Famous Kansans » Military » War Heroes
Korean War
Stanley T. Adams
- Born: May 9, 1922
- Died: April 19, 1999
- Connection to Kansas: Born in De Soto
Achievement:
United States Army Sergeant Stanley T. Adams was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1951 for his actions in late January 1951 during the Korean War. He led 13 men from his platoon in a bayonet charge against 150 enemy soldiers. After an hour of hand-to-hand combat he helped repel the enemy soldiers despite being wounded in the leg and being knocked off his feet four times from grenade explosions. Other awards include the Purple Heart. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant after receiving the Medal of Honor and retired from the army in 1970 as a lieutenant colonel.
Photo courtesy of the United States Army
James Jabara
- Born: October 10, 1923
- Died: November 17, 1966
- Connection to Kansas: Raised in Wichita
Achievement:
James Jabara, a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, flew over 100 combat missions over Europe during World War II and became the first jet fighter ace (a pilot who shoots down five or more enemy planes) in history during the Korean War. He tallied 15 downed planes during the Korean War, the second-most total for all American pilots. He rose to the rank of colonel in 1966, the youngest at that rank at the time. He was killed in an automobile accident in Florida. His awards include an Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, British Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Service Cross and a Silver Star. The Colonel James Jabara Airport in Wichita is named in his honor.
Photo courtesy of the United States Air Force
Emil Kapaun
- Born: April 20, 1916
- Died: May 23, 1951
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Pilsen
Achievement:
Father Emil Kapaun, a captain and chaplain in the United States Army, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013 for his actions on November 1-2, 1950 during the Korean War. As his company was under attack, he calmly walked through enemy fire in order to provide comfort and aid to fellow soldiers and rescue the wounded from no-man's land. The company found themselves surrounded and the able-bodied were ordered to evacutate. Kapaun elected to stay behind with the wounded. He was able to negotiate a safe surrender of the American Forces with and injured Chinese officer who was among the wounded he was tending. While at a prisoner of war camp (POW), he dug latrines, mediated disputes, gave away his own food, and raised morale among the prisoners. He died in the POW camp of malnutrition and pneumonia. Other awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal. The Roman Catholic Church declared him a Servant of God for his wartime activities, the first step on the path to sainthood. Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School in Wichita is named in his honor.
Photo courtesy of the United States Army
Philippine Insurrection
Arthur M. Ferguson
- Born: December 11, 1877
- Died: February 20, 1923
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Coffey County
Achievement:
Arthur M. Ferguson was a first lieutenant in the United States Army Volunteers when he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1902 for his actions on September 28, 1899 during the Philippine Insurrection. He single-handedly charged a body of the enemy and captured a captain, enabling his unit to advance. Other awards include a Distinguised Service Cross. He rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel before his death.
Photo courtesy of the United States Army
Frederick N. Funston
- Born: September 11, 1865
- Died: February 19, 1917
- Connection to Kansas: Raised in Allen County
Achievement:
Frederick N. Funston was a colonel in the United States Army Volunteers when he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1900 for his actions on April 27, 1899 during the Philippine Insurrection. He took a Filipino fighting position by swimming across two rivers while under heavy fire. He was appointed Brigadier General of Volunteers after receiving the Medal of Honor. One year later he aided in capturing the Filipino President and in recognition was appointed Brigadier General in the Regular Army. He reached the rank of Major General and was favored to head the American Expeditionary Force during World War I before his sudden death. Camp Funston, next to Fort Riley, is named in his honor.
Photo courtesy of the University of North Texas Libraries
Joseph Henderson
- Born: December 1869
- Died: December 19, 1938
- Connection to Kansas: Born at Fort Leavenworth
Achievement:
United States Army Sergeant Joseph Henderson was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1912 for his actions on July 2, 1909 during the Philippine Insurrection. He advanced alone against heavy fire to secure a recoil cable fastened to a mountain gun. He later obtained the rank of Master Sergeant before the left the army.
