The Kentucky Medal for Valor is the highest state decoration, which can be awarded to members of the Kentucky National Guard. To date, 46 Kentucky Guardsmen have the distinction of having been awarded the Kentucky Medal for Valor. Listed below are their names and their deeds of valor. All are listed with the unit and the rank they held at the time of the event.
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In chronological order.
SFC ROGER L. CALVERT
Battery B
2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery
Kentucky Army National Guard
Carlisle, Kentucky
29 June 2004
For demonstrating extreme dedication, heroism and compassion for a fellow citizen in distress. While driving to work on the morning of March 22, 2004, on state highway 330, Sergeant First Class Roger L. Calvert came upon a two vehicle accident. With total disregard for his own safety and well being, he risked his life to pull an unconscious civilian from a burning vehicle. While the flames were spreading from the rear of the car towards the passenger compartment, he pulled away sheet metal that was blocking access to the car, reached into the vehicle and beat out the flames that had started to reach the driver. With the help of another individual, he wrenched open the door. He then pulled the driver out and carried him to safety just as the car was engulfed in flames. His actions are in keeping with the very highest military traditions of valor and self sacrifice, and reflect great credit upon himself.
SPC CALEB M. WILLIAMS
DET 1 HHC 1/149TH IN BN (MECH)
25 March 2006
Barbourville, Kentucky
On 27 September 2005 while performing duties in Louisiana as part of the Hurricane Katrina Relief effort SPC Williams’ quick reactions, bravery and selflessness allowed him to save the life of another. While on roving patrol around the Baton Rouge Civic Center, which was serving as a shelter for displaced families, SPC Williams saw a man standing on the railroad tracks, in the path of an oncoming train, in an apparent suicide attempt. Disregarding his own safety he ran to the man, and pulled him from danger and detained him until police arrived. SPC Williams’ act was witnessed by other soldiers and members of the police who were unable to react due to their distance from the man. SPC Williams acted without orders and is single handedly responsible for saving the man’s life.
For valor in performance of duty while performing security for the Hurricane relief effort. By acting quickly and without regard for his own personal safety SPC Williams saved the life of another man. SPC Williams’ actions are in the highest traditions of the Kentucky National Guard and demonstrate every one of the Army Values. SPC Williams’ actions reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the Kentucky National Guard, and the United States Army.
CPT WILLOUGHBY S. GOIN
UNIT
Awarded 06 December 2007
Frankfort, Kentucky
(Rank shown is rank at the time of the event. Current rank is LTC (R)).
For heroism involving voluntary risk of life on 29 January 1978, following an automobile accident in Pineville, Kentucky. These Kentucky guardsmen responded when called upon to assist in efforts to transport Miss Kathy Campbell from Pineville to Lexington, Kentucky in an effort to save her life. Overcoming extremely hazardous conditions the crew was able to safely and successfully complete the mission. Their courageous actions and concern for human life brings great credit upon themselves and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Kentucky National Guard.
Kentucky Adjutant General Donald C. Storm presents the Kentucky Medal of Valor to Harmon Cross, Lloyd Bailey and Willoughby Goin for their actions nearly 30 years ago. (photo by KG-PAO)
W01 LLOYD B. BAILEY
UNIT
Awarded 06 December 2007
Frankfort, Kentucky
(Rank shown is rank at the time of the event. Current rank is CW2(R)).
For heroism involving voluntary risk of life on 29 January 1978, following an automobile accident in Pineville, Kentucky. These Kentucky guardsmen responded when called upon to assist in efforts to transport Miss Kathy Campbell from Pineville to Lexington, Kentucky in an effort to save her life. Overcoming extremely hazardous conditions the crew was able to safely and successfully complete the mission. Their courageous actions and concern for human life brings great credit upon themselves and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Kentucky National Guard.
SSG HARMON D. CROSS
HHC 201st Engr. Bn, Ashland, Ky.
Awarded 06 December 2007
Frankfort, Kentucky
(Rank and Unit shown were at the time of the event. Current rank is MSG).
For heroism involving voluntary risk of life on 29 January 1978, following an automobile accident in Pineville, Kentucky. These Kentucky guardsmen responded when called upon to assist in efforts to transport Miss Kathy Campbell from Pineville to Lexington, Kentucky in an effort to save her life. Overcoming extremely hazardous conditions the crew was able to safely and successfully complete the mission. Their courageous actions and concern for human life brings great credit upon themselves and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Kentucky National Guard.
NOTE: MSG Harmon D. Cross is the only known individual to receive the Kentucky Medal for Valor twice. The first event was during April 1977 and the second in January 1978. The first award was presented in the fall of 1977. His second award for events transpiring in January 1978 was not presented until December 2007. You can view his second citation by clicking here: Recipients 1970s