Who Is Currently The Most Decorated Soldier Of All Time

Determining the most decorated soldier of all time can be an intricate task, given the vast diversity in military awards, ranks, and the unique historical contexts in which soldiers have served. While there are numerous contenders, this article will delve into some of the most notable figures who are often cited in such discussions, exploring their exploits, medals, and the significance of their service.

The Case for Audie Murphy

Audie Leon Murphy, an iconic figure in American military history, is often considered one of the most decorated soldiers of the United States. Born on June 20, 1925, in Kingston, Texas, Murphy enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 at the age of 17. Here are some highlights of his military career:

• Medal of Honor: Murphy received the Medal of Honor for his single-handed stand against a German infantry battalion in January 1945.
• Purple Hearts: He was awarded three Purple Hearts for wounds received in action.
• Distinguished Service Cross: He received this prestigious award for his valor near Holtzwihr, France.
• Other Decorations: In total, Murphy received every U.S. Army decoration for valor available at the time, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with "V" Device, and many others.

What set Murphy apart was not just the number of decorations but the scale of his impact. His heroism became symbolic of American military courage during World War II.

🔍 Note: The exact number of decorations Murphy received has some discrepancies in historical accounts due to the difficulty in accounting for commendation ribbons and service medals.

Lt. Col. Ernest E. Evans

Another contender for the title of the most decorated soldier is Lieutenant Colonel Ernest E. Evans of the United States Navy, known for his service in World War II:

• Medal of Honor: He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions aboard USS Johnston during the Battle of Samar.
• Navy Cross: Before his Medal of Honor, Evans was decorated with the Navy Cross for previous actions.
• Silver Star: Evans was the first American to be awarded the Silver Star in World War II.

Evans' story is particularly poignant as he deliberately led his destroyer into a battle with much larger Japanese warships, sacrificing his ship to save others. His bravery during the Battle off Samar is legendary.

The Global Perspective

While Audie Murphy and Ernest E. Evans are well-known in American military circles, there are several international heroes whose gallantry also merits consideration:

Field Marshal Viscount Slim

British Field Marshal William Joseph Slim, known as Viscount Slim, is another example of a highly decorated soldier:

• Victoria Cross (VC): Although Slim didn't receive the VC himself, he commanded many recipients during the Burma campaign.
• Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB): Among his numerous British honors.
• Various Medals: He received medals from multiple countries for his service in both World Wars.

Slim's leadership in transforming a demoralized army into a victorious one in Southeast Asia during World War II is one of the most remarkable feats in military history.

Lieutenant Colonel Albert Blithe

While Albert Blithe didn’t receive as many medals as the previous entries, his portrayal in “Band of Brothers” and his actual military achievements make him worthy of mention:

• Bronze Star Medal: For bravery and service.
• Purple Heart: For wounds received in combat.

Blithe's story represents many unsung heroes whose bravery might not have been as publicly recognized but was no less significant.

Honorable Mentions

Other soldiers who could be considered include:

• Sergeant Alvin York: An American WWI hero awarded the Medal of Honor for leading an attack on a German machine gun nest, taking 35 machine guns, killing 25 enemy soldiers, and capturing 132 others.
• Captain William E. Dyess: Known for the "Dyess Raid" and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
• Colonel Kurt "Panzer" Meyer: A Canadian-born officer in the Waffen-SS who received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords from Germany.

The discussion around the most decorated soldier is further complicated by different military traditions, the variety of awards systems, and sometimes conflicting historical records. Here's a basic comparison table:

Summing up this discussion, while Audie Murphy is often cited as the most decorated American soldier, the global scope reveals other notable figures who have performed extraordinary feats under similarly intense conditions. Decorations are just one metric of valor, and each soldier mentioned here has left an indelible mark on military history through their courage, leadership, and sacrifice.

Who decides the eligibility for military decorations?

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Each military has its system of awards and decorations, and typically, awards are recommended by the chain of command. Higher level awards like the Medal of Honor or the Victoria Cross usually require approval from the highest military or political authority in the country.

What does the Victoria Cross signify?

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The Victoria Cross is the United Kingdom’s highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy to members of the British armed forces. It is equivalent to the Medal of Honor in the U.S.

Can a soldier receive multiple medals for the same action?

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While it’s rare, it’s possible for a soldier to receive multiple medals for the same action if different facets of their heroism or service meet the criteria for various awards. However, this is usually carefully considered by the military authorities.

Is there a definitive “most decorated soldier” across all militaries?

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No definitive title exists due to the variation in military awards systems, historical periods, and the different criteria for valor and service awards across countries. However, each country has individuals who are recognized as their most decorated.