Mission Inspire

Courage Conversations: Major Jim Taylor

This Courage Conversation with Medal of Honor recipient Major Jim Taylor was recorded last fall during a special Veterans Day visit to the National Medal of Honor Museum’s construction site. Major Taylor and host Mo Barrett discuss his path to the Army, his heroism in Vietnam – where he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to rescue wounded men from burning vehicles – and his memorable experience with President Lyndon Johnson during his White House medal ceremony.

Dixie Davis and Kate Williams, Wives of Medal of Honor Recipients

Last fall, during a special Veterans Day visit to the National Medal of Honor Museum’s construction site, host Mo Barrett sat down with two incredible women who are each married to a Medal of Honor recipient: Dixie Davis and Kate Williams. The trio discuss the sacrifices made by the families of servicemembers and the tremendous responsibilities they bear, especially those related to Medal of Honor recipients.

Courage Conversations: Sergeant Major Matt Williams

This is a special bonus episode featuring a Courage Conversation with Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Major Matt Williams, recorded last fall during a special Veterans Day visit to the National Medal of Honor Museum’s construction site. During a firefight in Afghanistan’s Shok Valley, Williams repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire as he moved up and down a mountain to help evacuate the wounded. He and host Mo Barrett talk about his actions that day, the lessons he’s learned from other Medal of Honor recipients and what motivates him to continue to serve on active duty.

March To Grand Opening: Col. Jack Jacobs

On the latest episode in our March to Grand Opening series, host Mo Barrett sits down with Medal of Honor recipient and NMOHMF Board Member Col. Jack Jacobs, who earned the Medal in Vietnam when he – though injured himself – repeatedly ran across open rice paddies through heavy fire to evacuate the wounded. Col. Jacobs reflects on watching the Museum come to life and shares his reaction to learning he was to be featured in the exhibition gallery, including in a special AI feature.

Courage Conversations: Sergeant Major Allan Kellogg

This is a special bonus episode featuring a Courage Conversation with Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Major Allan Kellogg, recorded last fall during a special Veterans Day visit to the National Medal of Honor Museum’s construction site. Sgt. Major Kellogg and host Mo Barrett discuss his path to the Marine Corps., his brave, selfless actions in Vietnam, and how he uses humor to process his wartime experiences.

March To Grand Opening: SSgt. Hiroshi Miyamura

Continuing our March to Grand Opening series spotlighting Medal of Honor recipients who will be featured in the National Medal of Honor Museum’s galleries, host Mo Barrett talks to Maj. Marisa Regan, the granddaughter of SSGt. Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura, who earned the Medal during the Korean War when he bravely held off an enemy attack to allow the retreat of his men. She highlights lesser-known aspects of his story and reflects on his legacy of service.

March To Grand Opening: Maj. Gen. Pat Brady

As we mark one year to the Grand Opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum, host Mo Barrett kicks off a new series spotlighting some of the Medal of Honor recipients who will be featured in the Museum’s galleries – starting with Maj. General Pat Brady, who earned the Medal for his actions in Vietnam when he made repeated helicopter landings into enemy territory under heavy fire and amidst dense fog to rescue wounded soldiers. Brady recounts how he became involved with the Museum and shares what he wants visitors to take away after learning his story.

 

This podcast is presented by Lucas Oil.

Gina Townsend, Daughter of Medal of Honor Recipient Clifford Sims

Rising from humble origins in the Florida panhandle to become a squad leader with the 101^st Airborne in Vietnam, Staff Sergeant Clifford Chester Sims earned the Medal of Honor for courageous, selfless actions – becoming one of just 94 African American recipients of our nation’s highest award for valor in combat. As we celebrate Black History Month, host Mo Barrett is joined by Sims’ daughter Gina Townsend to talk about his life and legacy. Gina recounts attending the White House Medal presentation ceremony and shares what led her family to gift her father’s original Medal of Honor to the National Medal of Honor Museum.

Courage Conversations: Petty Officer Bob Ingram

On the latest episode in our Courage Conversations series, host Mo Barrett is joined by Medal of Honor recipient Petty Officer Bob Ingram, who earned the Medal for his actions in Vietnam where he administered aid to injured Marines despite being severely wounded himself. Petty Officer Ingram discusses his unusual path to the medical field, the love he feels for his comrades, and the important life-lesson he tries to impart on the next generation: It’s not about me, It’s the TEAM.

Courage Conversations: Col. Donald “Doc” Ballard

The holidays can be a difficult time for someone experiencing a loss. Medal of Honor recipient Col. Donald “Doc” Ballard witnesses that pain this time every year. On this episode in our Courage Conversations series, host Mo Barrett sits down with Col. Ballard, who earned the Medal in Vietnam when he put himself in the line of fire to aid wounded Marines and jumped on an enemy grenade, to recount what drove his actions that day. He also shares what motivates him to continue serving the military community through his work as a funeral director providing veterans with dignified burials.