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Above and Beyond the Call of Duty
The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. It is earned, not won, by performing a deed of personal bravery or self-sacrifice, above and beyond the call of duty, while a member of the Armed Services of the United States in actual combat with an enemy of the Nation.
The deed performed must meet very stringent guidelines. It must have no margin for doubt or error. The deed must be proved by incontestable evidence of at least two eye-witnesses; it must be so outstanding that it clearly distinguishes the gallantry of the individual beyond the call of duty from lesser forms of bravery; it must involve the risk of life; and it must be the type of deed which if not performed, would not subject the individual to any justified criticism. The Medal is presented by a high official in the name of the Congress of the United States. For this reason it is often called The Congressional Medal of Honor.
While researching the Medals of Honor accredited to Idaho we discovered that 8 Medals were EARNED in Idaho, 18 Medal of Honor Recipients are buried in Idaho (this includes one ‘In Memory Of’ Cenotaph), 3 Medal of Honor recipients are currently living in Idaho, and 4 Medal of Honor Recipients were born in Idaho but either moved to or enlisted in another state. There has also come to light, information on other Medal of Honor Recipients with significant Idaho attachments other than those mentioned above. These are listed below as Honorable Mentions. This makes a total of 48 Recipients with strong Idaho attachments.
The following lists the Medal of Honor Recipients and their connection to Idaho (Accredited to Idaho-abbreviated Accd in table below), Born in Idaho, Living in Idaho, Buried in Idaho, Earned their Medal in Idaho, Honorable Mention).
*Of note, the actual Medals of Honor of Civil War Recipient Gurdon H. Barter and Korean War Recipient David B. Bleak are now on exhibit in the Museum.
Research Requests
The Idaho Military Historical Society answers numerous requests by patrons for various types of information related to Idaho’s military history every day. If you are not able to visit the library and archives to conduct your own research, our staff may be able to assist you.
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Upon request, our staff can provide a list of local researchers experienced in either historical or genealogical research who can be hired to assist with longer research projects.
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*We reserve the right to restrict copying material which may be damaged by the photocopying process or carries donor-imposed restriction. The user is responsible for copyright compliance.
Idaho’s Medal of Honor Recipients
NAME: BARTER, Gurdon H.
SERVICE: Navy
CONFLICT: Civil War
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: USS Minnesota/Ft. Fisher, 15 January 1865 (Although the date mentioned in his citation is 15 Jan 1865, the actual engraving on his medal reads “Dec. 1864 & Jan. 1865”)
ENTERED SVC: New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH: 1843
PLACE OF BIRTH: Williamsburg, New York
CURRENT LOCATION: Landsman Barter died on 22 April 1900 and there are two cemeteries that claim to have his grave. One is Moscow Cemetery (Lot 28, Block 1) in Moscow, Idaho, the other is Viola Cemetery (Plot 66, Grave 3), Viola, Idaho. The Medal of Honor Headstone is at the grave in Violas Cemetery. The Medal of Honor stone was to be moved to the Moscow location but will now remain in Viola. On March 25, 2006, National Medal of Honor Day, Congressman Otter formally presented Landsman Gurdon H. Barter’s actual Medal of Honor to the Idaho Military History Museum. It is now on display at the Museum.
Profiled in 1st Quarter 2006 Newsletter
SERVICE: Navy
CONFLICT: Civil War
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: USS Minnesota/Ft. Fisher, 15 January 1865 (Although the date mentioned in his citation is 15 Jan 1865, the actual engraving on his medal reads “Dec. 1864 & Jan. 1865”)
ENTERED SVC: New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH: 1843
PLACE OF BIRTH: Williamsburg, New York
CURRENT LOCATION: Landsman Barter died on 22 April 1900 and there are two cemeteries that claim to have his grave. One is Moscow Cemetery (Lot 28, Block 1) in Moscow, Idaho, the other is Viola Cemetery (Plot 66, Grave 3), Viola, Idaho. The Medal of Honor Headstone is at the grave in Violas Cemetery. The Medal of Honor stone was to be moved to the Moscow location but will now remain in Viola. On March 25, 2006, National Medal of Honor Day, Congressman Otter formally presented Landsman Gurdon H. Barter’s actual Medal of Honor to the Idaho Military History Museum. It is now on display at the Museum.
Profiled in 1st Quarter 2006 Newsletter
NAME: CONAWAY, John Wesley
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Civil War
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Vicksburg, Mississippi, 22 May 1863
ENTERED SVC: Rising Sun, Indiana
DATE OF BIRTH: 19 September 1843
PLACE OF BIRTH: Dearborn County, Indiana
CURRENT LOCATION: Evergreen Cemetery (Lot 6, Block 30), Post Falls, Idaho (Died 21 Nov. 1913).
NOTE: His enlistment location has been incorrectly recorded. His enlistment contract states he enlisted in Rising Sun.
Profiled in 2nd Quarter 2009 Newsletter.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Civil War
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Vicksburg, Mississippi, 22 May 1863
ENTERED SVC: Rising Sun, Indiana
DATE OF BIRTH: 19 September 1843
PLACE OF BIRTH: Dearborn County, Indiana
CURRENT LOCATION: Evergreen Cemetery (Lot 6, Block 30), Post Falls, Idaho (Died 21 Nov. 1913).
NOTE: His enlistment location has been incorrectly recorded. His enlistment contract states he enlisted in Rising Sun.
Profiled in 2nd Quarter 2009 Newsletter.
NAME: HAYES, John Henry
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Civil War
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Columbus, Georgia, 16 April 1865
ENTERED SVC: Oskaloosa, Iowa
DATE OF BIRTH: 4 August 1844
PLACE OF BIRTH: Jefferson County, Ohio
CURRENT LOCATION: Moscow Cemetery (Block 7, Lot 25, Grave 4), Moscow, Idaho (Died 27 Jan. 1904). His headstone has two dates but his actual date of death was 1904. He was the Marshal for the town of Troy, Idaho and was killed in the line of duty.
NOTE: History has recorded the Confederate flag captured by Hays as that of Austin’s Battery. However, Hays actual flag has been preserved by the State Historical Society of Iowa in Des Moines, and is the 2nd National Banner of the Confederate States of America, designed adopted in May of 1863. It was recently on display n the Iowa State Capitol.
Profiled in 3rd Quarter 2005 Newsletter
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Civil War
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Columbus, Georgia, 16 April 1865
ENTERED SVC: Oskaloosa, Iowa
DATE OF BIRTH: 4 August 1844
PLACE OF BIRTH: Jefferson County, Ohio
CURRENT LOCATION: Moscow Cemetery (Block 7, Lot 25, Grave 4), Moscow, Idaho (Died 27 Jan. 1904). His headstone has two dates but his actual date of death was 1904. He was the Marshal for the town of Troy, Idaho and was killed in the line of duty.
NOTE: History has recorded the Confederate flag captured by Hays as that of Austin’s Battery. However, Hays actual flag has been preserved by the State Historical Society of Iowa in Des Moines, and is the 2nd National Banner of the Confederate States of America, designed adopted in May of 1863. It was recently on display n the Iowa State Capitol.
Profiled in 3rd Quarter 2005 Newsletter
NAME: KEPHART, James
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Civil War
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Vicksburg, Mississippi, 19 May 1863
ENTERED SVC: Dubuque, Iowa
DATE OF BIRTH: 22 April 1842
PLACE OF BIRTH: Venango County, Pennsylvania
CURRENT LOCATION: Elmwood Cemetery (Grave 8, Lot B, Block 12), Gooding, Idaho (Died 27 April 1932).