William B. Trembley
- Born: April 21, 1877
- Died: January 13, 1952
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Johnson City
Achievement:
William B. Trembley, a private in the United States Army, was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1902 for his actions on April 27, 1899 during the Philippine Insurrection. He, along with Private Edward White swam a river in the face of enemy fire and fastened a rope, enabling U.S. forces to cross the river and drive the enemy from fortified positions. He was later commissioned a first lieutenant and served in France during World War I.
Photo courtesy of the Museum of the Kansas National Guard
George W. Wallace
- Born: May 25, 1872
- Died: May 22, 1946
- Connection to Kansas: Born at Fort Riley
Achievement:
George W. Wallace, a second lieutenant in the United States Army, was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1900 for his actions on March 4, 1900 during the Philippine Insurrection. He and another officer were ambushed by enemy fighters, with the other officer being severely wounded. He fired in the direction of the enemy, killing them. He then moved the wounded officer from the path they were on, ran to the nearest town and summoned assistance from his command. He would retire from the army with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Edward White
- Born: January 15, 1877
- Died: December 3, 1908
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Seneca
Achievement:
United States Army Private Edward White was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1902 for his actions on April 27, 1899 during the Philippine Insurrection. He, along with Private William B. Trembley swam a river in the face of enemy fire and fastened a rope, enabling U.S. forces to cross the river and drive the enemy from fortified positions.
Photo courtsey of the Museum of the Kansas National Guard
Six-Day War
William L. McGonagle
- Born: November 19, 1925
- Died: March 3, 1999
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Wichita
Achievement:
United States Navy Commander William L. McGonagle for his actions on June 8-9, 1967 during the Six- Day War. He was in command of the USS Liberty sailing in international waters in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea when the ship was attacked by Israeli fighter jets and torpedo boats. He was severely wounded during the attack but remained in command for 17 hours, refusing to leave his post for medical attention. As the attack continued, he maneuvered the ship, directed its defense, supervised the control of flooding, and saw to the care of the casualties. After he removed himself from command of the ship, he still refused medical attention until he was convinced that the seriously wounded among his crew were treated. Other awards include the Purple Heart. He retired from the navy in 1974 as a captain.
Photo courtesy of the United States Navy
Veracruz Occupation
Paul F. Foster
- Born: March 25, 1889
- Died: January 30, 1972
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Wichita
Achievement:
United States Navy Ensign Paul F. Foster was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1915 for his actions on April 21-22, 1914 during the United States Occupation of Veracruz, Mexico. He received the award for distinguished conduct in battle. Fighting at the head of his company he was eminent and conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and courage. Other awards include the Navy Cross. He left the Navy from 1929-1941 when he was recalled by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for World War II service. He retired from the Navy in 1946 as a vice admiral of the naval reserve.
Photo courtesy of the United States Naval Historical Center
Vietnam War
Danny J. Petersen
- Born: March 11, 1949
- Died: January 9, 1970
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Horton, raised in Atchison
Achievement:
United State Army Specialist Danny J. Petersen was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on January 9, 1970 during the Vietnam War. He was an armored personnel carrier commander and repeatedly exposed himself and his carrier to enemy fire in order to protect the other soldiers in his unit. He carried a fellow soldier across a bullet-swept field to safety then returned to his carrier to provide covering fire so other soldiers could escape. He was killed in action preventing further loss of life in his platoon. Other awards include a bronze star, commendation medal and a purple heart. A portion of US Highway 75 in Jackson County is named the "Danny J. Petersen Memorial Highway" in his honor.
Photo courtsey of the United States Army
World War I
John H. Balch
- Born: January 2, 1896
- Died: October 15, 1980
- Connection to Kansas Born in Edgerton
Achievement:
John H. Balch, a pharmacist's mate in the United State Navy, was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1919 for his actions on July 19, 1918 and October 5, 1918 during World War I. On July 19, he exposed himself to heavy machinegun and high-explosive fire to help wounded soldiers back to a dressing station behind the line. He did this for 16 hours straight. On October 5, he established an advanced dressing station under heavy artillery fire to tend to the wounded. Other awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, three Silver Stars, and the Purple Heart. He retired from the Navy in 1950 as a commander.
