Who Is the Most Decorated American War Hero?

Much like the combat which the men and women endured during wartime, there are many controversies surrounding America’s most decorated war veteran. The most decorated veteran status has been attributed to Audie Murphy of Texas. Audie Murphy was considered America’s most decorated veteran with 33 medals earned in 27 months of combat. Besides the medals bestowed on him by the United States, he received five from France and one from Belgium. Since many of his medals were awarded while serving during World War II, he gained great notoriety. Fellow soldier, and World War II veteran, David Hackworth stayed in the service and gained more awards.

David Hackworth of California is now considered America’s most decorated soldier with 90 decorations, citations and awards. He is proudest of his Combat Infantryman Badge. He received the Distinguished Service Cross (with oak leaf cluster), the Silver Star (with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and 4 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Legion of Merit (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Bronze Star (with V device and one silver Oak Leaf Cluster and one Oak Leaf Cluster), the Purple Hear (with one silver Oak Leaf Cluster and one Oak Leaf Cluster), the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service. He is the most decorated Vietnam veteran.

After World War II, Audie Murphy went on to star in 44 movies and establish himself as a country western music composer. At that time there was great controversy over who best embodied the hero spirit, Audie Murphy, who was a true hero or John Wayne who was a film hero. The controversy continued as groups debated who was a better role model for the youth of America.

There was also a controversy concerning the debate over who was the most decorated veteran, Audie Murphy or Matt L. Urban. When posing the question who was the most decorated, one must consider whether they were decorated by the United States or other nations.

New York born Matt L. Urban has been touted as having as many decorations as Audie Murphy in World War II. He earned 7 Purple Hearts, the Legion of Merit, the Croix de Guerre with a Silver Star and the Congressional Medal of Honor. The Congressional Medal of Honor was awarded by President Jimmy Carter, 35 years after the war.

The most decorated veteran of the Vietnam War was Joe Hooper of Moses Lake, Washington. Hooper was awarded 35 medals, including the Congressional Medal of Honor, two Silver Stars, six Bronze Stars and eight Purple Hearts. His tally exceeds that of Murphy, York, Keene or Urban. Hooper's life after the war was filled with conflict and controversy which contributes to his being overlooked by many historians. Like the war itself which stirred up strong emotions and controversy, the most decorated veteran of that war was filled with controversies as well. One of the more controversial episodes was when he told a group of high school students,

"I would tell my children, if I were to do this over, 'Go to Canada, don't fight.' Don't fight a war you can't win."

His tragic life ended when he died of a brain hemorrhage at 40 years old. He was later interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

Such controversies over who was the most decorated also existed in the first World War.

For World War I, Alvin York of Tennessee has long been identified as the most decorated American soldier in that conflict, although some historians claim that George Lawson Keene of Texas was the most decorated.

Alvin York received the Distinguished Service Cross, which was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor. He also received the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of honor from the French government.. The nations of Italy and Montenegro bestowed their Croce di Guerra and War medals on him as well.

George Lawson Keene of Texas received the he received was the Medal of Honor and Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster. He was also wounded seven times during his service, leading to his being awarded the purple hearthe also received the Distinguished Service Cross, the Cross of Honor, the French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Knights of Verdun, and the French Commemorative medal. The French decorations were personally awarded to him by Marshal Ferdinand Foch.

The honor for the most decorated woman veteran goes to Colonel Ruby Bradley. She spent time as a Japanese POW and later served in Korea. She was awarded the following medals and awards Legion of Merit medals, the Bronze Star, two Presidential Emblems, the Meritorious Unit Emblem, The American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Army Occupational Medal with Japan clasp, three Korea Service medals, the Philippine Liberation Medal, the Philippine Independence Ribbon and the United Nations Service Medal.