As the nation pauses to honor those who have served, Minnesota shines a spotlight on its own Medal of Honor heroes. The state counts 26 recipients of the nation’s highest military award, representing cities, small towns, farms and every community in between.

What the Medal of Honor Means

The Congressional Medal of Honor is presented by the President to members of the United States Armed Forces for acts of extraordinary heroism. It is not a prize that can be won; it is earned, often posthumously, when a service member’s courage costs them their own life.

Minneapolis Heroes

• Michael Reinert Blanchfield – recognized for gallantry and intrepidity during the Vietnam War.
• Oscar Frederick Nelson – earned his medal aboard the U.S.S. Bennington after a boiler explosion, displaying extraordinary heroism.
• Franklin Van Vakenbaugh – captain of the U.S.S. Arizona at Pearl Harbor, showing remarkable courage amid the attack.
• George William Rud – born in Minneapolis; died after remaining at his post on the U.S.S. Memphis when a hurricane struck.

St. Paul Recipients

• Jesse Farley Dyer – distinguished conduct in the Vera Cruz engagements of April 1915.
• Charles Montrose – born in St. Paul, honored for gallantry during the Indian Campaigns.
• Robert Joseph Pruden – saved many of his men in Vietnam despite serious wounds.
• Richard Eugene Fleming – flight officer who displayed extraordinary heroism at the Battle of Midway in World II.

Duluth and Northern Minnesota

• Mike Colalillo – charged through German machine‑gun fire in World II, neutralizing multiple enemy positions.
• Henry Alexius Courtney Jr. – thwarted a Japanese counterattack at Okinawa, leading by example.
• Dale Eugene Wayrynen – from Moose Lake, gave his life by throwing himself on a live grenade in Vietnam.

Southern Minnesota

• Willibald Bianchi (New Ulm) – fought bravely in the Philippine Islands during World II, continuing despite multiple wounds.
• Raymond Erwin Davis (Mankato) – displayed heroism aboard the U.S.S. Bennington when its boiler exploded.
• Leo Keith Thornsness (Walnut Grove) – engaged several MiGs over Vietnam, protecting downed pilots while low on fuel.

Northwest Minnesota

• Nels T. Wold (Winger) – captured 11 enemy troops in France during World I, sacrificing his life in a later assault.
• Louis James Hauge Jr. (Ada) – died in Okinawa after charging enemy machine‑gun nests, saving his company’s advance.

Central Minnesota

• Charles P. Davis (Long Prairie) – charged across a burning bridge in the Philippine Insurrection, routing 600 enemy troops.
• Lloyd C. Hawks (Becker) – rescued several men under heavy fire despite being wounded.
• James Dennis La Belle (Columbia Heights) – dove on a hostile grenade at Iwo Jima, saving comrades.
• James W. McIntyre (Dassel) – honored for gallantry in the Philippine Insurrection; the medal was approved in 1909 and finally presented in 2025.
• Albert Walter McMillian (Stillwater) – earned his medal during the Wounded Knee Creek engagement.
• Kenneth Lee Olson (Willmar) – sacrificed himself by absorbing a grenade blast to protect fellow soldiers.
• Donald Eugene Rudolph (South Haven) – tore through enemy pillboxes with his bare hands in the Philippines.
• Richard K. Sorenson (Anoka) – dove on a grenade in the Marshall Islands, surviving severe wounds.
• Dirk J. Vlug (Maple Lake) – single‑handedly destroyed a column of enemy tanks in the Philippines using a rocket launcher and pistol.
• Harry Leroy Hawthorne (undisclosed birthplace) – recognized for actions in the Indian Campaigns.

Remembering Their Legacy

These stories remind Minnesotans of the profound sacrifice made by service members and the enduring strength of military families. On Veterans Day, communities across the state host ceremonies, parades and moments of silence to honor both the living veterans and those who gave the ultimate price.

Local schools, churches and civic groups are encouraged to share these histories with younger generations, reinforcing the values of courage, duty and faith that have long defined Minnesota’s contribution to our nation’s defense.

Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.