Top 10 Most Decorated Soldiers Of Ww2
World War II was marked by the bravery and heroism of countless soldiers who fought on the frontlines. Among them, there were a few exceptional individuals whose remarkable achievements set them apart and earned them prestigious decorations. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 most decorated soldiers of World War II.
1. Audie Murphy: One of the most celebrated soldiers in American history, Audie Murphy received an astonishing 33 awards and decorations for his service. He earned the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Holtzwihr, where he single-handedly held off a German assault and killed or wounded 50 enemy soldiers.
2. Vasily Zaytsev: A renowned Soviet sniper, Zaytsev was instrumental in the Battle of Stalingrad. He was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union, the country’s highest honor, for his exceptional marksmanship and contributions to the war effort.
3. Simo Häyhä: Known as “White Death,” Häyhä was a Finnish sniper who became a legendary figure during the Winter War. With 505 confirmed kills, he is considered one of the deadliest snipers in history and received numerous awards for his achievements.
4. Douglas MacArthur: MacArthur was a prominent American general who played a vital role in the Pacific theater. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his defense of the Philippines and received several other high-level decorations throughout his military career.
5. Georgy Zhukov: As the Marshal of the Soviet Union, Zhukov was one of the most influential military commanders of World War II. He led several successful operations and was awarded numerous medals, including the Hero of the Soviet Union and the Order of Victory.
6. Charles Lightoller: Lightoller was the second officer aboard the RMS Titanic, but during World War II, he served as a commander in the British Navy. He received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions at the Dunkirk evacuation, where he saved the lives of many soldiers.
7. Richard Bong: Bong was an American fighter ace who served in the Pacific theater. He holds the record for the most confirmed aerial victories by a U.S. pilot, with 40 kills to his name. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary skill and bravery.
8. Michael Wittmann: Wittmann was a German tank commander who gained fame for his actions on the Eastern and Western fronts. He received the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds, making him one of the most decorated tank commanders of the war.
9. Stanislav Petrov: While not a soldier in the traditional sense, Petrov played a crucial role in preventing a potential nuclear war. As an officer in the Soviet Air Defense Forces, he correctly identified a false alarm as a glitch, which prevented the launch of Soviet missiles during the Cold War.
10. Wojtek the Bear: Although not a soldier himself, Wojtek the Bear became a symbol of bravery for the Polish Army. Rescued as a cub, he was officially enlisted and eventually promoted to the rank of corporal. He accompanied his unit throughout the war and was even involved in carrying ammunition during the Battle of Monte Cassino.
FAQs:
1. Who was the most decorated soldier of World War II?
Answer: Audie Murphy, an American soldier, holds the distinction of being the most decorated soldier of World War II, receiving an impressive 33 awards and decorations.
2. How many kills did Simo Häyhä have?
Answer: Simo Häyhä, known as the “White Death,” had 505 confirmed kills as a Finnish sniper during the Winter War.
3. Which country’s soldier received the most decorations during World War II?
Answer: The Soviet Union awarded the most decorations during World War II, with soldiers like Vasily Zaytsev and Georgy Zhukov receiving multiple high-level honors.
4. What was Wojtek the Bear’s role in the war?
Answer: Wojtek the Bear served as a mascot for a Polish Army unit during World War II. He became famous for his helping soldiers carry ammunition during battles.
5. How many aerial victories did Richard Bong have?
Answer: Richard Bong, an American fighter ace, achieved 40 confirmed kills during World War II, making him the highest-scoring American pilot of the war.
6. Why was Douglas MacArthur awarded the Medal of Honor?
Answer: Douglas MacArthur received the Medal of Honor for his defense of the Philippines during the early stages of World War II.