Today, we remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Here’s a salute to five of Wyoming's greatest war heroes, each of whom was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

1. Major William Edward Adams of Casper, WY – Major Adams was an Army helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War. On May 25, 1971, he volunteered to rescue three seriously injured soldiers from a base that was under attack. Facing heavy enemy fire, Adams landed the aircraft and gathered the wounded. While departing the base, the helicopter was struck by anti-aircraft fire and eventually fell.

2. Sergeant Major Edward Lee Baker, Jr., of Laramie County, WY – Sergeant Major Baker served in the Army’s 10th Calvary during the Spanish – American War. On July 1, 1898, he abandoned cover, under heavy enemy fire, to rescue a fellow soldier who was drowning near Santiago, Cuba.

3. First Lieutenant Vernon J. Baker of Cheyenne, WY – Army Lieutenant Baker served in the weapons platoon of Company C in World War II. On April 5, 1945, he led an attack against an entrenched German battalion near Viareggio, Italy. After destroying three enemy emplacements, he exposed himself to enemy fire while covering the evacuation of wounded soldiers. The next day, Baker spearheaded an advance through a minefield and secured another objective under heavy fire.

4. Technical Sergeant Charles F. Carey, Jr., of Cheyenne, WY – Army Sergeant Carey served in the 100th Infantry Division and the 397th Infantry. On January 8, 1945, his battalion was attacked by twelve German tanks in Rimling, France. Unarmed, he managed to rescue two squads and evacuated the wounded. He then led a charge against a house fortified by enemy snipers, entered alone and later emerged with 16 prisoners. The next day, he was struck by sniper fire while attempting to rescue four of his fellow soldiers.

5. Second Lieutenant Charles Duval Roberts of Fort D.A. Russell, WY – Lieutenant Roberts served in the 17th Infantry during the Spanish – American War. On July 1, 1898, he led a rescue mission on the front lines of a battle in El Caney, Cuba, while facing heavy enemy fire.

 

More From Laramie Live