiving it once), Howard embodied the Special Forces ethos. During one mission, despite severe wounds to both hands and feet, he organized a defense perimeter and directed airstrikes while caring for a wounded commander.
After 36 years of service across multiple conflicts, Howard continued mentoring younger soldiers until his death in 2009, leaving an indelible mark on America’s special operations community.
9. Leigh Ann Hester: Breaking Combat Barriers
Sergeant Hester shattered gender barriers in 2005 when she became the first woman since World War II to receive the Silver Star for direct combat action. As a military police squad leader in Iraq, she faced a situation few soldiers ever encounter.
When insurgents ambushed her convoy with machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire, Hester led her team through a 25-minute firefight. She personally cleared trenches of enemy fighters while under intense fire, eliminating multiple threats.
Her actions not only saved numerous lives but also helped change perceptions about women’s capabilities in combat roles, paving the way for policy changes that opened all military positions to women.