Medal of Honor Day

Please join us on National Medal of Honor Day, Wednesday, March 25th at 2PM as we pay tribute to recipients Sp4c. Gary George Wetzel, U.S. Army (Ret.) and SGT. Allen James Lynch, U.S. Army (Ret.).

The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military award, given only for acts of extraordinary bravery. Only a small number of service members in our entire history have earned it, which shows just how extraordinary their actions were.

Behind every medal is a real person who made a split second choice to put others first, often at great risk. These stories remind us that the freedoms we enjoy today were protected by individuals willing to risk everything. By paying tribute to Medal of Honor recipients, we uphold the valor, sacrifice, and service that define the nation's highest ideals. The medal is not just about the past. It is a reminder of the kind of character and courage we can all strive for today.

We will recognize the Medal of Honor recipients and express our appreciation for their bravery. Learn more about this extraordinary award and the individuals who stepped up in moments of great need.

Currently Hershel "Woody" Williams, Medal of Honor recipient and hero of the iconic Battle of Iwo Jima, is honored within PMML's Medal of Honor exhibit. During the Medal of Honor Day program, we will share our future vision for honoring Woody's service through a more expanded and prominent exhibit. The space will provide an opportunity to pause, reflect, and pay tribute to his extraordinary courage and lasting legacy.

Program Details:

Special Tribute to Medal of Honor Recipients: 2PM - 3PM
Day Activities: 10AM - 4PM

( "Design Your Own Medal of Honor " for the kids and viewing of rare artifacts from the PMML exclusive collection)

This event is free to the pubic.
Learn more below about the recipients being honored.

Register for the event

SP4c. Gary George Wetzel, U.S. ARMY, (Ret.)

Medal of Honor Recipient 1968

Sp4c. Wetzel, 173d Assault Helicopter Company, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Wetzel was serving as door gunner aboard a helicopter which was part of an insertion force trapped in a landing zone by intense and deadly hostile fire during Vietnam in 1968. Although bleeding profusely due to the loss of his left arm and severe wounds in his right arm, chest, and left leg, Sp4c. Wetzel staggered back to his original position in his gun-well and took the enemy forces under fire. Unswerving in his devotion to his fellow man, Sp4c. Wetzel assisted his crew chief even though he lost consciousness once again during this action. Wtzel lost his left arm due to the result of his injuries. Sp4c. Wetzel displayed extraordinary heroism in his efforts to aid his fellow crewmen. His gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

Wetzel lives in Milwaukee, WI, is highly admired by his community, and advocates for disabled veterans.

SGT. Allen James Lynch, U.S. ARMY (Ret.)

Medal of Honor Recipient 1970

Alone, he defended his isolated position for two hours against the advancing enemy. Using only his rifle and a grenade, he stopped them just short of his trench, killing five. Again, disregarding his safety in the face of withering hostile fire, he crossed 70 meters of exposed terrain five times to carry his wounded comrades to a more secure area. Once he had assured their comfort and safety, SGT Lynch located the counterattacking friendly company to assist in directing the attack and evacuating the three casualties. His gallantry at the risk of his life is in the highest traditions of the military service. SGT. Lynch has reflected great credit on himself, the 12th Cavalry, and the U.S. Army. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Lynch resides in Gurnee, IL, authored the book Zero to Hero: From Bullied Kid to Warrior, and advocates for Vietnam service members .

Bios and Wetzel 's photo credit: Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

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The Pritzker Military Museum & Library hosted live interviews with recipients of America's highest award for valor in action against an enemy - the Medal of Honor. Below are some of the many interviews in our collection. Each interview explores the lives and experiences of these extraordinary individuals. Click here to hear all the testimonials from these Citizen Soldiers who embodied valor, sacrifice, and service.

Valor - Sacrifice - Service

COL Robert L Howard, U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Recipient 1971

SSG Salvatore A. Giunta, U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Recipient 2010

Capt. William Swenson, U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Recipient 2013

SP5 James C. McCloughan, U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Recipient 2017

Memorial Day Program May 23rd

Free admission event.