NOTE: History recorded his date of death as 17 April 1932. It was actually 27 April 1932.
Profiled in 4th Quarter 2003 Newsletter.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Civil War
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Vicksburg, Mississippi, 19 May 1863
ENTERED SVC: Dubuque, Iowa
DATE OF BIRTH: 22 April 1842
PLACE OF BIRTH: Venango County, Pennsylvania
CURRENT LOCATION: Elmwood Cemetery (Grave 8, Lot B, Block 12), Gooding, Idaho (Died 27 April 1932).
NOTE: History recorded his date of death as 17 April 1932. It was actually 27 April 1932.
Profiled in 4th Quarter 2003 Newsletter.
NAME: BRYAN, William Charles
SERVICE: United States Army, serving as a Hospital Steward Conflict: Indian Wars
UNIT: 4th US Infantry, possibly attached to Troop K, 2nd Cavalry
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Powder River, Wyoming, 17 March 1876
ENTERED SVC: St. Louis, Missouri
DATE OF BIRTH: 9 September 1852
PLACE OF BIRTH: Zanesville, Ohio
CURRENT LOCATION: Unknown, Cremains returned to family (Died 27 March 1933 in California)
NOTES: There are several possibilities regarding his year of birth but 1852 appears to be the most plausible. There is also conflicting information as to where he was when he died. Most common location listed is Santa Barbara. After earning the Medal, Bryan came to Idaho in 1899 as part of the “Northern Idaho Exploring Expedition” and later, from 1927-1928, he served as an Assistant in Physical Education at the University of Idaho.
SERVICE: United States Army, serving as a Hospital Steward Conflict: Indian Wars
UNIT: 4th US Infantry, possibly attached to Troop K, 2nd Cavalry
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Powder River, Wyoming, 17 March 1876
ENTERED SVC: St. Louis, Missouri
DATE OF BIRTH: 9 September 1852
PLACE OF BIRTH: Zanesville, Ohio
CURRENT LOCATION: Unknown, Cremains returned to family (Died 27 March 1933 in California)
NOTES: There are several possibilities regarding his year of birth but 1852 appears to be the most plausible. There is also conflicting information as to where he was when he died. Most common location listed is Santa Barbara. After earning the Medal, Bryan came to Idaho in 1899 as part of the “Northern Idaho Exploring Expedition” and later, from 1927-1928, he served as an Assistant in Physical Education at the University of Idaho.
NAME: CLARK, Wilfred
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Big Hole, Montana, Camas Meadows, Idaho, 9 and 20 August 1877 respectively
ENTERED SVC: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
DATE OF BIRTH: 1841
PLACE OF BIRTH: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
CURRENT LOCATION: Lost in History, last known location was Cascade Montana.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Big Hole, Montana, Camas Meadows, Idaho, 9 and 20 August 1877 respectively
ENTERED SVC: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
DATE OF BIRTH: 1841
PLACE OF BIRTH: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
CURRENT LOCATION: Lost in History, last known location was Cascade Montana.
NAME: GARLAND, Harry
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Little Muddy Creek, Montana, Camas Meadows, Idaho, 7 May and 20 August 1877 respectively
ENTERED SVC: Indianapolis, Indiana
DATE OF BIRTH: 1844
PLACE OF BIRTH: Boston, Massachusetts
CURRENT LOCATION: Ft. Missoula, Montana, (North Section, Row I, Grave 3) (Died 21 May 1883)
NOTE: History incorrectly recorded his date of action and his burial location. The battle at Camas Meadows was 20 August and the letter recommending him for the Medal clearly states that the Date of Action was 20 August 1877. The Army Awards and Decorations branch concurred and in July 2012 issued an official correction to his records. His burial location was incorrectly recorded as Ft. Ellis, Wyoming. The graves at Ft. Ellis, which is actually located in Montana, were moved to Ft. Missoula, Montana, when Ft. Ellis closed on or about 1886. Most sources list his death as 7 May 1883 but the Burial Register from Ft. Ellis, Montana clearly shows that he died on 21 May 1883.
Profiled in 4th Quarter 2007 Newsletter.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Little Muddy Creek, Montana, Camas Meadows, Idaho, 7 May and 20 August 1877 respectively
ENTERED SVC: Indianapolis, Indiana
DATE OF BIRTH: 1844
PLACE OF BIRTH: Boston, Massachusetts
CURRENT LOCATION: Ft. Missoula, Montana, (North Section, Row I, Grave 3) (Died 21 May 1883)
NOTE: History incorrectly recorded his date of action and his burial location. The battle at Camas Meadows was 20 August and the letter recommending him for the Medal clearly states that the Date of Action was 20 August 1877. The Army Awards and Decorations branch concurred and in July 2012 issued an official correction to his records. His burial location was incorrectly recorded as Ft. Ellis, Wyoming. The graves at Ft. Ellis, which is actually located in Montana, were moved to Ft. Missoula, Montana, when Ft. Ellis closed on or about 1886. Most sources list his death as 7 May 1883 but the Burial Register from Ft. Ellis, Montana clearly shows that he died on 21 May 1883.
Profiled in 4th Quarter 2007 Newsletter.
NAME: GREEN, John
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATIONS AND DATE OF ACT: Lava Beds, California, 17 January 1873
ENTERED SVC: Columbus Ohio (This may be in error. He had a four year break in service before reenlisting in San Antonio, Texas)
DATE OF BIRTH: 20 November 1825
PLACE OF BIRTH: Wurttemberg Germany
CURRENT LOCATION: Morris Hill Cemetery (Grave 1, Lot 105, Block E), Boise, Idaho (Died 22 November 1908)
Profiled in 4th Quarter 1999 & Updated in 3rd Quarter 2000 Newsletter
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATIONS AND DATE OF ACT: Lava Beds, California, 17 January 1873
ENTERED SVC: Columbus Ohio (This may be in error. He had a four year break in service before reenlisting in San Antonio, Texas)
DATE OF BIRTH: 20 November 1825
PLACE OF BIRTH: Wurttemberg Germany
CURRENT LOCATION: Morris Hill Cemetery (Grave 1, Lot 105, Block E), Boise, Idaho (Died 22 November 1908)
Profiled in 4th Quarter 1999 & Updated in 3rd Quarter 2000 Newsletter
NAME: HEISE, Richard Clamor
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: 13 August through 31 October 1868
ENTERED SVC: New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH: 12 December 1844
PLACE OF BIRTH: Germany
CURRENT LOCATION: Heise Hot Springs Cemetery, Heise, Idaho ( Died October 31, 1921)
NOTES: History recorded his action date and location as Arizona, August-October 1868. It was actually 13 August through 31 October 1868, vicinity of the Black Mountains of Arizona. Mr. Heise was also the Founder of Heise Hot Springs, Heise, Idaho.
