Famous Navy SEALs Who Are Medal Of Honor Recipients

The Elite Few: Famous Navy SEALs Who Won the Medal of Honor

Navy SEALs Elite When It Comes To Missions Of Life Or Death

The famous Navy SEALs who are Medal of Honor recipients represent the absolute pinnacle of American military valor — an extraordinarily small group, even within one of the world's most elite fighting forces.

Here are the Navy SEALs awarded the Medal of Honor:

Only a handful of Navy SEALs have ever received America's highest military decoration — the Medal of Honor — across Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

Navy SEALs are already among the most rigorously selected and trained warriors in U.S. history. Of the thousands who have served, only six have earned the Medal of Honor. Each story involves extraordinary bravery under fire — often at great personal cost.

One fact stands out above all others: Michael Thornton is the only person in American history to earn the Medal of Honor for saving the life of another Medal of Honor recipient — his fellow SEAL, Thomas Norris.

I'm Larry Fowler, publisher of USMilitary.com, and through years of covering military service, careers, and veteran stories — including the legacies of famous Navy SEALs who received the Medal of Honor — I've developed a deep respect for the sacrifices these warriors made. Read on for the full story of each recipient and what made their actions truly extraordinary.

Simple guide to Famous Navy SEALs Who Received the Medal Of Honor:

• A Day In The Life Of A Navy SEAL Operator
• Navy SEALs BUD/S Training Requirements
• Story of Adam Brown Navy SEAL

The Vietnam War: The First Famous Navy SEALs Who Received the Medal Of Honor

The Vietnam War was the crucible where the modern Navy SEALs forged their legendary reputation. Operating in the dense jungles and murky deltas of Southeast Asia, these maritime commandos became known to the Viet Cong as "the men with green faces" because of the camouflage paint they used to disappear into the foliage. The enemy feared them so much that they often placed bounties on their heads.

The cost of this elite service was high. Between 1965 and 1972, 46 Navy SEALs were killed in action. This was a massive loss for such a small, specialized community. Out of the thousands of sailors who served in the Vietnam conflict, only three SEALs would ultimately receive the Medal of Honor for their actions: Lt. Joseph "Bob" Kerrey, Lt. Thomas Norris, and EM2 Michael Thornton.

Joseph "Bob" Kerrey: The First SEAL Recipient

On March 14, 1969, Lt. j.g. Joseph "Bob" Kerrey led a six-man SEAL team on a daring mission near Nha Trang. Their objective was to capture key enemy leaders located on an island. To maintain the element of surprise, Kerrey and his men did something that sounds like it’s straight out of a movie: they removed their boots and scaled a 350-foot sheer sea cliff in the middle of the night.

Once at the top, they engaged the enemy. During the fierce firefight, a grenade exploded near Kerrey, causing devastating injuries to his right leg. Despite the immense pain and massive blood loss, Kerrey didn't stop. He applied his own tourniquet and continued to direct his team's fire and coordinate their extraction. His leadership ensured the mission's success and the safe evacuation of his entire squad.

For his "conspicuous gallantry," Kerrey was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon in 1970, making him one of the most Famous Navy SEALs in history. After his service, he went on to a high-profile political career, serving as the Governor of Nebraska and a U.S. Senator. Today, the Navy continues to honor his legacy; the USS Robert Kerrey is slated to be the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer named after a Navy SEAL. You can read more about his journey in this Medal of Honor Monday: Navy Lt. j.g. Joseph Kerrey feature.

The Unique Bond of Thomas Norris and Michael Thornton

The story of Thomas Norris and Michael E. Thornton is one of the most incredible tales in the annals of military history. It marks the only time in modern history that a Medal of Honor was awarded to someone for saving the life of another person who would also receive the Medal of Honor.

In April 1972, Lt. Thomas Norris led a ground rescue mission deep behind enemy lines to recover two downed American airmen. For several days, Norris evaded enemy patrols and successfully brought both pilots back to safety. For this incredible feat of endurance and bravery, he was later nominated for the Medal of Honor.

However, just six months later, in October 1972, Norris was back in the field on a reconnaissance mission with Petty Officer Michael Thornton and three South Vietnamese commandos. The team was discovered and engaged by a force of approximately 150 enemy troops. During the retreat, Norris was shot in the head and believed to be dead.

Thornton refused to leave his officer behind. He ran 400 yards through a hail of bullets to recover Norris’s body. When he realized Norris was still breathing, Thornton carried the unconscious lieutenant to the beach, inflated their life jackets, and swam them both out to sea. For three hours, Thornton towed the wounded Norris and a wounded Vietnamese teammate through the water until they were picked up by a support vessel.

This extraordinary act of Navy SEALs That Impacted America resulted in Thornton receiving the Medal of Honor in 1973. Norris survived his horrific wounds and received his own Medal of Honor in 1976. The two remained lifelong friends, a living testament to the SEAL bond.

Heroism in the Global War on Terror

Decades after Vietnam, a new generation of SEALs faced different challenges in the mountains of Afghanistan and the urban streets of Iraq. The Navy SEAL Training that candidates endure today is designed to prepare them for the exact type of high-stakes, low-odds environments that these recipients faced.

The Global War on Terror brought the SEALs into the public eye like never before, largely due to the heroism displayed during missions like Operation Anaconda and Operation Red Wings. These missions were conducted at extreme altitudes, often exceeding 10,000 feet, where the air is thin, and the terrain is unforgiving.

Michael P. Murphy: A Famous Navy SEAL Who Received the Medal Of Honor in Afghanistan

Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, known to his friends as "Murph" or "The Protector," is perhaps the most widely recognized name among famous Navy SEALs who received the Medal of Honor. His story was immortalized in the book and film Lone Survivor.

