The 82nd Division of the United States Army has a proud and distinguished history of bravery and heroism on the battlefield. Among the many brave soldiers who have served in the division, six members have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government.
Lieutenant Colonel Emory J. Pike - 3rd Battalion, 319th Glider Field Artillery Battalion, World War II. Pike was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 6, 1944, during the Normandy invasion. According to his citation, Pike "distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."
Corporal Alvin C. York - Company G, 328th Infantry Regiment, World War I. York was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on October 8, 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. According to his citation, York "fought with exceptional valor in killing 25 German soldiers and capturing 132 others."
Private John R. Towle - Company H, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, World War II. Towle was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 6, 1944, during the Normandy invasion. According to his citation, Towle "distinguished himself by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."
Private First Class Charles N. DeGlopper - Company C, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, World War II. DeGlopper was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 9, 1944, during the Normandy campaign. According to his citation, DeGlopper "distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."
First Sergeant Leonard A. Funk Jr. - Company C, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, World War II. Funk was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on December 23-24, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge. According to his citation, Funk "distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."
Staff Sergeant Felix M. Conde-Falcon - Company D, 1st Battalion, 505th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Vietnam War. Conde-Falcon was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on April 4, 1969, in Ap Tan Hoa, Vietnam. According to his citation, Conde-Falcon "distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."
These six soldiers represent the very best of the 82nd Division and the United States Army. Their bravery, selflessness, and dedication to their fellow soldiers and their country serve as an inspiration to all who have followed in their footsteps. Their legacy will continue to live on as a proud part of the history of the 82nd Division and the United States Army.