Christmas Heroes: Five Medal of Honor Stories of Bravery and Sacrifice

While the holiday season often brings thoughts of family gatherings, festive meals, and unwrapping gifts, some of our nation’s bravest spent their Christmases dodging bullets, defying the odds, and performing acts of valor that would etch their names into history.

These five heroes, recipients of the Medal of Honor, remind us that courage doesn’t take a holiday. Their stories of sacrifice and resilience are a testament to the spirit of service and bravery.

Mortar Fire on His Own Position: T/Sgt. Peter J. Dalessandro

On December 22, 1944, near Kalterherberg, Germany, Technical Sergeant Peter J. Dalessandro was leading his platoon in holding a critical road junction.

As Nazi forces launched a fierce assault, Dalessandro held his ground, calling for mortar fire directly on his position to halt the enemy advance.

Out of ammunition, he crawled 30 yards under fire to retrieve a machine gun and fired until it jammed, stopping only when his last bullets killed four advancing soldiers who threatened his comrades.

“When the enemy had almost surrounded him, he remained alone, steadfastly facing almost certain death or capture, hurling grenades and calling for mortar fire closer and closer to his outpost as he covered the withdrawal of his platoon to a second line of defense. As the German hordes swarmed about him, he was last heard calling for a barrage, saying, ‘OK, mortars, let me have it – right in this position!'”

—An excerpt from Dalessandro’s Medal of Honor citation

Despite being wounded and captured, Dalessandro’s actions saved countless lives and earned him multiple decorations, including the Medal of Honor, three Purple Hearts, and two Silver Stars.

Charging Through Enemy Fire: Pvt. Paul J. Wiedorfer

On Christmas Day 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, Private Paul J. Wiedorfer’s company was pinned down by enemy fire in Belgium.

Without hesitation, Wiedorfer charged 150 yards through snow and gunfire, taking out two machine-gun nests and capturing 24 German soldiers.

“Suddenly something popped into my mind. Something had to be done, and someone had to do it. And I just did it. I can’t tell you why,” Wiedorfer said in a 2008 interview with the Baltimore Sun.

Wiedorfer’s courage not only turned the tide for his platoon but also led to his battlefield promotion to sergeant. His bravery on that frigid Christmas remains a defining moment of grit and selflessness.

The Rock-Wielding Warrior: Staff Sgt. Delbert Jennings

Christmas 1966 in Vietnam saw Staff Sergeant Delbert Jennings and his unit ambushed by North Vietnamese forces during a supposed truce.

Jennings became a whirlwind of action, holding off the enemy with machine gunfire, rescuing wounded men, and leading his squad to safety.

When his rifle jammed, Jennings resorted to hand-to-hand combat, ultimately killing an enemy soldier with a rock. After warning his men of an impending ambush, he led them to a safer position and later rescued eight critically wounded comrades under sniper fire.

“Braving enemy sniper fire and ignoring the presence of booby traps in the area, they recovered the 8 men who would have probably perished without early medical treatment. S/Sgt. Jenning’s extraordinary heroism and inspirational leadership saved the lives of many of his comrades and contributed greatly to the defeat of a superior enemy force.”

—An excerpt from Jennings’ Medal of Honor citation

His fearless leadership and determination exemplified the unyielding resolve of a true warrior.

Sacrifice Behind Enemy Lines: Capt. Donald Cook

Marine Captain Donald Cook’s Christmas story is one of quiet heroism. Captured in Vietnam in 1964, Cook became a pillar of resilience for his fellow prisoners.

Despite malnutrition and harsh treatment, he shared his food and medicine, adhered strictly to the Code of Conduct, and maintained an unbreakable spirit.

Cook’s leadership and defiance earned the respect of both his comrades and captors.

“Knowing his refusals would prevent his release prior to the end of the war, and also knowing his chances for prolonged survival would be small in the event of continued refusal, he chose nevertheless to adhere to a Code of Conduct far above that which could be expected.”

—An excerpt from Cook’s Medal of Honor citation

Even in captivity, his actions embodied the highest standards of the Marine Corps. Cook died of malaria in 1967, his remains never recovered, but his legacy of selflessness endures.

A Humvee’s Shield: Pfc. Ross A. McGinnis

On December 4, 2006, in Adhamiyah, Iraq, Private First Class Ross A. McGinnis was serving as a gunner when an insurgent’s grenade landed inside his Humvee.

Without hesitation, McGinnis shouted a warning and threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the explosion with his body to save his fellow soldiers.

McGinnis had the chance to escape but chose instead to shield his crew, demonstrating unparalleled bravery. Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, his actions stand as a profound example of selfless service.

“While Private McGinnis was manning the M2 .50-caliber Machine Gun, a fragmentation grenade thrown by an insurgent fell through the gunner’s hatch into the vehicle. Reacting quickly, he yelled “grenade,” allowing all four members of his crew to prepare for the grenade’s blast. Then, rather than leaping from the gunner’s hatch to safety, Private McGinnis made the courageous decision to protect his crew.”

—An excerpt from McGinnis’ Medal of Honor citation

Final Thoughts

These stories of courage during Christmastime remind us of the sacrifices made by those who wear the uniform. As we gather with loved ones this holiday season, let us honor these heroes and their extraordinary acts of bravery that preserved the freedoms we hold dear.