Profiled in 4th Quarter 2004 Newsletter
NAME: HUMPHREY, Charles Fredrick
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Clearwater, Idaho, 11 July 1877
ENTERED SVC: Buffalo, New York
DATE OF BIRTH: 2 September 1844
PLACE OF BIRTH: Cortland, New York (There are two recorded birth location, one is Cortland, the other is Tioga)
CURRENT LOCATION: Arlington National Cemetery (Section 4, Grave 3115), Arlington, Virginia (Died 4 June 1926)
Profiled in 3rd Quarter 2006 Newsletter
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Clearwater, Idaho, 11 July 1877
ENTERED SVC: Buffalo, New York
DATE OF BIRTH: 2 September 1844
PLACE OF BIRTH: Cortland, New York (There are two recorded birth location, one is Cortland, the other is Tioga)
CURRENT LOCATION: Arlington National Cemetery (Section 4, Grave 3115), Arlington, Virginia (Died 4 June 1926)
Profiled in 3rd Quarter 2006 Newsletter
NAME: JACKSON, James
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Camas Meadows, Idaho, 20 August 1877
ENTERED SVC: Dubuque, Iowa
DATE OF BIRTH: 21 November 1833
PLACE OF BIRTH: New Jersey
CURRENT LOCATION: River View Cemetery, (Section 15, Lot 174, Grave 4), Portland, Oregon (Died 21 October 1916)
NOTE: Contrary to recorded history, James Jackson entered the service from Iowa, not New Jersey. The Army Awards and Decorations branch concurs and in March 2015, issued and official correction to his records.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Camas Meadows, Idaho, 20 August 1877
ENTERED SVC: Dubuque, Iowa
DATE OF BIRTH: 21 November 1833
PLACE OF BIRTH: New Jersey
CURRENT LOCATION: River View Cemetery, (Section 15, Lot 174, Grave 4), Portland, Oregon (Died 21 October 1916)
NOTE: Contrary to recorded history, James Jackson entered the service from Iowa, not New Jersey. The Army Awards and Decorations branch concurs and in March 2015, issued and official correction to his records.
NAME: JONES, William H.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Little Muddy Creek, Montana, Camas Meadows, Idaho, 7 May and 20 August 1877 respectively
ENTERED SVC: Louisville, Kentucky
DATE OF BIRTH: 1842
PLACE OF BIRTH: Davidson County, North Carolina
CURRENT LOCATION: Efland Methodist Church Cemetery, North Carolina (Died 23 December 1911)
NOTE: The Farrier Awards, presented annually to the Trooper of the Year in the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment to recognize the most outstanding trooper in the Regiment, is named in honor of Farrier Jones.
NAME: LEONARD, Patrick T.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Fort Hartsuff (grace Creek), Nebraska, 28 April 1876
ENTERED SVC: Camp Three Forks, Idaho Territory
DATE OF BIRTH: 1828
PLACE OF BIRTH: Clare County, Ireland
CURRENT LOCATION: Mount Calvary Cemetery (Section 2 SE Corner), Lansing, Kansas (Died 1 March 1905)
NOTE: Patrick T. Leonard was stationed at Camp Three Forks, Idaho Territory during the late 1860’s/early 1870’s. While there, he has a short break in service at Camp Three Forks prior to re-enlisting at Camp Three Forks and going on to earn the Medal of Honor in Nebraska. As such, he is technically accredited to Idaho. Originally believed to be a double recipient, it wasn’t until 1984 that it was learned there were in fact two recipients with the name of Patrick Leonard.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Fort Hartsuff (grace Creek), Nebraska, 28 April 1876
ENTERED SVC: Camp Three Forks, Idaho Territory
DATE OF BIRTH: 1828
PLACE OF BIRTH: Clare County, Ireland
CURRENT LOCATION: Mount Calvary Cemetery (Section 2 SE Corner), Lansing, Kansas (Died 1 March 1905)
NOTE: Patrick T. Leonard was stationed at Camp Three Forks, Idaho Territory during the late 1860’s/early 1870’s. While there, he has a short break in service at Camp Three Forks prior to re-enlisting at Camp Three Forks and going on to earn the Medal of Honor in Nebraska. As such, he is technically accredited to Idaho. Originally believed to be a double recipient, it wasn’t until 1984 that it was learned there were in fact two recipients with the name of Patrick Leonard.
NAME: MAHER, Nicholas (aka Nicholas Meaher)
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona, 20 October 1869
ENTERED SVC: Cincinnati, Ohio
DATE OF BIRTH: circa 1845
PLACE OF BIRTH: Perry County, Ohio
CURRENT LOCATION: Jordan Valley Cemetery, Jordan Valley Oregon (Section 109, Space 7)
NOTES: Maher, an Indian Campaigns recipient, was classified as Lost to History until January 20111 when it was discovered he was residing in the Soldiers Home in Boise, Idaho at the time of his passing. The variation in the spelling of his name caused this status. Additionally, he lived in Silver City, Idaho in 1880 and worked there as a miner. There are several letters in Maher’s files dealing with the Medal of Honor but the dates are very inconsistent. He was in the same action as Francis Oliver.
Profiled in Summer 2016 newsletter.
NAME: MCCARTHY, Michael
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: White Bird Canyon, Idaho, 17 June 1877
ENTERED SVC: New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH: 19 April 1845
PLACE OF BIRTH: St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada
CURRENT LOCATION: Mountain View Cemetery, (IOOF Section, Block P, Lot 18, Grave 5), Walla Walla, Washington (Died 15 January 1914
NOTE: At one time, Michael McCarthy went by the name of Augustus Howard. History misrecorded his date of action as June 1876-January 1877. The letters in his Medal of Honor file obtained from the National Archives very clearly state that his action took place on June 17, 1877, during the battle at White Bird Canyon. The Army Awards and Decorations branch concurs and in July 2012, issued an official correction to his records.
Profiled in 3rd Quarter 2001 Newsletter.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: White Bird Canyon, Idaho, 17 June 1877
ENTERED SVC: New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH: 19 April 1845
PLACE OF BIRTH: St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada
CURRENT LOCATION: Mountain View Cemetery, (IOOF Section, Block P, Lot 18, Grave 5), Walla Walla, Washington (Died 15 January 1914
NOTE: At one time, Michael McCarthy went by the name of Augustus Howard. History misrecorded his date of action as June 1876-January 1877. The letters in his Medal of Honor file obtained from the National Archives very clearly state that his action took place on June 17, 1877, during the battle at White Bird Canyon. The Army Awards and Decorations branch concurs and in July 2012, issued an official correction to his records.
Profiled in 3rd Quarter 2001 Newsletter.
NAME: OLIVER, Francis
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona, 20 October 1869
ENTERED SVC: Ft. Filmore, New Mexico (May actually be Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania as he had a break in service)
DATE OF BIRTH: 1832
PLACE OF BIRTH: Baltimore, Maryland
CURRENT LOCATION: Normal Hill Cemetery, Lewiston, Idaho (Div A, Row 19, Lot 19, Grave 1) (Cemetery records recorded his death as 1880, Military records indicate 28 July 1880)
NOTES: There are several letters in Oliver’s files dealing with the Medal of Honor but the dates are very inconsistent. The date of the transmittal letter for Oliver’s award is the same as the date of the letter of recommendation.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona, 20 October 1869
ENTERED SVC: Ft. Filmore, New Mexico (May actually be Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania as he had a break in service)
DATE OF BIRTH: 1832
PLACE OF BIRTH: Baltimore, Maryland
CURRENT LOCATION: Normal Hill Cemetery, Lewiston, Idaho (Div A, Row 19, Lot 19, Grave 1) (Cemetery records recorded his death as 1880, Military records indicate 28 July 1880)
NOTES: There are several letters in Oliver’s files dealing with the Medal of Honor but the dates are very inconsistent. The date of the transmittal letter for Oliver’s award is the same as the date of the letter of recommendation.
