10 WWII Heroes Whose Stories Still Matter Today
10 WWII Heroes Whose Stories Still Matter Today
By: a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures
World War II was fought across continents, oceans, and skies, but its story is ultimately told through individuals, men who, in moments of chaos and fear, chose courage anyway.
Some charged enemy positions alone. Others held their ground when retreat was the only reasonable option. A few gave their lives not in victory, but in sacrifice, choosing others over themselves in the final seconds.
These are not just names on memorials. These are stories worth remembering.
Here are ten World War II heroes whose courage still matters today.
1. Colonel Van T. Barfoot
A Medal of Honor recipient, Van T. Barfoot, displayed extraordinary bravery during the Italian Campaign. Advancing alone against enemy positions, he silenced machine gun nests, captured prisoners, and helped secure victory through sheer determination and fearlessness.
.png "First Lieutenant Vernon Baker – WWII Hero")
2. First Lieutenant Vernon Baker
One of the few African American Medal of Honor recipients from World War II, Vernon Baker led a daring assault against heavily fortified German positions in Italy. Wounded and under fire, he continued the attack, destroying multiple enemy strongholds.
.png "Sergeant Edward Carter – WWII Hero")
3. Sergeant Edward Carter Jr.
Edward Carter Jr. fought with relentless courage despite the discrimination he faced at home. During a fierce engagement in Germany, he charged enemy forces, was wounded multiple times, and still captured enemy soldiers—actions that would later earn him the Medal of Honor.
.png "First Lieutenant John R Fox – WWII Hero")
4. First Lieutenant John R. Fox
In one of the most selfless acts of the war, John R. Fox called artillery fire down on his own position in Italy to halt advancing German troops. He knowingly sacrificed his life to protect others—a decision that saved countless lives.
.png "Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers – WWII Hero")
5. Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers
Ruben Rivers was a tank commander who refused to leave the battlefield despite being severely wounded. Continuing to lead his unit under intense fire, he played a crucial role in breaking through enemy defenses during the push into Germany.
.png "Major Charles L Thomas – WWII Hero")
6. Major Charles L. Thomas
Major Thomas demonstrated unwavering leadership in France, directing his men under heavy fire even after being wounded. His calm command and courage under pressure helped secure a vital position against determined enemy resistance.
.png "General Jimmy Doolittle – WWII Hero")
7. General Jimmy Doolittle
Best known for leading the daring Doolittle Raid over Tokyo, Jimmy Doolittle proved that American forces could strike back after Pearl Harbor. His leadership boosted morale and reshaped the course of the war in the Pacific.
.png "Private George Watson – WWII Hero")
8. Private George Watson
During the sinking of his ship in the Pacific, George Watson repeatedly gave up his place on lifeboats to save others. He ultimately lost his life in the water, choosing service and sacrifice until the very end.
.png "Lieutenant Jack C Montgomery – WWII Hero")
9. Lieutenant Jack C. Montgomery
Jack C. Montgomery led a bold one-man assault against enemy positions in Italy, capturing multiple prisoners and forcing a retreat. His courage under fire turned the tide of battle and protected his fellow soldiers.
.png "Commander Ernest Evans – WWII Hero")
10. Commander Ernest E. Evans
Commander Ernest E. Evans, captain of the USS Johnston, displayed extraordinary courage during the Battle off Samar. Facing overwhelming Japanese naval forces, he ordered his destroyer into direct attack—launching torpedoes and engaging far larger ships. Knowing the odds, Evans fought with relentless determination, buying precious time for American forces. He was killed in action, but his leadership and sacrifice became one of the most remarkable naval stands of World War II.
It’s easy to think of World War II in terms of sweeping campaigns and turning points.
But wars are not won by maps. They are carried forward by individuals—by men who chose courage when fear would have been easier, who stood their ground when retreat made sense, and who, in some cases, gave everything.
From the skies over Tokyo to the waters off Samar, from the mountains of Italy to the forests of Germany, these ten men remind us what that kind of courage looks like.
Their stories still matter because they show us exactly what it means to stand when it matters most.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.
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