The concept of a Gallery of Heroes was developed in 1980 by Major General Herbert E. Wolff, to honor recipients of the nation's two highest awards of valor:
The Congressional Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross, or its equivalents, the Navy Cross or the Air Force Cross.
Located on the second floor of the Museum, it offers a quiet cool place to recognize and review the heroism of Hawai'i's military.
In the wall facing the mountains is a striking stained glass backdrop for a replica of the Medal of Honor. Originally, six recipients were placed on koa pedestals in a semicircle, and in January of 2001, 12 more were added, with their citations on the wall behind them.
Across the way in another room, a curved lighted display currently honors 41 of Hawai'i's residents who have received the Distinguished Service Cross or the Navy and Air Force Cross. More will doubtless be added.
Four more World War II veterans from Hawaii were inducted into The Gallery of Heroes, each awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action:
Although these heroes are now deceased, their family members received the award on their behalf in an impressive formal ceremony. Details on the soldiers' heroic acts and the inductee ceremony can be found on pages 4-6 of the Summer 2006 HAMS Newsletter.
Original text for the exhibit pages was provided by Barbara Mills.
NOTE: The Gallery of Heroes is the last exhibit of our website's Online Tour. Click Museum Store to browse our comprehensive selection of military merchandise and collectibles. Or, click another destination in the Site Menu on the left.