NAME: PARNELL, William Russell
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: White Bird Canyon, Idaho, 17 June 1877
ENTERED SVC: Brooklyn, New York
DATE OF BIRTH: 13 August 1836
PLACE OF BIRTH: Dublin, Ireland
CURRENT LOCATION: San Francisco National Cemetery, California, (OS-68 Row 54) (Died 20 August 1910)
Profiled in 4th Quarter 2001 Newsletter.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: White Bird Canyon, Idaho, 17 June 1877
ENTERED SVC: Brooklyn, New York
DATE OF BIRTH: 13 August 1836
PLACE OF BIRTH: Dublin, Ireland
CURRENT LOCATION: San Francisco National Cemetery, California, (OS-68 Row 54) (Died 20 August 1910)
Profiled in 4th Quarter 2001 Newsletter.
NAME: SMITH, William H.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Wars
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona, 20 October 1869
ENTERED SVC: Cincinnati, Ohio
DATE OF BIRTH: circa 1847
PLACE OF BIRTH: Lapeer Michigan
CURRENT LOCATION: Unknown grave in unknown cemetery, Grangeville, Idaho
NOTE: Smith’s Final Statement shows that he died in the field hospital at Camp Howard, Idaho Territory and was buried in Grangeville near Mt. Idaho. There are four possible cemeteries but non have record of him. They do however report a number of unmarked and unknown graves. William H. Smith was in the same action as Francis Oliver and Nicholas Meaher/Maher. (An “In Memory of” headstone has been placed in the Prairie View Cemetery in Grangeville, Idaho. A dedication is tentatively scheduled for 18 October 2014.)
Profiled in Winter 2014 Newsletter.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Wars
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona, 20 October 1869
ENTERED SVC: Cincinnati, Ohio
DATE OF BIRTH: circa 1847
PLACE OF BIRTH: Lapeer Michigan
CURRENT LOCATION: Unknown grave in unknown cemetery, Grangeville, Idaho
NOTE: Smith’s Final Statement shows that he died in the field hospital at Camp Howard, Idaho Territory and was buried in Grangeville near Mt. Idaho. There are four possible cemeteries but non have record of him. They do however report a number of unmarked and unknown graves. William H. Smith was in the same action as Francis Oliver and Nicholas Meaher/Maher. (An “In Memory of” headstone has been placed in the Prairie View Cemetery in Grangeville, Idaho. A dedication is tentatively scheduled for 18 October 2014.)
Profiled in Winter 2014 Newsletter.
NAME: VARUM, Charles Albert
SERVICES: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: White Clay Creel, South Dakota, 30 December 1890
ENTERED SVC: Pensacola, Florida
DATE OF BIRTH: 21 June 1849
PLACE OF BIRTH: Troy, New York
CURRENT LOCATION: San Francisco National Cemetery (Section OS, Row 3A, Site 3), San Francisco, California
NOTES: Although officially retired in 1907, he requested a new assignment and was at once detailed as Instructor of the National Guard of Idaho with station at Boise and remained there until summer of 1909. The Governor sought to make him a Colonel on his staff. There is also information that he was attached to the Idaho National Guard as an instructor from 1907-1908.
SERVICES: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: White Clay Creel, South Dakota, 30 December 1890
ENTERED SVC: Pensacola, Florida
DATE OF BIRTH: 21 June 1849
PLACE OF BIRTH: Troy, New York
CURRENT LOCATION: San Francisco National Cemetery (Section OS, Row 3A, Site 3), San Francisco, California
NOTES: Although officially retired in 1907, he requested a new assignment and was at once detailed as Instructor of the National Guard of Idaho with station at Boise and remained there until summer of 1909. The Governor sought to make him a Colonel on his staff. There is also information that he was attached to the Idaho National Guard as an instructor from 1907-1908.
NAME: WILKENS, Henry
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Little muddy Creek, Montana, Camas Meadows, Idaho, 7 May 1877 and 20 August 1877 respectively.
ENTERED SVC: Albany, New York
DATE OF BIRTH: circa 1833
PLACE OF BIRTH: Germany
CURRENT LOCATION: New York, Brooklyn Cypress Hill National Cemetery (2-5325) (Died 2 August 1895)
NOTE: His date of birth has been recorded as 1855 and enlistment as Pennsylvania but this is impossible. He was a veteran of the Civil War and in fact attained the rank of First Lieutenant in 1864. His most likely year of birth is 1833. The US Army agrees and just approved and official records corrections.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Indian Campaigns
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Little muddy Creek, Montana, Camas Meadows, Idaho, 7 May 1877 and 20 August 1877 respectively.
ENTERED SVC: Albany, New York
DATE OF BIRTH: circa 1833
PLACE OF BIRTH: Germany
CURRENT LOCATION: New York, Brooklyn Cypress Hill National Cemetery (2-5325) (Died 2 August 1895)
NOTE: His date of birth has been recorded as 1855 and enlistment as Pennsylvania but this is impossible. He was a veteran of the Civil War and in fact attained the rank of First Lieutenant in 1864. His most likely year of birth is 1833. The US Army agrees and just approved and official records corrections.
NAME: LONGFELLOW, Richard Moses
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Philippine Insurrection
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near San Isidro, Philippine Islands, 16 May 1899
ENTERED SVC: Mandan, North Dakota
DATE OF BIRTH: 24 June 1867
PLACE OF BIRTH: Springfield, Illinois
CURRENT LOCATION: Normal Hill Cemetery (Div 4, Row 26, Lot 26, Grave 9), Lewiston, Idaho (Died 17 May 1951)
NOTE: Records indicate that his award was issued on 4 April 1906. In reality, he did not receive it until June 1909.
Profiled in 4th Quarter 2005 Newsletter.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Philippine Insurrection
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near San Isidro, Philippine Islands, 16 May 1899
ENTERED SVC: Mandan, North Dakota
DATE OF BIRTH: 24 June 1867
PLACE OF BIRTH: Springfield, Illinois
CURRENT LOCATION: Normal Hill Cemetery (Div 4, Row 26, Lot 26, Grave 9), Lewiston, Idaho (Died 17 May 1951)
NOTE: Records indicate that his award was issued on 4 April 1906. In reality, he did not receive it until June 1909.
Profiled in 4th Quarter 2005 Newsletter.
NAME: FOSTER, Paul Frederick
SERVICE: Ensign, U.S. Navy
CONFLICT: Vera Cruz, Mexico
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Vera Cruz, Mexico, 21 and 22 April 1914
ENTERED SVC: Weiser, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 25 March 1889
PLACE OF BIRTH: Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas
CURRENT LOCATION: Arlington National Cemetery (Section 5, Grave 106) (Died 30 January 1972)
NOTE: Prior to entering the U.S. Naval Academy, Foster attended the University of Idaho and lived in Weiser, Idaho. Documents just received from the Naval Academy confirm the Navy Historical Center’s webpage; he received his appointment to the Academy from Idaho Senator Dubois.
SERVICE: Ensign, U.S. Navy
CONFLICT: Vera Cruz, Mexico
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Vera Cruz, Mexico, 21 and 22 April 1914
ENTERED SVC: Weiser, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 25 March 1889
PLACE OF BIRTH: Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas
CURRENT LOCATION: Arlington National Cemetery (Section 5, Grave 106) (Died 30 January 1972)
NOTE: Prior to entering the U.S. Naval Academy, Foster attended the University of Idaho and lived in Weiser, Idaho. Documents just received from the Naval Academy confirm the Navy Historical Center’s webpage; he received his appointment to the Academy from Idaho Senator Dubois.
