Medal of Honor Comics #1

A. S. Curtis traces the history of America's highest military honor, from its creation during the Civil War as President Lincoln sought a medal to recognize uncommon heroism in the ranks, through its evolution and expansion in the decades that followed. The story charts how the Medal of Honor became the nation's premier award for battlefield bravery, examining the privileges and recognition accorded to its recipients and placing America's decoration alongside the great military honors of history—from ancient times through the Victoria Cross, the Legion d'Honneur, and beyond.

Gen. Alexander A. Vandergrift, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, leads the first major American land offensive against the Japanese at the Solomon Islands, coordinating a combined assault across land, sea, and air forces. Over four brutal months of fighting and supply challenges, Vandergrift's tenacity, resourcefulness, and unflinching leadership drive the enemy from island after island across the Pacific. His exceptional conduct earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor in recognition of his courage and command.

Private James H. Mills of Fort Meade, Florida faces intense enemy fire during his first day of battle near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, displaying extraordinary bravery as he single-handedly engages Nazi soldiers and machine gun emplacements. With utter disregard for his own safety, Mills executes a series of bold maneuvers—eliminating enemy gunners, forcing surrenders, and drawing fire to protect his fellow soldiers. His valor earned him the nation's highest honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, in a remarkable baptism by fire.

U.S.N. Commander Howard Walter Gilmore, a submarine captain from Annapolis, faces off against Japanese warships in a harrowing nighttime encounter that tests his devotion to his crew. When danger closes in, Gilmore proves his mettle by prioritizing the safety of every man aboard—a selfless act of leadership that defines true heroism. This true account captures the courage of a naval officer whose actions earned him the nation's highest honor.

Major Robert Edward Galer, a former University of Washington athlete who joined the Marine Air Corps, leads his fighter squadron during the brutal Battle of the Solomons in August 1942. Flying aggressive sorties against overwhelming enemy numbers at altitudes above 25,000 feet, Galer's courage and marksmanship inspire his men through 29 days of relentless combat. His extraordinary heroism earns him recognition as a Medal of Honor recipient.

Staff Sergeant Herbert H. Burr of Kansas City, Missouri faces a crucial test of courage when his tank is hit by enemy fire near Dorrnoschel, Germany in March 1945. With his vehicle damaged and his sergeant wounded, Burr must navigate intense combat to neutralize the Nazi threat and save his comrade's life. His extraordinary bravery and quick thinking under fire earned him the nation's highest award for valor.

Technical Sergeant Charles E. Kelly, a 23-year-old Pittsburgh native, volunteers for dangerous missions during the brutal Italian campaign of 1943, from silencing enemy machine gun positions to reconnaissance behind German lines. When a fierce attack threatens to overrun an ammunition dump he's defending, Kelly fights alone to hold his position and cover his unit's retreat—using everything from rifle fire to mortar shells improvised as grenades. This is the true story of one soldier's extraordinary valor under fire, as told by A.S. Curtis.

First Lieutenant Cecil H. Bolton of the 413th Infantry Regiment faces a brutal night crossing of the Mark River in Holland, where his company comes under devastating machine-gun fire that leaves him and his men pinned down and wounded. Despite severe leg injuries that render him unconscious, Bolton rallies back to lead a daring assault on the enemy positions, personally destroying machine-gun nests and pushing his squad forward through relentless fire. His extraordinary courage and leadership under fire—continuing to fight even as he takes additional wounds—earned him the nation's highest honor for valor.