C.O. VMF-121, Medal of Honor Recipient. By Stephen Sherman, July, 1999. Updated December 14, 2016. J oe Foss was born on April 17, 1915 to a Norwegian-Scots family in South Dakota. He learned hunting and marksmanship at a young age. Like millions of others, 11-year old Joe Foss was inspired by Charles Lindbergh, especially after he saw Lindy at John A Chapman. Details. Rank: Technical Sergeant (Highest Rank: posthumously promoted to Master Sergeant) Conflict/Era: War on Terrorism (Afghanistan) Unit/Command: attached to U.S. Navy SEAL Team. Military Service Branch: U.S. Air Force. Medal of Honor Action Date: March 4, 2002. Medal of Honor Action Place: Takur Ghar, Afghanistan. The fist man to ever receive the Medal of Honor was Jacob Parrott (July 17, 1843 – December 22, 1908), a Private (highest rank achieved First Lieutenant) with the Ohio Infantry. He was one of 19 men who penetrated almost 200 miles north into enemy territory to capture a railroad train in Big Shanty, Ga. Presented by the President in the name of Congress, the Medal of Honor is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon any American. The comprehensive list of Medal of Honor recipients in every U.S. conflict from the Civil War to WW2, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror. Published February 16, 2022. By 1945, 432 American service members had received the Medal of Honor for their gallantry in the face of the enemy during World War II. Not a single Black man was Rank: Colonel (Highest Rank: Brevet Major General) Conflict/Era: U.S. Civil War Unit/Command: 20th Maine Infantry; Military Service Branch: U.S. Army Medal of Honor Action Date: July 2, 1863 On May 14, 1970, President Richard Nixon bestowed the Medal of Honor on LTC Charles Rogers, making him the highest-ranking Black soldier to ever be awarded the Medal of Honor. Rogers continued his service and rose to the rank of Major General, making him the highest-ranking Black Medal of Honor recipient. Somalia Medal of Honor recipients, citations, and other resources concerning the nation's highest medal for valor in combat. Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army. Place and NAc7G.