NAME: NEIBAUR, Thomas Croft
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: WWI
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near Landres-et-St. Georges, France, 16 October 1918
ENTERED SVC: Sugar City, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 17 May 1898
PLACE OF BIRTH: Sharon, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Sugar City Cemetery (Block 2, Lot 38, Grave 3), Sugar City, Idaho (Died 23 December 1942)
NOTE: Prior to deploying overseas, Neibaur was a member of Co M, 2nd Idaho Infantry, Idaho National Guard.
Profiled in 3rd Quarter 1999 and updated in 2nd Quarter 2000 Newsletter.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: WWI
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near Landres-et-St. Georges, France, 16 October 1918
ENTERED SVC: Sugar City, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 17 May 1898
PLACE OF BIRTH: Sharon, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Sugar City Cemetery (Block 2, Lot 38, Grave 3), Sugar City, Idaho (Died 23 December 1942)
NOTE: Prior to deploying overseas, Neibaur was a member of Co M, 2nd Idaho Infantry, Idaho National Guard.
Profiled in 3rd Quarter 1999 and updated in 2nd Quarter 2000 Newsletter.
NAME: BAKER, Vernon Joseph
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near Viareggio Italy, 5-6 April 1945
ENTERED SVC: Cheyenne Wyoming
DATE OF BIRTH: 17 December
PLACE OF BIRTH: Cheyenne Wyoming
CURRENT LOCATION: Internment in Arlington National Cemetery (Died 13 July 2010). Although Baker’s Medal is accredited to Wyoming, he was living in Idaho and had lived in Idaho for over 15 years when presented the award.
NOTE: Lt. Baker wrote a book about his life and his Medal of Honor earning event. He graciously made it available to our gift shop and personally autographed each copy.
Profiled in 4th Quarter 2000 Newsletter
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near Viareggio Italy, 5-6 April 1945
ENTERED SVC: Cheyenne Wyoming
DATE OF BIRTH: 17 December
PLACE OF BIRTH: Cheyenne Wyoming
CURRENT LOCATION: Internment in Arlington National Cemetery (Died 13 July 2010). Although Baker’s Medal is accredited to Wyoming, he was living in Idaho and had lived in Idaho for over 15 years when presented the award.
NOTE: Lt. Baker wrote a book about his life and his Medal of Honor earning event. He graciously made it available to our gift shop and personally autographed each copy.
Profiled in 4th Quarter 2000 Newsletter
NAME: BOYINTON, Gregory Pappy
SERVICE: USMC
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Central Solomons Area, 12 September 1943-3 January 1944
ENTERED SVC: Tacoma, Washington
DATE OF BIRTH: 4 December 1912
PLACE OF BIRTH: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Arlington National Cemetery, (Section 7A, Grave 150), Arlington, Virginia (Died 11 January 1988)
NOTE: Until he decided to apply for flight school, he believed his name to be Gregory Hallenbeck. Boyington was better known as Pappy than Greg and he had his name legally changed in 1961 when he decided to run for political office.
SERVICE: USMC
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Central Solomons Area, 12 September 1943-3 January 1944
ENTERED SVC: Tacoma, Washington
DATE OF BIRTH: 4 December 1912
PLACE OF BIRTH: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Arlington National Cemetery, (Section 7A, Grave 150), Arlington, Virginia (Died 11 January 1988)
NOTE: Until he decided to apply for flight school, he believed his name to be Gregory Hallenbeck. Boyington was better known as Pappy than Greg and he had his name legally changed in 1961 when he decided to run for political office.
NAME: BROSTROM, Leonard Carl
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near Dagami, Leyte, Philippine Islands, 28 October 1944
ENTERED SVC: Preston, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 23 November 1919
PLACE OF BIRTH: Preston, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Preston Cemetery Dist (NW Section, Block 1, Lot 18), Preston, Idaho (KIA 20 October 1944)
Profiled in 2nd Quarter 2004 Newsletter.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near Dagami, Leyte, Philippine Islands, 28 October 1944
ENTERED SVC: Preston, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 23 November 1919
PLACE OF BIRTH: Preston, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Preston Cemetery Dist (NW Section, Block 1, Lot 18), Preston, Idaho (KIA 20 October 1944)
Profiled in 2nd Quarter 2004 Newsletter.
NAME: BUSH, Robert Eugene
SERVICE: United States Navy Reserve, serving as Medical Corpsman with a rifle company, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Okinawa Jima, Ryukyu Islands, 2 May 1945
CURRENT LOCATION: Fern Hill Cemetery (6th Edition, Block 1, Lot 24, South half of the Southwest Corner), Menlo, Washington (Died 8 November 2005)
NOTE: Robert attended Basic Training and Naval Medical Corps training at Farragut, Idaho. Bush was a Navy medical corpsman during the Battle of Okinawa and at the age of 18, was the youngest sailor to receive the Medal of Honor during World War II.
SERVICE: United States Navy Reserve, serving as Medical Corpsman with a rifle company, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Okinawa Jima, Ryukyu Islands, 2 May 1945
CURRENT LOCATION: Fern Hill Cemetery (6th Edition, Block 1, Lot 24, South half of the Southwest Corner), Menlo, Washington (Died 8 November 2005)
NOTE: Robert attended Basic Training and Naval Medical Corps training at Farragut, Idaho. Bush was a Navy medical corpsman during the Battle of Okinawa and at the age of 18, was the youngest sailor to receive the Medal of Honor during World War II.
NAME: JACKSON, Arthur J.
Service: USMC
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Island of Peleliu in Palau Group, 18 September 1944
ENTERED SVC: Portland, Oregon
DATE OF BIRTH: 18 October
PLACE OF BIRTH: Cleveland, Ohio
CURRENT LOCATION: Although Arthur Jackson’s Medal was accredited to Oregon, he had lived in Idaho for 44 years and was living in Idaho when he passed in 2017. He was buried in the Idaho Veterans Cemetery, Section 12, Row I, Site 123.
NOTE: The Medal that turned up in the pawn shop was not his original Medal, it turned out to be a counterfeit.
Profiled in 4th Quarter 2002 Newsletter and obituary in Fall 2017 Newsletter.
Service: USMC
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Island of Peleliu in Palau Group, 18 September 1944
ENTERED SVC: Portland, Oregon
DATE OF BIRTH: 18 October
PLACE OF BIRTH: Cleveland, Ohio
CURRENT LOCATION: Although Arthur Jackson’s Medal was accredited to Oregon, he had lived in Idaho for 44 years and was living in Idaho when he passed in 2017. He was buried in the Idaho Veterans Cemetery, Section 12, Row I, Site 123.
NOTE: The Medal that turned up in the pawn shop was not his original Medal, it turned out to be a counterfeit.
Profiled in 4th Quarter 2002 Newsletter and obituary in Fall 2017 Newsletter.
NAME: KANE, John Riley
SERVICE: United States Army Air Corps
CONFLICT: WWII
UNIT: 98th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Ploetsi Raid, Romania, 1 August 1943
ENTERED SVC: Shreveport, Caddo County, Louisiana
DATE OF BIRTH: 5 January 1907
PLACE OF BIRTH: McGregor, McLennan County, Texas
CURRENT LOCATION: Arlington National Cemetery (Section 7A, Grave 47) (Died 29 May 1996)
NOTE: After his heroic action at Ploesti, Colonel Kane returned to the United States in February 1944, as Base Commander of Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho where he served from 9 February 1944 to 25 December 1944. In November 1951 he was assigned to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho where he commanded the 580th Air Resupply and Communications Wing. Colonel Kane was stationed at Mountain Home until September 1952 when he and the Wing were transferred to Wheelus AB in Libya.
