Marine Corps History

155 years ago today, Cpl. John Mackie became the first Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Drewry’s Bluff. While enemy cannons tore through the deck of his ship, Cpl. Mackie continued to fearlessly maintain musket fire while also filling the positions of his fallen and wounded allies.

• 297 Marines have earned the Medal of Honor.
• Pfc. Jacklyn H. Lucas, youngest Marine to receive the Medal of Honor at 17 years old.
• Maj. Gen. Alexander A. Vandegrift, oldest Marine to receive the Medal of Honor at 55 years old.
• 44% of Marines who earned the Medal of Honor received it posthumously.
• Maj. Gen. Smedley Butler and Sgt. Maj. Daniel Daly earned the Medal of Honor twice.
• 44% of Marines who earned the Medal of Honor received it posthumously.
• Maj. Gen. Smedley Butler and Sgt. Maj. Daniel Daly earned the Medal of Honor twice.

Do you know what war or conflict had the highest number of Marine Medal of Honor recipients?