Medal of Honor

Stories of America's Greatest Heroes

Ken Harbaugh tells the stories of service members who have distinguished themselves through an act of valor. These stories feature recipients from the Civil War to present day, including a few who were originally overlooked for the medal.

Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify

Latest Episode

Milton Olive

| S:1 E:9

PFC Olive earned the Medal of Honor for his selfless act of bravery in Vietnam. At only 18 years old, he sacrificed his own life to save four of his fellow soldiers. He was the first Black soldier to receive the Medal of Honor during Vietnam.

PFC Olive also earned a mention in the recent Spike Lee film, Da 5 Bloods - the character Otis says, "I would be the first cat in line if there was a film about a real hero, you know, one of our blood. Somebody like Milton Olive."

Learn more about PFC Olive here:

Recent Episodes

View All

Juan Negrón

| S:1 E:8
M.Sgt. Juan Negrón, a member of legendary Puerto Rican regiment the Borinqueneers, earned the Medal of Honor for his bravery in Korea.
Listen to Juan Negrón

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker

| S:1 E:7
The only women to ever receive the Medal of Honor, Army surgeon Mary Edwards Walker's award was rescinded towards the end of her life.
Listen to Dr. Mary Edwards Walker

Ernest Childers

| S:1 E:6
For his service in World War II, Ernest Childers was the first Native American to receive the Medal of Honor since the 1880s.
Listen to Ernest Childers

Hershel "Woody" Williams

| S:1 E:5
The last surviving Marine to have received the Medal of Honor during World War II, Woody Williams' heroism was vital to American efforts in the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Listen to Hershel "Woody" Williams

Where to Listen

Find us in your favorite podcast app.

In Partnership with The National Medal of Honor Museum

The museum offers an experience that draws personal and emotional connections to Medal of Honor recipients and their stories, while shedding light on the wars in which they fought and the ideals that the Medal of Honor represents. Visitors come to understand the meaning and price of freedom—and appreciate the virtue of putting service above self.

The National Medal of Honor Museum also includes an education center aimed at character development in our nation’s youth. A critical part of their mission is to use the stories of our Medal of Honor recipients to inspire young people, and motivate them to be their best selves.

For more information please visit their website.

The Team

Ken Harbaugh

The Host
A former US Navy Pilot & past president of Team Rubicon Global; served as a commentator for NPR; a host on Crooked Media; & a contributor to The NY Times & The Atlantic.

Isabel Robertson

Producer
A producer, writer, & researcher based in CLE. She has worked on programs like StoryCorps, Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me, the Intercept. She serves on the ACLU-Ohio Board of Directors.

Connect on social media or subscribe to our newsletter

Connect