SERVICE: United States Army Air Corps
CONFLICT: WWII
UNIT: 98th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Ploetsi Raid, Romania, 1 August 1943
ENTERED SVC: Shreveport, Caddo County, Louisiana
DATE OF BIRTH: 5 January 1907
PLACE OF BIRTH: McGregor, McLennan County, Texas
CURRENT LOCATION: Arlington National Cemetery (Section 7A, Grave 47) (Died 29 May 1996)
NOTE: After his heroic action at Ploesti, Colonel Kane returned to the United States in February 1944, as Base Commander of Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho where he served from 9 February 1944 to 25 December 1944. In November 1951 he was assigned to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho where he commanded the 580th Air Resupply and Communications Wing. Colonel Kane was stationed at Mountain Home until September 1952 when he and the Wing were transferred to Wheelus AB in Libya.
NAME: LESTER, Fredrick Faulkner
SERVICE: US Nay Reserve
CONFLICT: WWII
UNIT: Assault Rifle Platoon, 1st Battalion, 22d Marines, 6th Marine Division
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, 8 June 1945
ENTERED SVC: Chicago, Illinois
DATE OF BIRTH: 29 April 1926
PLACE OF BIRTH: Downers Grove, Illinois
CURRENT LOCATION: Clarendon Hills Cemetery (Section G, Block K, Lot 28AB, Grave 9), Darien, Illinois, (Died 8 June 1945)
NOTE: Lester attended Basic Training at Farragut, Idaho, graduating in late 1943 or early 1944
Profiled in 3rd Quarter 2009 Newsletter.
NAME: MAXWELL, Robert Dale
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near Besancon France, 7 September 1944
ENTERED SVC: Creswell, Colorado
DATE OF BIRTH: 26 October
PLACE OF BIRTH: Boise, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Lives in Oregon
Profiled in 2nd Quarter 2003 Newsletter.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near Besancon France, 7 September 1944
ENTERED SVC: Creswell, Colorado
DATE OF BIRTH: 26 October
PLACE OF BIRTH: Boise, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Lives in Oregon
Profiled in 2nd Quarter 2003 Newsletter.
NAME: MCCARTER, Lloyd G.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Corregidor, Philippine Islands, 16-19 February 1945
ENTERED SVC: Tacoma, Washington
DATE OF BIRTH: 11 May 1917
PLACE OF BIRTH: St. Maries, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Woodlawn Cemetery (Block 23, Lot 7, Grave 6, Original edition), St. Maries, Idaho (Died 2 February 1956)
NOTE: Lloyd G. McCarter served in the Idaho National Guard prior to entering active duty. Also, his unit has been misrecorded, it was actually Company F, 503d Parachute Infantry.
Profiled in 2nd Quarter 2008 Newsletter.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Corregidor, Philippine Islands, 16-19 February 1945
ENTERED SVC: Tacoma, Washington
DATE OF BIRTH: 11 May 1917
PLACE OF BIRTH: St. Maries, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Woodlawn Cemetery (Block 23, Lot 7, Grave 6, Original edition), St. Maries, Idaho (Died 2 February 1956)
NOTE: Lloyd G. McCarter served in the Idaho National Guard prior to entering active duty. Also, his unit has been misrecorded, it was actually Company F, 503d Parachute Infantry.
Profiled in 2nd Quarter 2008 Newsletter.
NAME: NAKAMURA, William Kenzo
SERVICE: U.S. Army
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Castellina, Italy, 4 July 1944
ENTERED SVC: Hunt, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 21 January 1922
PLACE OF BIRTH: Seattle, Washington
CURRENT LOCATION: Evergreen-Washelli Cemetery (Washelli Veterans Section Lexington W, Grave 28), Seattle, Washington (KIA 4 July 1944)
NOTE: William entered the service from Minidoka Relocation Center, located near Twin Falls, Idaho, one of 10 Japanese American relocation camps built after the 7 December 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor. In January 1943, after the War Department announced that Americans of Japanese descent would be allowed to enter the military, William and his brother became one of over 300 volunteers to join. When William was killed in action, he was the first casualty from Hunt.
See 3rd Quarter 2000 Newsletter, Profiled in 2nd Quarter 2001 Newsletter.
SERVICE: U.S. Army
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Castellina, Italy, 4 July 1944
ENTERED SVC: Hunt, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 21 January 1922
PLACE OF BIRTH: Seattle, Washington
CURRENT LOCATION: Evergreen-Washelli Cemetery (Washelli Veterans Section Lexington W, Grave 28), Seattle, Washington (KIA 4 July 1944)
NOTE: William entered the service from Minidoka Relocation Center, located near Twin Falls, Idaho, one of 10 Japanese American relocation camps built after the 7 December 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor. In January 1943, after the War Department announced that Americans of Japanese descent would be allowed to enter the military, William and his brother became one of over 300 volunteers to join. When William was killed in action, he was the first casualty from Hunt.
See 3rd Quarter 2000 Newsletter, Profiled in 2nd Quarter 2001 Newsletter.
NAME: PETERSON, Oscar Verner
SERVICE: U.S. Navy
CONFLICT: WWII
UNIT: USS Neosho (AO-23)
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Coral Sea, 7 May 1942
DATE OF BIRTH: 27 August 1899
PLACE OF BIRTH: Prentise, Wisconsin
CURRENT LOCATION: Buried at Sea. Chief Peterson’s wife moved to Richfield, Idaho shortly after his untimely death. An ‘In Memory Of’ marker to Chief Peterson was dedicated and placed next to his wife’s grave in the Richfield cemetery on 3 April 2010.
NOTE: Most sources list Peterson as entering the service in Wisconsin. In reality, he enlisted in Kansas City, Missouri. Many sources also list his date of death as 7 May but this is not the case either. He died six days after his heroic action and rescue on board the USS Henley on 13 May 1942.
Profiled in 2nd Quarter 2010 Newsletter.
NAME: SMITH, Maynard Harrison
SERVICE: United States Army Air Corps
CONFLICT: WWII
UNIT: 423d Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Brest, France, 1 May 1943
CURRENT LOCATION: Arlington National Cemetery (Section 66, Grave 7375), Arlington, Virginia, (Died 11 May 1984)
NOTE: In December 1942, Maynard was promoted to staff sergeant in Pocatello, Idaho, where he was assigned to the 413th Bomb Squadron. He served as a gunner on a B-17 and was also the first enlisted airman ever to earn the nation’s highest decoration.
NAME: VAN NOY, Jr., Nathan K.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near Finschafen, New Guinea, 17 October 1943
ENTERED SVC: Pocatello, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 9 August 1924
PLACE OF BIRTH: Grace, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Grace Cemetery, Grace, Idaho (KIA 17 October 1943)
NOTE: Nathan’s name has been listed and spelled a number of different ways, the most common being Junior N. Van Noy and Nathan K. Van Noy Jr. His true name is Nathan Kilby Van Noy Jr. although he went by the name of Junior in the military. He also signed his letters home as Junior. History as recorded his entrance into the service location as Preston, Idaho, but according to documents obtained from the National Archives, he actually enlisted in Pocatello, Idaho on 17 February 1943. His heroic action and death occurred eight months to the day of his enlistment.
