– A U.S. Marine, Kelly earned his first Medal of Honor in World War I for single-handedly capturing a German machine-gun nest. His second came in 1924 during the U.S. occupation of Haiti, where he led a patrol against hostile bandits despite being severely wounded.
His second Medal of Honor was awarded for his actions on March 23, 1865, during a battle in North Carolina. Kelly demonstrated extraordinary bravery, capturing a group of Confederate soldiers and helping to secure a strategic objective.
The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest and most prestigious military honor, awarded to soldiers who have distinguished themselves by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. While many have received this esteemed award, only one man has been awarded the Medal of Honor twice. medal of honor twice
In China, Daly single-handedly defended a bastion against repeated sniper attacks. Years later in Haiti, he braved heavy fire to retrieve a lost machine gun, securing a vital position. Smedley Butler : The Maverick General
A Marine Corps legend who received his first for the 1914 occupation of Veracruz and his second for actions in Haiti in 1915 . – A U
These individuals performed two distinct heroic acts at different times or in different conflicts .
In the 19th century, the Medal of Honor was often the only valor award available. Today, a robust system of "lesser" awards—like the Distinguished Service Cross , Navy Cross , and Silver Star —exists for extraordinary heroism that may not quite meet the ever-rising MOH standard . occupation of Haiti, where he led a patrol
The modern era has made double awards nearly impossible. In 1919, U.S. military regulations changed, stipulating that the Medal of Honor could be awarded only once per person. Any subsequent act of heroism would be recognized by a different decoration, such as a Navy Cross or Distinguished Service Cross. This means no living service member can ever again receive the Medal of Honor twice.
The first person to receive two medals, both during the American Civil War for capturing Confederate flags in separate battles .