March 25 is recognized as National Medal of Honor Day.  The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest award for military valor in action. Symbolized within each medal are the values each recipient displayed in the moments that mattered — bravery, courage, sacrifice and integrity, as well as a deep love of country and a desire to always do what is right.

The Medal is authorized for military service members who  risk their lives in combat above and beyond the call of duty.

Illinois has had the great privilege to honor over 200 brave recipients of the Medal of Honor from all branches and ranks of the military.

President Bill Clinton presented James Lewis Day, who served as a United States Marine Corps Major General during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, with the Medal of Honor on Jan. 20, 1998.

Corporal Day was born Oct. 5, 1925, in East St. Louis. He enlisted in the Marine Corps as part of the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Marines, 6th Marine Division. He was presented with the Medal of Honor in recognition of his actions in combat on May 17, 1945 in Okinawa.

Corporal Day preserved the lives of his fellow Marines and made a significant contribution to the success of the Okinawa campaign. By his heroism, bravery and battlefield leadership, Corporal Day inspired the efforts of his outnumbered Marines to defeat a much larger enemy force, reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Corporal Day had a career that spanned more than four decades; he rose from enlisted man through the ranks to major general, becoming one of the greatest mustangs the Marine Corps ever produced. In Korea, his bravery in combat was recognized with two Silver Stars. In Vietnam, his leadership and bravery under fire earned him a third Silver Star. For his service in three wars, James Lewis Day received six Purple Hearts.

To learn more about James Lewis Day, visit the Congressional Medal of Honor Society website.