The National Medal of Honor Museum, set to open on March 25, 2025, in Arlington, Texas, is a tribute to the courageous recipients of the nation’s highest military honor. Greg Waters, the museum’s director of curatorial affairs, emphasizes that the museum aims to delve beyond military history, focusing on the personal stories of the recipients. With 3,528 Medal of Honor recipients, some dating back to the Civil War era, the museum faces the challenge of portraying these individuals comprehensively.

One of the remarkable artifacts on display is Pvt. Jacob Parrott’s Medal of Honor, marking him as the first-ever recipient of this prestigious award. Parrott’s daring mission during the Civil War’s Great Locomotive Chase exemplifies the valor that the Medal of Honor represents. The museum also features Webster Anderson’s prosthetic arm, symbolizing his unwavering courage in the face of enemy attacks during the Vietnam War.

The museum pays tribute to Signalman First Class Douglas Munro, the sole Coast Guard recipient of the Medal of Honor, who sacrificed his life to save Marines during World War II. Additionally, a restored Huey helicopter reminiscent of Gen. Patrick Brady’s missions in Vietnam serves as a poignant reminder of his heroic efforts to evacuate wounded soldiers under intense enemy fire.

Cpl. Kyle Carpenter’s selfless act of shielding his fellow Marines from a grenade blast in Afghanistan is another poignant story showcased in the museum. Carpenter, the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, spent years in recovery, and the museum displays artifacts like a child’s toothbrush used during his hospitalization. Handwritten notes from Carpenter’s family and the original voicemail informing them of his injuries highlight the human aspect of these extraordinary individuals.

The National Medal of Honor Museum stands as a tribute to ordinary individuals who performed extraordinary acts of bravery. Through artifacts and personal stories, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the selflessness and heroism exemplified by these Medal of Honor recipients. The museum’s focus on the human element behind the Medal of Honor actions serves to inspire visitors to embody courage and patriotism in their own lives.