Since the Vietnam War ended in 1973, the Medal of Honor, our nation s highest award for valor, has been presented to eight men for their actions above and beyond the call of duty. Six of the eight were young men who had fought in the current war in Iraq, Afghanistan, or both. Incredibly, all of these medals were awarded posthumously, as all had made the choice to give their lives so that their comrades might live. UNCOMMON VALOR makes extensive use of an extraordinary range of sources, including interviews with family members and friends, teammates and superiors in the military, personal letters, blogs posted within hours of events, personal videos uploaded on the Internet for loved ones, official videos, after-action reports, and newly declassified documents, among others. The resulting stories answer the searing questions of who these young men were, how they found themselves in life-or-death situations, and why they responded as they did, each making the ultimate sacrifice. Highlights of UNCOMMON VALOR include: First book to present in one volume the inspiring stories of all six Medal of Honor recipients from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Gripping narratives that place the readers in the action with each recipient. Powerful photos will help illustrate both the horrors of war and the drama and honor of the award ceremonies. Exclusive, extensive research including recently declassified documents that provide important new information. For the first time, a comprehensive history of the Medal of Honor itself a history marred by controversies, scandals, and theft, and the many efforts to protect it, culminating with the landmark Stolen Valor Act of 2005. This is a compelling work that dramatically recounts incredible acts of heroism and lays bare the ultimate sacrifice of some of our bravest soldiers.

"Fully revised and updated" -- Cover. Foreword by Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Lee Mize, USA (Ret.). "A Z-File, Inc. book" -- t.p. verso.

Sergeant Paul Ray Smith -- The history of the medal : part one -- Corporal Jason Dunham -- Lieutenant Michael Murphy -- The history of the medal : part two -- Petty Officer Michael Monsoor -- Specialist Ross McGinnis -- Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti.