Discover the Stories
Behind the Medals
Explore the lives, service, citations, medals, photographs, and family histories of decorated military heroes from around the world.
EXPLORE BY COUNTRY
View all countries
UNITED STATES
Honor of those who served the nation in arms.
Explore Heroes
3,120 records
UNITED KINGDOM
VC, GC, and the legacy of imperial valour.
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1,059 records
CANADA
Canadian Forces gallantry and sacrifice from coast to coast.
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111 records
AUSTRALIA
Diggers and aviators from Gallipoli to today.
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92 records
NEW ZEALAND
Kiwi soldiers and airmen across every theatre.
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18 records
SOUTH AFRICA
South African service, courage, and decoration.
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20 records
INDIA
Indian Army and Royal Indian heroes through history.
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119 records
FEATURED HEROES FROM THE ARCHIVE
Lewis Burwell (Chesty) Puller
United States • U.S. Marine Corps
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James L. Day
United States • U.S. Marine Corps
View Hero Page
Ralph Puckett Jr
United States • U.S. Army
View Hero Page
Lewis Lee Millett Sr.
United States • U.S. Army
View Hero Page
William George Barker
Canada • Royal Canadian Air Force
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Jack LeMaster Treadwell
United States • U.S. Army
View Hero Page
Research
Research a Family Hero
Trace ancestors, find citations, and uncover service histories.
Start a Research RequestHelp
Help Improve the Archive
Submit corrections, photographs, or unit records to the archive.
Send a Document or PhotoCatalogue
Medals & Ribbon Guidance
Look up any decoration, ribbon rack, or campaign clasp.
Browse Medals CatalogueFor Families
Have a relative who served?
We can help preserve their story, confirm their medals, and build a lasting profile for future generations. Whether you have a service number, a photograph, or just a name — we'll work with whatever you have.
HOW THE ARCHIVE WORKS
Learn more about our process1. RESEARCH
Gather sources
Citations, gazettes, regimental histories, family records.
2. EDIT
Curate the profile
Researchers normalise medals, dates, and biography.
3. VERIFY
Independent review
A second reviewer signs off before publication.
4. PRESERVE
Lock the record
The finished profile is preserved and dated.
5. COMPARE
Rank by USM-25
A transparent scoring framework places the hero in context.
Every Profile Aims to Include
Medals·Citation·Service history·Sources·Photographs·Family notes·Verification status
SCORING
USM-25 SCORING SYSTEM
The Unified Scoring Matrix 25 weighs every recognised gallantry award by tier, rarity, and career variety — so heroes from very different services and eras can be compared on a transparent, common ground.
ARCHIVE
PRESERVING HISTORY TOGETHER
5,000+
Hero Profiles
82,000+
Medals Mapped
5,000+
Family Connections