Profiled in 1st Quarter 2000 Newsletter although new information has come to light since publication.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: WWII
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near Finschafen, New Guinea, 17 October 1943
ENTERED SVC: Pocatello, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 9 August 1924
PLACE OF BIRTH: Grace, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Grace Cemetery, Grace, Idaho (KIA 17 October 1943)
NOTE: Nathan’s name has been listed and spelled a number of different ways, the most common being Junior N. Van Noy and Nathan K. Van Noy Jr. His true name is Nathan Kilby Van Noy Jr. although he went by the name of Junior in the military. He also signed his letters home as Junior. History as recorded his entrance into the service location as Preston, Idaho, but according to documents obtained from the National Archives, he actually enlisted in Pocatello, Idaho on 17 February 1943. His heroic action and death occurred eight months to the day of his enlistment.
Profiled in 1st Quarter 2000 Newsletter although new information has come to light since publication.
NAME: BLEAK, David Bruce
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Korean War
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Vicinity of Minari-gol, Korea, 14 June 1952
ENTERED SVC: Shelley, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 27 February
PLACE OF BIRTH: Idaho Falls, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Cremains were scattered at a favorite Idaho fishing location, (Died 23 March 2006). His family placed an ‘In Memory Of’ marker in the Lost River Cemetery (Section D, Row 2, Space 1), Butte County, Idaho.
NOTE: On June 14, 2006, David Bleak’s Medal of Honor was presented to the Idaho Military Historical society by his family for display in the Idaho Military History Museum. His Medal was unveiled on June 14, 2007 and is now on exhibit.
Profiled in 3rd Quarter 2000 Newsletter, Updated 2nd Quarter 2007 Newsletter.
NAME: JOHNSON, James Edmund
SERVICE: USMC
CONFLICT: Korean War
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Yudam-ni, Korea, 2 December 1950
ENTERED SVC: Washington DC
DATE OF BIRTH: 1 January 1926
PLACE OF BIRTH: Pocatello, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Missing in Action (Declared KIA 2 Nov 1953)
NOTE: A Memorial Marker (MH-451) has been erected in his honor in Section 13 of Arlington National Cemetery.
Profiled in 1st Quarter 2003 Newsletter.
NAME: LITTLETON, Herbert A
SERVICE: USMC
CONFLICT: Korean War
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Chungchon, Korea, 22 April 1951
ENTERED SVC: Nampa, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 1 July 1930
PLACE OF BIRTH: Mena, Arkansas
CURRENT LOCATION: Kohler Lawn Cemetery (Section R, Lot 388, Grave 3-1), Nampa, Idaho (KIA 22 April 1951)
NOTE: Herbert’s name is Herbert A. Littleton, he does not have a middle name. His medal was originally accredited to South Dakota but in 1965 the family contacted Senator Church and the record was officially corrected changing it to Idaho.
Profiled in 1st Quarter 2002 Newsletter.
SERVICE: USMC
CONFLICT: Korean War
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Chungchon, Korea, 22 April 1951
ENTERED SVC: Nampa, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 1 July 1930
PLACE OF BIRTH: Mena, Arkansas
CURRENT LOCATION: Kohler Lawn Cemetery (Section R, Lot 388, Grave 3-1), Nampa, Idaho (KIA 22 April 1951)
NOTE: Herbert’s name is Herbert A. Littleton, he does not have a middle name. His medal was originally accredited to South Dakota but in 1965 the family contacted Senator Church and the record was officially corrected changing it to Idaho.
Profiled in 1st Quarter 2002 Newsletter.
NAME: MYERS, Reginald Rodney
SERVICE: USMC
CONFLICT: Korean War
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near Hagaru-ri, Korea, 29 November 1950
ENTERED SVC: Boise, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 26 November
PLACE OF BIRTH: Boise, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Arlington National Cemetery, (Section 60, Grave 884), Arlington, Virginia (Died 23 October 2005)
Profiled in 1st Quarter 2001 Newsletter.
SERVICE: USMC
CONFLICT: Korean War
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near Hagaru-ri, Korea, 29 November 1950
ENTERED SVC: Boise, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 26 November
PLACE OF BIRTH: Boise, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Arlington National Cemetery, (Section 60, Grave 884), Arlington, Virginia (Died 23 October 2005)
Profiled in 1st Quarter 2001 Newsletter.
NAME: SCHOONOVER, Dan D.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Korean War
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near Sokkogae, Korea, 8-10 July 1953
ENTERED SVC: Boise, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 8 October 1933
PLACE OF BIRTH: Boise, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Missing in Action
NOTE: A Memorial Marker has been erected in his honor in Field of Honor 2, Row 16, Lot 50A, Morris Hill Cemetery, Boise, Idaho. His middle name has been listed as Dwain in at least two sources and Dwayne in another. His presentation date is also in error, his family received the award in December, not July.
Profiled in 3rd Quarter 2008 Newsletter.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Korean War
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near Sokkogae, Korea, 8-10 July 1953
ENTERED SVC: Boise, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 8 October 1933
PLACE OF BIRTH: Boise, Idaho
CURRENT LOCATION: Missing in Action
NOTE: A Memorial Marker has been erected in his honor in Field of Honor 2, Row 16, Lot 50A, Morris Hill Cemetery, Boise, Idaho. His middle name has been listed as Dwain in at least two sources and Dwayne in another. His presentation date is also in error, his family received the award in December, not July.
Profiled in 3rd Quarter 2008 Newsletter.
NAME: FISHER, Bernard Francis
SERVICE: USAF
CONFLICT: Vietnam
LOCATIONAL AND DATE OF ACT: Bien Hoa & Pleiku, Vietnam, 10 March 1966
ENTERED SVC: Kuna, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 11 January 1927
PLACE OF BIRTH: San Bernardino, California
CURRENT LOCATION: Buried at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, (Section 12, Row I, Site 142), Boise, Idaho, (Died 16 August 2014)
NOTE: Colonel Fisher has written a book about his life and his Medal of Honor earning event. He has graciously made it available to our gift shop and personally autographed each copy.
Profiled in 2nd Quarter 2000 Newsletter.
NAME: FREEMAN, Ed W.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Viet Nam
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Landing Zone X-Ray in the la Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam, 14 November 1965
ENTERED SVC: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
DATE OF BIRTH: 20 November
PLACE OF BIRTH: Neely, Mississippi
CURRENT LOCATION: Buried in the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery (Site #12-J-155), Boise, Idaho, (Died 20 August 2008)
NOTE: Hattiesburg, Mississippi is where Mr. Freeman entered the service; however, Mr. Freeman was attached to the Idaho National Guard for a time, had lived in Idaho for over 30+ years, and was living in Idaho when he received the award.
Profiled in 2nd Quarter 2002 Newsletter.
SERVICE: Army
CONFLICT: Viet Nam
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Landing Zone X-Ray in the la Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam, 14 November 1965
ENTERED SVC: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
DATE OF BIRTH: 20 November
PLACE OF BIRTH: Neely, Mississippi
CURRENT LOCATION: Buried in the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery (Site #12-J-155), Boise, Idaho, (Died 20 August 2008)
NOTE: Hattiesburg, Mississippi is where Mr. Freeman entered the service; however, Mr. Freeman was attached to the Idaho National Guard for a time, had lived in Idaho for over 30+ years, and was living in Idaho when he received the award.
Profiled in 2nd Quarter 2002 Newsletter.
