Top 10 Most Decorated Soldiers in the US Military

Bravery often goes unnoticed in the chaos of conflict, but some acts of valor are so extraordinary they demand recognition. Throughout history, the U.S. military has honored its bravest men and women with medals representing courage, sacrifice, and leadership. While medals aren't the only measure of a hero, they tell a story of individuals who went above and beyond when their country needed them most.

Who are these individuals? Defining the most decorated soldiers in US history can be complicated, as criteria for awards have changed over decades. However, certain names stand out not just for the quantity of their ribbons, but for the sheer audacity of their actions. From the trenches of Europe to the jungles of Vietnam and the deserts of the Middle East, these warriors defined what it means to serve. In this post, we will explore the legends of WWI, Korea, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terrorism, and specifically dive into a detailed top 10 most decorated soldiers list from the Second World War.

It is important to note that this list is not all inclusive. We cannot possibly name every American hero. That is not a slight, and it shouldn’t be perceived as one.

Heroes of WWI

World War I introduced a new kind of industrial warfare, and with it, a new breed of American hero. When discussing the most decorated US soldiers of this era, two names invariably rise to the top: Alvin York and Samuel Woodfill.

Alvin York

Perhaps the most famous American soldier of WWI, Alvin York started as a conscientious objector. Despite his initial reluctance to fight, his actions in the Argonne Forest became legendary. York single-handedly killed more than 20 German soldiers and captured 132 others. His heroism earned him the Medal of Honor and cemented his place among the most decorated soldiers of his generation.

Samuel Woodfill

While York gained Hollywood fame, General John Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, called Samuel Woodfill the greatest soldier of the war. Woodfill single-handedly neutralized three German machine-gun nests under heavy fire, suffering from the effects of mustard gas while doing so.

Woodfill received the Medal of Honor (which General Pershing presented on 9 February 1919), the French Légion d'honneur in the degree of Chevalier, the French Croix de guerre with bronze palm, the Montenegrin Order of Prince Danilo I in the degree of Knight and the Italian Croce al Merito di Guerra among other awards.

The Titans of WWII

The Second World War was a global conflict that produced countless acts of heroism. When historians compile a top 10 most decorated soldiers list, the focus is often on this era because of the sheer intensity of combat. Below, we explore ten of the most formidable figures who helped defeat the Axis powers.

1. Audie Murphy

No list of the top 10 most decorated soldiers would be complete without Audie Murphy. Often cited as the single most decorated soldier in World War II, Murphy received every military combat award for valor available from the U.S. Army, including the Medal of Honor. He famously held off an entire company of German soldiers for an hour at the Colmar Pocket in France, firing a machine gun from a burning tank destroyer.

2. Matt Urban

Often referred to as "The Ghost" by his enemies, Matt Urban is a crucial addition to any top 10 most decorated soldiers list. He earned seven Purple Hearts and the Medal of Honor (awarded belatedly). Urban constantly returned to the front lines despite severe injuries, embodying the resilience seen in the most decorated US soldiers.

3. Robert T. Frederick

A leader of the famous "Devil’s Brigade," Frederick was wounded eight times and earned the Distinguished Service Cross twice, as well as other combat award like the Silver and Bronze Stars. His leadership in Italy and Southern France secures his spot on our top 10 most decorated soldiers list.

4. Maurice L. Britt

Maurice "Footsie" Britt was a professional football player who became a war hero. He was the first soldier in WWII to receive the top four bravery awards: the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and Bronze Star. His inclusion in this top 10 most decorated soldiers breakdown is undeniable.

5. David McCampbell

Representing the Navy on this top 10 most decorated soldiers list is David McCampbell. An ace pilot, he shot down 34 Japanese planes, including nine in a single mission. He remains the Navy's all-time leading ace and a Medal of Honor recipient.

6. Richard Bong

Another aviator essential to any top 10 most decorated soldiers compilation is Richard Bong. As the top American ace of the war, he shot down 40 Japanese aircraft. He received the Medal of Honor and became a symbol of American air superiority.

