Ultimate Jewish Warriors: Jewish-American Recipients of the Medal of Honor

Bullets from enemy muskets tore through the drum of Union (United States) Army drummer boy Private Benjamin Levy during the bloody Battle of Glendale of the American Civil War on June 30,1862. His drum destroyed, Private Levy (only 17 years old) ran to an ill fellow soldier, took his rifle, and ran back into the thick of battle. During the raging battle, Levy saw the color bearer (soldier who carried the US flag or regimental banners into the battle) of his regiment fall after taking an enemy bullet in his chest. Levy quickly ran to pick up the fallen flag of the color bearer (it was a severe disgrace for a flag or banner to be captured by the enemy). Levy then charged forward with the flag against the enemy lines of the Confederate Army. Levy’s charge and personal courage in the deadly battle rallied and inspired his fellow soldiers to charge the enemy with renewed confidence, eventually repelling the Confederate forces. For his exceptional gallantry and valor, Levy was awarded the the Medal of Honor on March 1, 1865. Levy was the first ever Jewish American to be awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest and most prestigious military decoration in the US military.

During the Afghanistan War, US Army Sergeant First Class Christopher Celiz (an Army Ranger) and his unit engaged in a fierce firefight against enemy Taliban forces in Paktia Province, Afghanistan on July 12, 2018. Celiz willfully and intentionally put himself into an exposed position in the face of intense enemy machine-gun and rifle fire to protect his fellow soldiers. Celiz effectively returned fire from his own weapon and moved to an even more dangerous position as an Army helicopter arrived to evacuate a severely wounded soldier. Celiz heroically put himself between the helicopter and the enemy fire so that the wounded soldier could be safely loaded and evacuated. Celiz continued to fire upon the enemy in his exposed position, giving the helicopter crew time and cover to evacuate. During this time, Celiz was severely wounded by enemy fire but refused to be evacuated by the helicopter, insisting to stay on the ground and continue to provide cover, using his weapon and his own body as a shield. It is certain that Celiz knew full well that his decision would cost him his life; nevertheless, he willingly and selflessly sacrificed his life to save his fellow soldiers. Celiz died from his wounds shortly after the helicopter safely departed, thanks to the valor of Celiz. Celiz was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on December 16, 2021. The award was presented by then President Joe Biden to Celiz’s wife Katherine Celiz and their daughter Shannon at a formal ceremony at the White House. Celiz is the most recent Jewish American recipient of the Medal of Honor.

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in warfare in the United States military. It is the rarest military award that is awarded for those US military service members that go exceptionally far above and beyond the call of duty. The standards for the Medal of Honor to be awarded to an individual are so high — and must meet very strict criteria — that many recipients who are awarded the Medal were killed in the combat action for which the Medal was awarded (such as in the heroic case of Celiz).

There have been at least 18 Jewish Americans who have received the Medal of Honor throughout the US military’s extensive history of wars and armed conflicts. As America celebrates its 250th birthday, let’s remember the greatness of American Jews who have fought with utmost bravery and gallantry throughout the entire history of the United States Armed Forces.