User:Bkatcher/List of living Medal of Honor recipients

There are currently 61 living recipients of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is bestowed upon a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes themselves "conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States."

Of the 61 living recipients, 45 earned their medal in the Vietnam War, 14 in the War in Afghanistan, and two in the War in Iraq. One earned his medal while serving in the U.S. Air Force, 44 in the U.S. Army, eight in the U.S. Marine Corps, and eight in the U.S. Navy. The oldest recipient is Bruce P. Crandall, aged 91, whereas the youngest is Kyle Carpenter, aged 34. Four medal holders are still on active duty in the U.S. military, William D. Swenson, Thomas Payne, Matthew O. Williams and Earl Plumlee of the U.S. Army. Among the living recipients are former U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey and three retired generals: Patrick Henry Brady and Robert F. Foley of the Army and James E. Livingston of the Marine Corps.

Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. The recipient must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States. Due to these requirements, it has frequently been presented posthumously.

Vietnam War
During the Vietnam War and in the following twelve months, 236 Medals of Honor were awarded and since 1978 a further 32 awards have been presented.

War in Afghanistan
The War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001 and was the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism. The war was launched by the United States, the United Kingdom, and NATO allies in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks. The stated purpose of the invasion was to capture Osama bin Laden, destroy al-Qaeda, and remove the Taliban regime which had provided support and safe harbor to al-Qaeda. Since 2001, 20 U.S. servicemen have received the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan, five of them posthumously.

Iraq War
Seven Iraq War veterans have received the Medal of Honor, five of them posthumously.

Recently deceased
Recipients who died within the last twelve months are listed below.