NAME: MCGONAGLE, William Loren
SERVICE: US Navy
CONFLICT: Vietnam Era
UNIT: USS Liberty (AGTR-5)
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: International waters near the Sinai Peninsula, 8-9 June 1967
DATE OF BIRTH: 19 November 1925
PLACE OF BIRTH: Wichita, Kansas
CURRENT LOCATION: Arlington National Cemetery (Section 34, Grave 208), Arlington, Virginia (Died 3March 1999)
NOTE: McGonagle was Commanding Officer and Professor of Naval Science, NROTC Unit, at the University of Idaho from January 1959 to June 1961 and received a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University while teaching there.
SERVICE: US Navy
CONFLICT: Vietnam Era
UNIT: USS Liberty (AGTR-5)
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: International waters near the Sinai Peninsula, 8-9 June 1967
DATE OF BIRTH: 19 November 1925
PLACE OF BIRTH: Wichita, Kansas
CURRENT LOCATION: Arlington National Cemetery (Section 34, Grave 208), Arlington, Virginia (Died 3March 1999)
NOTE: McGonagle was Commanding Officer and Professor of Naval Science, NROTC Unit, at the University of Idaho from January 1959 to June 1961 and received a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University while teaching there.
NAME: NORRIS, Thomas Rolland
SERVICE: Navy
CONFLICT: Vietnam
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Quang Tri Province, Viet Nam, 10-13 April 1972
ENTERED SVC: Silver Spring, Maryland
DATE OF BIRTH: 14 January
PLACE OF BIRTH: Jacksonville, Florida
CURRENT LOCATION: Lives in Idaho
SERVICE: Navy
CONFLICT: Vietnam
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Quang Tri Province, Viet Nam, 10-13 April 1972
ENTERED SVC: Silver Spring, Maryland
DATE OF BIRTH: 14 January
PLACE OF BIRTH: Jacksonville, Florida
CURRENT LOCATION: Lives in Idaho
NAME: RESONER, Frank Stanley
SERVICE: USMC
CONFLICT: Vietnam
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near Da Nang, Vietnam, 12 July 1965
ENTERED SVC: Kellogg, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 16 September 1937
PLACE OF BIRTH: Spokane, Washington
CURRENT LOCATION: Greenwood Cemetery, Kellogg, Idaho, (Veterans Section, Row 7, Lot 346), (KIA 12 Jul 1965)
Profiled in 4th Quarter 2010 Newsletter.
SERVICE: USMC
CONFLICT: Vietnam
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: Near Da Nang, Vietnam, 12 July 1965
ENTERED SVC: Kellogg, Idaho
DATE OF BIRTH: 16 September 1937
PLACE OF BIRTH: Spokane, Washington
CURRENT LOCATION: Greenwood Cemetery, Kellogg, Idaho, (Veterans Section, Row 7, Lot 346), (KIA 12 Jul 1965)
Profiled in 4th Quarter 2010 Newsletter.
NAME: SIJAN, Lance Peter
SERVICE: USAF
CONFLICT: Vietnam
UNIT: 480 TFS, Da Nang AFB, Republic of Viet Nam
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: North Vietnam, 9 November 1967
ENTERED SVC: Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
DATE OF BIRTH: 13 April 1942
PLACE OF BIRTH: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
CURRENT LOCATION: Buried in Arlington Park Cemetery (Block 26, Lot 68, Grave 7), Milwaukee Wisconsin (Died 22 January 1968)
NOTE: Captain Sijan was a member of the 366th TFW/480th TFS while the wing was stationed at Da Nang AB, Vietnam. The 4th Allied POW Wing is the unit that submitted the original request for the Decoration (Maj Gen John P. Flynn). The 366th was transferred to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, from Takhli, Thailand on 31 October 1972. The preceding was provided to us by the 366th Wing History Office.
SERVICE: USAF
CONFLICT: Vietnam
UNIT: 480 TFS, Da Nang AFB, Republic of Viet Nam
LOCATION AND DATE OF ACT: North Vietnam, 9 November 1967
ENTERED SVC: Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
DATE OF BIRTH: 13 April 1942
PLACE OF BIRTH: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
CURRENT LOCATION: Buried in Arlington Park Cemetery (Block 26, Lot 68, Grave 7), Milwaukee Wisconsin (Died 22 January 1968)
NOTE: Captain Sijan was a member of the 366th TFW/480th TFS while the wing was stationed at Da Nang AB, Vietnam. The 4th Allied POW Wing is the unit that submitted the original request for the Decoration (Maj Gen John P. Flynn). The 366th was transferred to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, from Takhli, Thailand on 31 October 1972. The preceding was provided to us by the 366th Wing History Office.
NOTE: Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho was a training center during WWII for B-17 and B-27 Bomber Crews. A number of units transitioned through Gowen Field and four Medal of Honor Recipients are associated with those units. HENRY E. ERWIN – 29th Bombardment Group, 52nd Bombardment Squadron
FORREST T. VOSLER – 303rd Bombardment Group, 358th Bombardment Squadron
JACK W. MATHIS – 303rd Bombardment Group, 359th Bombardment Squadron
HORACE S. CARSWELL, JR. – 308th Bombardment Group, 374th Bombardment Squadron. We also have information that Chester H. West, WWI Medal of Honor Recipient, may have lived in Idaho Falls, Idaho for a period of time prior to enlisting in the military. Another noteworthy mention, Wilmon W. Blackmar, Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient, and Commander-In-Chief of the GAR, died during a visit to Boise, Idaho on Sunday, July 16, 1905. Additionally, David C. Dolby, Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipient, passed away in Spirit Lake, Idaho on August 6, 2010 while visiting friends. John Moran, Indian Campaigns Medal of Honor recipient, may be buried in eastern Idaho. Details are still very sketchy but local history has him there. He is officially classified as Lost in History and in closing, eastern Idaho’s Bingham County is named for Henry Harrison Bingham, a Civil War Medal of Honor recipient. He never lived in Idaho but was a longtime friend and political associate of territorial Governor William M. Bunn.**As you may have noticed, our files are not complete. We are attempting to fill in as many blanks as we can but when it comes to time frames involved, records were not kept the same way as they are today. If you have any information that could help us, please contact us.
FORREST T. VOSLER – 303rd Bombardment Group, 358th Bombardment Squadron
JACK W. MATHIS – 303rd Bombardment Group, 359th Bombardment Squadron
HORACE S. CARSWELL, JR. – 308th Bombardment Group, 374th Bombardment Squadron. We also have information that Chester H. West, WWI Medal of Honor Recipient, may have lived in Idaho Falls, Idaho for a period of time prior to enlisting in the military. Another noteworthy mention, Wilmon W. Blackmar, Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient, and Commander-In-Chief of the GAR, died during a visit to Boise, Idaho on Sunday, July 16, 1905. Additionally, David C. Dolby, Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipient, passed away in Spirit Lake, Idaho on August 6, 2010 while visiting friends. John Moran, Indian Campaigns Medal of Honor recipient, may be buried in eastern Idaho. Details are still very sketchy but local history has him there. He is officially classified as Lost in History and in closing, eastern Idaho’s Bingham County is named for Henry Harrison Bingham, a Civil War Medal of Honor recipient. He never lived in Idaho but was a longtime friend and political associate of territorial Governor William M. Bunn.**As you may have noticed, our files are not complete. We are attempting to fill in as many blanks as we can but when it comes to time frames involved, records were not kept the same way as they are today. If you have any information that could help us, please contact us.