On June 28, 2005, during Operation Red Wings, Murphy led a four-man reconnaissance team in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan. Their mission was compromised after they were discovered by local goat herders, whom they chose to release. Shortly after, they were ambushed by a force of over 50 Taliban fighters.

Pinned down and surrounded, the team suffered multiple wounds. Realizing they could not survive without reinforcements, Murphy knowingly stepped out into the open — exposing himself to direct enemy fire — to get a clear signal on his satellite phone. He successfully made the call, providing his team's location and requesting a Quick Reaction Force. Even after being shot in the back, he picked up his phone, finished the call, and returned to the fight until he was mortally wounded.

His sacrifice enabled the eventual rescue of Marcus Luttrell, the team's only survivor. Murphy’s legacy lives on through the "Murph Challenge," a grueling CrossFit workout performed by thousands every Memorial Day. You can find his official biography and citation at MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT MICHAEL P. MURPHY or on Michael P. Murphy's Wikipedia page. He remains a staple on any list of the 10 Most Famous US Navy SEALs.

Britt Slabinski: Valor on Takur Ghar

The Battle of Takur Ghar, part of Operation Anaconda in March 2002, was one of the deadliest days for U.S. Special Operations in Afghanistan. Master Chief Britt Slabinski was the leader of a reconnaissance team whose helicopter was hit by an RPG, causing Petty Officer Neil Roberts to fall out into enemy-controlled territory.

Despite the intense fire and the fact that they were heavily outnumbered on a 10,000-foot snow-covered mountain, Slabinski led his remaining team back up the mountain in a daring rescue attempt. He personally charged enemy bunkers and engaged in close-quarters combat to try and save his teammate. When the team was forced to move, Slabinski carried a seriously wounded teammate through waist-deep snow while simultaneously calling in close-air support.

The battle lasted 14 hours. Slabinski was initially awarded the Navy Cross, but after a department-wide review of valor awards, it was upgraded to the Medal of Honor in 2018. Over his 25-year career, Slabinski deployed 24 times, including 15 combat assignments. His story is a masterclass in leadership under fire, as detailed in this Medal of Honor Monday: Navy Master Chief Britt Slabinski report. Success in such missions often starts with the grueling Navy SEAL BUD/S Training, where the mental toughness required for Takur Ghar is first built.

Ultimate Sacrifice in Iraq: Michael Monsoor

In the scorching heat of Ramadi, Iraq, Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor proved that the spirit of self-sacrifice was as strong as ever. Monsoor was a heavy weapons specialist known for his reliability and "tough as nails" attitude. During Operation Kentucky Jumper on September 29, 2006, Monsoor was positioned on a rooftop with two other SEALs, providing overwatch for their teammates below.

An insurgent threw a grenade that hit Monsoor in the chest before falling to the ground between him and his two teammates. Monsoor was the only one with a clear path to escape the blast. Instead of jumping to safety, he yelled "Grenade!" and threw himself onto the explosive, muffling the blast with his own body.

Monsoor died from his injuries 30 minutes later, but his two teammates survived. He was the first Navy recipient of the Medal of Honor in the Iraq War. In 2019, the Navy commissioned the USS Michael Monsoor, a Zumwalt-class destroyer, to ensure this Famous US Navy SEAL's name is never forgotten.

The Legacy of Famous Navy SEALs Who Received the Medal Of Honor

The legacy of these six men is not just found in the medals they wore, but in the reputation of the Naval Special Warfare community. Their actions define the standard for every sailor who attempts Navy SEAL Hell Week. They represent the "quiet professional" who, when called upon, performs the impossible.

Today, the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum serves as a repository for these stories, ensuring that the bravery of these men continues to inspire future generations. In 2022, three of these recipients — Norris, Thornton, and Slabinski — attended the museum's 37th Annual Muster, a rare gathering of living legends.

Frequently Asked Questions about SEAL Medal of Honor Recipients

How many Navy SEALs have won the Medal of Honor?

To date, there are seven Navy SEALs who have been awarded the Medal of Honor. While our list focuses on the most famous six whose actions occurred in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq, the community continues to honor the history of all its members. These awards were distributed across the Vietnam War (3), the War in Afghanistan (3), and the Iraq War (1).

Who is the most famous Navy SEAL to win the Medal of Honor?

Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy is generally considered the most famous. His story gained worldwide attention through the book and movie Lone Survivor, which detailed the tragic events of Operation Red Wings. His posthumous award and the creation of the "Murph" workout have made him a household name even outside of the military community.

What is the unique story of Michael Thornton and Thomas Norris?

The unique story occurred in October 1972. Michael Thornton saved the life of Thomas Norris, who had earned the Medal of Honor just months earlier for a separate mission. This is the only instance in U.S. history where one Medal of Honor recipient saved another during the action for which they were also awarded the medal. It involved a harrowing three-hour swim in the ocean while under enemy fire.

Conclusion

The famous Navy SEALs who received the Medal of Honor are more than just names in a history book; they are the embodiment of the SEAL ethos. From the cliffs of Vietnam to the peaks of the Hindu Kush and the rooftops of Ramadi, these men redefined the limits of human courage.

At USMilitary.com, we are proud to share these stories of honor and sacrifice. Whether you are a veteran looking for VA benefits or a young American considering a career in the elite world of Naval Special Warfare, the legacy of these heroes provides a roadmap for service and integrity. If you want to learn more about the path these men took, check out our Navy SEALs: The Complete Guide.