The National Medal of Honor Leadership and Education Center will house the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum highlighting the eras of Medal of Honor history: The Civil War; Indian Campaigns; Wars of American Expansion; Peacetime; World War I; World War II; Korea; Vietnam; the Cold War and the War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. Educational exhibits will include memorabilia and artifacts relating to Medal of Honor recipients and include such well-known names as Audie Murphy, Sergeant Alvin York and James Doolittle.
The Congressional Medal of Honor is awarded for "Conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against any enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party."
Credits: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is a non-profit organization chartered by the 85th Congress under a legislative act signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on August 14, 1958. The Society's national headquarters is located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, on the hanger deck of the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. The headquarters consists of the Society's office, museum and archives.
In 2010, Mary Whyte set out on a mission to paint fifty watercolor portraits of what it means to be an American veteran today. The project was over seven years in the making, taking the artist across the entire United States, to meet and paint some of our country's truest patriots. Featuring current day veterans of all ages, all walks of life and from every state, Whyte's WE THE PEOPLE will be a national treasure that will honor and connect with our men and women in uniform for generations to come.
The USS YORKTOWN (CV-10) was the tenth aircraft carrier to serve in the United States Navy. Built in an amazing 16 ½ months at Newport News, Virginia, YORKTOWN was commissioned on April 15, 1943. World War II’s famous “Fighting Lady” would participate significantly in the Pacific offensive that began in late 1943 and ended with the defeat of Japan in 1945. YORKTOWN received the Presidential Unit Citation and earned 11 battle stars for service in World War II.
Credits: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
USS LAFFEY (DD-724) is the most decorated World War II era US Destroyer still in existence. DD-724 was named in honor of LAFFEY (DD-459), sunk during the Naval Battle for Guadalcanal (13 November 1942). Both ships were named in honor of Seaman Bartlett Laffey, a Civil War Medal of Honor recipient.
Credits: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
The only GUPPY III submarine preserved in the U.S., the USS CLAMAGORE (SS-343) is Patriots Point iconic Cold War submarine.
Credits: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Patriots Point brings the history of the Vietnam War to life in this fully immersive 2 ½ acre exhibit that brings Marine officers to life through holograms in an exciting 3-D production.
Credits: Patriots Point Links
Board a Mitchell B-25 Bomber identical to the ones used by the “Doolittle Raiders” in 1942. Learn about Doolittle's raid and what it took to launch B-25s from the aircraft carrier Hornet.
Patriots Point offers educational programs on board the USS YORKTOWN and is available for groups of 10 or more.
Credits: Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Situated on the edge of Charleston Harbor and offering spectacular views of the city, Fort Sumter, and ships arriving from all over the world, Patriots Point has been for years a favorite place to play for local Charleston golfers and resort guests. It’s located in Mount Pleasant at the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and just five minutes from downtown. Any golf trip to South Carolina’s historic city of Charleston is not complete without a round at this memorable harbor side golf course.
Credits: Patriots Point Links
As Charleston’s premier waterfront resort, Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina blends sophisticated style with gracious hospitality. Each day, you’ll discover new and unparalleled dining selections, tranquil pools, calming spa packages, and nature-inspired beachfront activities—all met with the uncompromising attention to detail you deserve.
The national headquarters for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum will remain aboard the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, SC.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Museum Founder's Society is composed of the first 100 individuals to pledge $1,000. This designation entitles donors to be listed on the Founder's Society Plaque prominently located inside the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum.