Medal of Honor

May 24, 2016

Interim Dir. of Teaching and Learning Zena Stenvik

Bill Holmgren, Dir. of Finance and Operation,

Bryan Hennekens, Dir of Technology and Security Services

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy

force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed

Services of the United States. Generally presented to its recipient by the

President of the United States of America in the name of Congress.

56 Minnesota Medal of Honor Recipients

Civil War

WWI

WWII

Vietnam War

Mexican Expedition

Korea

Spanish American War

Indian Campaigns

Philippine Insurrection

Peace Time

Special

Medal of Honor Facts

- Originally called the Navy Medal of Valor which was signed into

law by President Abraham Lincoln on December 21, 1861

- On August 5, 1958 President Dwight Eisenhower signed

legislation to create the Medal of Honor Society

- Mary Edwards Walker the only female recipient, Nov. 11, 1865

- 3,514 Medal of Honors have been awarded

- There are 19 double recipients

Columbia Heights High School Student

Private First Class James D. LaBelle

Born in Columbia Heights on November 22, 1925

Attended Columbia Heights High School

Played Basketball and Baseball

Enlisted in the US Marine Corps at age 17

In battle on Iwo Jima in 1945 and died saving the

lives of others on March 8, 1945

James D. LaBelle

Medal of Honor Recipient

Risked his life above and beyond the call

of duty while attached to the 27th

Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action

against enemy Japanese forces during

the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano

Islands, 8 March 1945. He demonstrated

dauntless courage, cool decision making

and a valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the

face of certain death He gallantly gave

his life in the service of his country.

“The President of the

United States takes pride

in presenting the Medal

of Honor

posthumously…”

Signed Harry Truman

5,000 attend the award presentation held during the

Aquatennial at Powderhorn Park, July 21, 1946

Medal of Honor Society & Foundation

Mission: Perpetuate the Medal of Honor's legacy through

outreach and collaborative efforts.Including:

Promote what the Medal of Honor represents

Public service activities of the Society's exclusive membership

Promote American values and the qualities of courage, sacrifice, and

patriotism through increased awareness, education, behavior, and

example

Working with the society on the following:

- Curriculum designed for all grade levels

and is based off of the values and

characteristics exhibited by the recipients

of the Medal of Honor:

- Site visit

Vignette: Gary Beikirch

MOH National Convention in MPLS October 2016

“Any nation that does not honor

its heroes will not long endure.”

Abraham Lincoln

CHPS Medal of Honor Initiatives

1. Establish background of PFC James LaBelle and a connection to his

family

2. Explore and Implement the Medal of Honor Curriculum

3. Culminating Project: Essay Contest

4. Honor James LaBelle at the Alumni Dinner

5. Rededication of memorial site to James La Belle (display case @ HS)

6. Medal of Honor Site Visit Application

7. LaBelle Scholarship

8. Establishment of a permanent CHPS Medal of Honor Recipient

Commemorative Site

Memorial Site

Memorial Site

Questions?