Take a closer look at their stories of service and valor.

Civil War: U.S. Army Sgt.

He received the Medal of Honor for his actions.

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World War I: U.S. Army Sgt.

He suffered 21 combat injuries during a surprise German attack while on night duty in France.

Despite the wounds, he managed to protect his fellow soldiers from capture using only a knife.

Sergeant William Harvey Carney after the war, wearing his Medal of Honor, ca. 1901-1908. Army Sgt. William H. Carney was the first of the nation’s 88 African-American Medal of Honor recipients, earning the medal during the Union Army’s charge on Fort Wagner during the Civil War.

Johnson was awarded the French Croix de Guerre avec Palme, the countrys highest award for valor.

For his bravery, he was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross.

Korean War: U.S. Army Sgt.

Sgt. Henry Johnson of the 369th Infantry Regiment was awarded the French Croix de Guerre for bravery during an outnumbered battle with German soldiers, Feb. 12, 1919

Cornelius H. Charlton

Charlton took charge of his platoon when its leader was injured and had to be evacuated.

He died of his wounds and posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions.

Vietnam War: Pfc.

Dorie Miller service photo; Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet, pinning the Navy Cross on Doris “Dorie” Miller, Steward’s Mate 1/c, at a ceremony on board a U.S. Navy warship in Pearl Harbor, on May 27, 1942. Miller got the Navy Cross for his bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and was the first black American to receive the award.

Milton Olive III

Olive made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War to save the lives of his comrades.

He would in 2000 become the first Black secretary of state, nominated by George W. Bush.

He received numerous military awards and decorations, including recognition from over two dozen countries.

Korean War soldier Sgt. Cornelius H. Charlton

Portrait of Private First Class Milton Lee Olive III (1946 - 1965) of the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, Phu Cuong, South Vietnam, October 22, 1965. President Lyndon Johnson presents the Medal of Honor to Mr. and Mrs. Olive, parents of PFC Milton Olive III, who died in Vietnam to save four comrades by throwing himself on an enemy grenade

American First Lady Barbara Bush (1925 - 2018) fastens the Presidential Medal of Freedom around the neck of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff US Army General Colin Powell, as US President George HW Bush (1924 - 2018), watches during a ceremony in the White House’s East Room, Washington DC, July 3, 1991. Later photo of Powell as Secretary of Defense.