7. Llewellyn Chilson

Llewellyn Chilson is a unique figure on the top 10 most decorated soldiers list because he never received the Medal of Honor during the war (though many argued he should have). However, with 12 separate citations for valor, including three Distinguished Service Crosses, he is undeniably one of the most decorated soldiers in US history.

8. John Basilone

A Marine Corps legend, John Basilone is a must-have for a top 10 most decorated soldiers list. He earned the Medal of Honor for holding off thousands of Japanese troops at Guadalcanal and later received the Navy Cross posthumously for his heroism at Iwo Jima.

9. Charles "Commando" Kelly

Kelly earned his nickname through one-man assaults on German positions in Italy. His fearlessness and willingness to protect his platoon make him a worthy entry in this top 10 most decorated soldiers list.

10. Edward A. Carter Jr.

Carter was one of seven African American soldiers to belatedly receive the Medal of Honor in 1997. His determination to rejoin the fight despite multiple wounds highlights the diversity and tenacity found within this top 10 most decorated soldiers list.

Heroes of the Korean War

Although it is often overlooked and considered the Forgotten War by some, veterans of the Korean War fought like lions and earned numerous accolades for their bravery in combat.

Ralph Puckett Jr.

Puckett was a U.S. Army officer who led the Eighth Army Ranger Company during the Korean War and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in 1950, when his company of 51 Rangers was attacked by several hundred Chinese soldiers at the battle for Hill 205. He later served in the Vietnam War and retired from the army in 1971 as a colonel. In 2021, Puckett's Distinguished Service Cross was upgraded to the Medal of Honor.

Lewis Lee Millett Sr.

Millett was a United States Army officer who was awarded the Medal of Honor during the Korean War for leading the last major American bayonet charge. His awards include the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, three Bronze Star Medals, four Purple Hearts, and two Air Medals.

Legends of the Jungle: Vietnam

The nature of combat changed in Vietnam, but the valor remained. While distinct from the WWII top 10 most decorated soldiers list, the heroes of Vietnam displayed incredible grit.

Robert L. Howard

Robert Howard is frequently cited as the most decorated soldier of the Vietnam era. Serving in the Special Forces, he was wounded 14 times and received the Medal of Honor, two Distinguished Service Crosses, and a Silver Star. If we were expanding the top 10 most decorated soldiers list across all eras, Howard would undoubtedly be near the top.

Jorge Otero-Barreto

Known as the "Puerto Rican Rambo," Otero-Barreto participated in 200 combat missions and received 38 military decorations. His record is a testament to the intensity of service required during the Vietnam War.

David Hackworth

Hackworth served in the Korean War and also in the Vietnam War. He was at one point considered one of the most decorated combat veterans alive. He earned two Distinguished Service Crosses, 10 Silver Stars, four Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, eight Bronze Star Medals with "V", eight Purple Hearts, 34 Air Medals with "V" and the Army Commendation Medal four times with a with "V".

The Global War on Terrorism

Identifying the most decorated soldiers from the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) is challenging due to the ongoing nature of operations and classified missions. However, several service members have distinguished themselves.

Thomas "Patrick" Payne

An Army Ranger, Payne received the Medal of Honor for a daring hostage rescue operation in Iraq. He is one of the most highly regarded soldiers of the modern era.

Britt Slabinski

A Navy SEAL, Slabinski was awarded the Medal of Honor for his leadership during the Battle of Takur Ghar in Afghanistan. While modern warfare differs from the battles fought by those on the WWII top 10 most decorated soldiers list, the courage required is identical.

Remembering the Brave

Whether we are looking at the top 10 most decorated soldiers of WWII or the quiet professionals of today, the common thread is selflessness. These individuals didn't fight for ribbons or recognition; they fought for the person standing next to them.

While lists like the top 10 most decorated soldiers help us quantify heroism, the true measure of these soldiers lies in the lives they saved and the freedoms they defended. From Audie Murphy to the heroes of the GWOT, their legacy endures as a standard of American valor.