What rank did the first enlisted Marine hold when earning the Medal of Honor in aviation?

What rank did the first enlisted Marine hold when earning the Medal of Honor in aviation?

• A. Captain
• B. Sergeant
• C. Corporal
• D. Private

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that the Medal of Honor can be earned by anyone who shows extraordinary heroism, including enlisted Marines. The first enlisted Marine to receive the Medal of Honor in aviation did so while holding the rank of corporal. That rank is an enlisted, noncommissioned officer level, meaning he wasn’t an officer but had demonstrated leadership and valor in flight operations. The other ranks listed represent either a commissioned officer or a different enlisted level, which do not match the historical instance of the first enlisted recipient. So, corporal is the correct rank.

The main idea is that the Medal of Honor can be earned by anyone who shows extraordinary heroism, including enlisted Marines. The first enlisted Marine to receive the Medal of Honor in aviation did so while holding the rank of corporal. That rank is an enlisted, noncommissioned officer level, meaning he wasn’t an officer but had demonstrated leadership and valor in flight operations. The other ranks listed represent either a commissioned officer or a different enlisted level, which do not match the historical instance of the first enlisted recipient. So, corporal is the correct rank.