The first thing that immediately comes to mind with American military heroes is medals, parades, or the loud moments that history remembers. However, the most inspiring tales of heroism are not to be found in louder corners—moments of heroism that passed by unnoticed, and lives that continued in normal ways after heroic acts. Here’s a glimpse at ten of the most decorated and humblest heroes of US military history, whose lives teach us that true bravery is as much about character as it is about courage.
10. Alice Breuer: Strength Through Survival
The life of Alice Breuer is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. After surviving the Holocaust, she lost all of her relatives, but found a way to go on. Twice rescued from Hungary by Raoul Wallenberg, she suffered unimaginable horror and came away with a determination to assist others. She became a psychiatrist following the war and dedicated her life to healing others while bearing her wounds. Her quiet strength demonstrates the phenomenal power of survival and compassion.
9. Charles Shay: Omaha Beach Medic
Maine Native American Charles Shay was a medic with the Big Red One on D-Day. During the bedlam and slaughter on Omaha Beach, he retrieved injured soldiers from among the surf, rescuing hundreds. The sole surviving medic from that day, Shay retired in subdued seclusion in Normandy, bearing with humility and dignity the memories of his deceased comrades.
8. Bill Edwards: The Eagle Squadron Ace
Before America’s involvement in WWII, Bill Edwards took a dangerous assignment flying Spitfires and Hurricanes with Britain’s RAF 133 Squadron. Edwards flew 27 combat missions, spent time as a POW, and then with the U.S. He was humble and had no fear. He had in him for his whole long life the qualities of international friendship and dedication to service.
7. Bob Slaughter: Omaha Beach’s Gentle Giant
Standing a towering six foot six, Bob Slaughter was a hard man to miss on Omaha Beach. A member of D Company, 116th Infantry Regiment, he battled in Normandy and then devoted himself to ensuring the memory of his comrades lived on. His stoic determination meant the valor of those who battled alongside him was never to be forgotten.
6. Abraham Baum: The Reluctant Raider
Abraham Baum’s path to heroism was not the usual fare. A Bronx dressmaker turned soldier, he commanded the discrediting Hammelburg Raid on General Patton’s insistence, risking everything for the liberty of American POWs. Baum’s sense of humor, courage, and larger-than-life personality left indelible marks on those who knew him, showing that heroes can also be discovered in the most unexpected sources.
5. Bill Leibold: Silent Service Survivor
Bill Leibold survived the sinking of the USS Tang, which was one of the most hazardous WWII subs, and endured sadistic Japanese POW camps. After the war, he devoted his life to the Navy, always humble and true. His story reminds us that heroism doesn’t always yell; sometimes it softly resides in persistence and devotion.
4. Bob Sales: The Bedford Boy Who Laughed
At 18 years old, Bob Sales landed on Omaha Beach in the second wave, employing dead friends as cover from fire. Though the experience was traumatic, he never lost his wit and humanity and told tales of life before D-Day with great humor and fondly celebrated his fellow Virginians with humor and warmth.
3. Felix Sparks: Liberator of Dachau
Felix Sparks was elevated from captain to lieutenant colonel, who commanded the task force that freed the Dachau concentration camp. His command amidst unimaginable atrocities consisted of equal measures of gallantry and empathy, demonstrating that even amidst the worst circumstances, humanity and integrity can triumph.
2. Lyle Bouck: Hero of Lanzerath
At 20, Lt. Lyle Bouck commanded an 18-man platoon that repelled a German SS attack at the Battle of the Bulge. His most decorated WWII platoon. Bouck’s courage matched his refusal to let anyone praise any one member of his crew, indicative of his humility and sense of duty.
1. Jake Larson (“Papa Jake”): From Omaha Beach to Everyday Inspiration
Jake Larson enlisted in the National Guard at 15 by falsely claiming his age and served as the operations sergeant at Omaha Beach with the 16th Infantry Regiment. Having lived through six great campaigns, he came home to a peaceful life in Minnesota and California. In his 90s, he was an internet legend as “Papa Jake,” recounting his experiences with warmth, humor, and appreciation. His legacy is that greatness, even the greatest life, can be lived humbly.
Beyond these ten, countless others—George E. Wahlen, David Bleak, Harold Wilson, Ken David, James Megellas, and Thomas Hudner—exemplify the same ideals. They acted with courage, cared for their comrades, and returned to quiet lives of service. True heroism, these stories remind us, is not measured in medals or fame, but in character, humility, and the impact left on those around us.