Photo courtesy of the United States Naval History and Heritage Command
Erwin R. Bleckley
- Born: December 30, 1894
- Died: October 6, 1918
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Wichita
Achievement:
Erwin R. Bleckley, a 2nd lieutenant in the United State Army Air Service, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1922 for his actions on October 6, 1918 during World War I. Bleckley, an air observer, and his pilot took off in an attempt to locate a cut-off battalion and air-drop supplies to them. They returned without finding the soldiers with bullet holes in their plane and the engine malfunctioning. Later in the day, the two got in another plane and again attempted to find the soldiers, this time flying lower so as to be more precise in their air-drop. Warned against making another attempt, Bleckley was quoted as saying, "We'll make the delivery or die in the attempt." He was killed in action on October 6, when the pilot was killed by machinegun fire and Bleckley dieing from wounds sustained in the plane crash en route to a hospital.
Photo courtesy of the United States Air Force
Harold I. Johnston
- Born: March 9, 1892
- Died: August 28, 1949
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Kendell
Achievement:
United States Army Private First Class Harold I. Johnston was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1919 for actions on November 9, 1918 during World War I. When information was needed on the enemy's position on the opposite side of the Meuse River, he and another soldier volunteered to swim the river to determine the exact location of the enemy. He reached the other side under enemy fire, determined their location and then swam back again under fire. He would reach the rank of major before he was discharged from the army.
Photo courtesy of the United States Army
George H. Mallon
- Born: June 15, 1877
- Died: August 2, 1934
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Ogden
Achievement:
United States Army Captain George H. Mallon was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1919 for his actions on September 26, 1918, during World War I. He was leading a group of soldiers through the woods and became seperated from the rest of his company because of dense fog. They pushed forward and captured nine hostile machinegun nests without losing a man. They continued through the woods and captured a battery of four howitzers and its crew. Later, they came across two more machinegun nest and he rushed the position in the face of enemy fire and captured the guns single-handedly. By the end of the day he had captured 100 prisoners, 11 machineguns, four howitzers and on anti-aircraft gun.
Photo courtesy of Charley Mallon
George S. Robb
- Born: May 18, 1887
- Died: May 14, 1972
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Assaria
Achievement:
George S. Robb, a first lieutenant in the United States Army, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on September 29-30, 1918 during World War I. While leading his platoon in an assault he was severely wounded by machinegun fire, but rather than seek treatment he stayed with his platoon until ordered to get treatment. He returned 45 minutes later and remained on duty the entire night. The next morning he was wounded again, but stayed with his platoon. Later that same day he was wounded for a third time and assumed command of the company after his commanding officers were all killed. Other awards include the Purple Heart.
Photo courtesy of the Kansas Historical Society
World War II
Harold W. Bauer
- Born: November 20, 1908
- Died: November 14, 1942
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Woodruff
Achievement:
United States Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Harold W. Bauer was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions between May 10 to November 14, 1942 during World War II. He was in command of Marine Fighting Squadron Two Twelve and on September 28, his squadron was attacked by a superior force of Japanese planes resulting in Bauer shooting down an enemy bomber. On October 3, they again attacked a superior force with Bauer shooting down four planes and disabling a fifth. On October 16, he single-handedly attacked a squadron of Japanese planes that was attacking the USS McFarland and shot down four before lack of fuel force him to land. He was killed in action on November 14 after he was shot down after downing two enemy aircraft. Other awards include the Purple Heart
Photo courtesy of the United States Marine Corps
Laura M. Cobb
- Born: May 11, 1892
- Died: September 27, 1981
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Atchison, raised in Mulvane
Achievement:
Laura M. Cobb, a nurse in the United State Navy, was working at a hospital in Manilla, Philippines when she, and ten other nurses, were taken as prisoners of war by the Japanese on January 2, 1942 during the Battle of Bataan during World War II. She was imprisoned for 37 months, but she and the other nurses kept to their duty and cared for the other internees, sometimes seeing as many as 200 patients a day. She and the other nurses where known as the "Angels of Bataan," and were liberated on February 23, 1945. She was awarded the Bronze Star with a Gold Star among other awards and retired from the Navy in 1947 as a lieutenant commander.
