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Alumni Medal of Honor Recipients
Gallantry in action. Intrepidity. Above and beyond the call of duty. Risk of life. Selflessness. Exemplary action. Unwavering devotion. Conspicuous gallantry. Extraordinary heroism. The words enshrined with the Medal of Honor citations capture the best of what it means to be human. —Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Virginia Military Institute holds the proud distinction of seven alumni having received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award. Of those seven, five served in the United States Navy or the United States Marine Corps.
Clarence E. Sutton
VMI Class of 1890
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Tientsin China, 13 July 1900
"In action during the battle near Tientsin, China, 13 July 1900. Although under heavy fire from the enemy, Sutton assisted in carrying a wounded officer from the field of battle."
Cary D. Langhorne
VMI Class of 1894
Surgeon, U.S. Navy
Vera Cruz, Mexico, 22 April 1914
"For extraordinary heroism in battle, engagement of Vera Cruz, 22 April 1914. Surg. Langhorne carried a wounded man from the front of the Naval Academy while under heavy fire. "
Adolphus Staton
VMI Class of 1894
Lieutenant , U.S. Navy
Vera Cruz, Mexico, 22 April 1914
"For distinguished conduct in battle, engagement of Vera Cruz, Mexico, 22 April 1914; was eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion. He exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through the action of the 22nd and in the final occupation of the city. "
William P. Upshur
VMI Class of 1894
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Haiti, 24 October 1915
"In company with members of the 15th Company of Marines, all mounted, Capt. Upshur left Fort Liberte, Haiti, for a 6-day reconnaissance. After dark on the evening of 24 October 1915, while crossing the river in a deep ravine, the detachment was suddenly fired upon from 3 sides by about 400 Cacos concealed in bushes about 100 yards from the fort. The marine detachment fought its way forward to a good position which it maintained during the night, although subjected to a continuous fire from the Cacos. At daybreak, Capt. Upshur, in command of one of the 3 squads which advanced in 3 different directions led his men forward, surprising and scattering the Cacos, and aiding in the capture of Fort Dipitie."
Richard E. Byrd, Jr.
VMI Class of 1908
Commander, U.S. Navy
"For distinguishing himself conspicuously by courage and intrepidity at the risk of his life, in demonstrating that it is possible for aircraft to travel in continuous flight from a now inhabited portion of the earth over the North Pole and return. "
— Photos courtesy of the VMI Museum and VMI Archives.
