The Making of a Hero: Six Stories of the Medal of Honor

Being a HERO means overcoming tremendous odds through sacrifice, service, and holding to important values.

In The Making of a Hero, Linda Moss Mines introduces children to the important values of patriotism, citizenship, courage, integrity, sacrifice, and commitment. This book tells the story of six Americans-Arthur MacArthur (Civil War), George Jordan (Buffalo Soldier), Alvin C. York (World War I), Desmond Doss (World War II), Ray Duke (Korean War), and Dr. Mary Edwards Walker (Civil War)-who were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award given to a member of the armed forces for valor. Each individual showed great courage and bravery in the face of fear, some even giving the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

Through these inspiring stories, children will learn that they, too, can model these values in their daily decisions and in the way they serve those around them. They will realize the potential to make a real difference in their community, country, and world!

Linda Moss Mines, historian, has spent forty-eight years teaching in public and private schools, colleges, industry, and public programming. She is the official Chattanooga-Hamilton County, Tennessee Historian, a member of the Tennessee Historical Commission, chairs the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Vietnam Conflict Committee, serves on the Sgt. York Foundation Board of Trustees, and as Vice-President, Education for the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. Mines' volunteer work focuses on education, patriotism, veteran services, and historical preservation and she is actively involved in the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution at the local, state, and national levels.