Photo courtesy of the United State Navy
Richard Cowan
- Born: December 5, 1922
- Died: December 17, 1944
- Connection to Kansas: Raised in Wichita
Achievement:
Richard Cowan, a private first class in the United States Army, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1945 for his actions on December 17, 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. He was a heavy machine gunner and helped repel seven waves of attacking German infantry and tanks even after having most of the men in his section killed or wounded and having to reposition once. He killed nearly 100 German soldiers before having to retreat to the nearby village of Krinkelter Wald, Belgium. He was killed in action later that day defending the village. Other awards include the Purple Heart.
Photo courtesy of the United States Army
Walter D. Ehlers
- Born: May 7, 1921
- Died: February 20, 2014
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Junction City
Achievement:
United States Army Staff Sergeant Walter D. Ehlers was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1944 for his actions on June 9-10, 1944 during World War II. On June 9, he led his unit's attack against German forces and single-handedly defeated several enemy machinegun nests mortar positions. The next day, his platoon came under heavy fire and was forced to withdraw. He covered the withdrawal by diverting the hostile fire on himself allowing the other members of his platoon to escape. He then carried a wounded soldier to safety despite being wounded himself and then returned to the field under heavy fire to retrieve a heavy machinegun left behind. Other awards include the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. He attained the rank of second lieutenant before being discharged from the army.
Photo by Walter D. Ehlers
William D. Hawkins
- Born: April 19, 1914
- Died: November 21, 1943
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Fort Scott
Achievement:
United States Marine Corps First Lieutenant William D. Hawkins was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1944 for his actions on November 20-21, 1943 during World War II. He led a scout-sniper platoon during the Battle of Tarawa, attacking pill boxes and other gun installations. He personally initiated an assault on a hostile position fortified by five enemy machine guns, refusing to withdraw after being seriously wounded and destroyed three more pill boxes. He was killed in action on November 21, 1943. Other awards include the Purple Heart.
Photo courtesy of the United States Marine Corps
Thomas E. McCall
- Born: May 9, 1916
- Died: September 19, 1965
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Burrton
Achievement:
Thomas E. McCall, a staff sergeant in the United States Army, was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1945 for his actions on January 22, 1944 during the Battle of Monte Casino during World War II. He led his section in crossing the Rapido River despite heavy enemy machinegun fire. Upon crossing the river, he was the only one from his section not to be wounded or killed by artillery fire. He charged the enemy and single-handedly eliminated two machinegun nests and attacked a third before being captured. Other awards include the Purple Heart. He would later serve during the Korean War and would reach the rank of master sergeant.
Photo courtesy of the United States Army
Donald K. Ross
- Born: December 8, 1910
- Died: May 27, 1992
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Beverly
Achievement:
Donald K. Ross, a warrant officer machinist in the United States Navy, was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1942 for his actions while stationed aboard the battleship USS Nevada during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He was the first serviceman to receive the Medal of Honor during World War II. Other awards include the Purple Heart. He retired from active duty in the Navy in 1956, obtaining the rank of captain. The guided-missle destroyer USS Ross was named in his honor and a portion of Kansas Highway 18 in Lincoln County was named "Medal of Honor Recipient Donald K. Ross Memorial Highway."
Photo courtesy of the United States Navy
Grant F. Timmerman
- Born: February 19, 1919
- Died: July 8, 1944
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Americus
Achievement:
United States Marine Corps Sergeant Grant F. Timmerman was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1945 for his actions at the Battle of Saipan on July 8, 1944 during World War II. He was a tank commander whose tank was impeded by a fortified Japanese position. He exposed himself through the turret opening ordered infantry soldiers near the tank to take cover when the tank's main cannon fired. A grenade was thrown at the turret opening and he was killed in action blocking the grenade blast from killing the other crew members inside the tank. Other awards include the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.
Photo courtesy of the United State Marine Corps