"Uncommon valor was a common virtue." -- Adm. Chester Nimitz
The Congressional Medal of Honor, according to cmohs.org, "is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States."
This week, we pay tribute to Medal of Honor recipients who hail from New Jersey. Although our collection only covers World War I through the Vietnam War, we have included one Medal of Honor recipient who was recognized for actions during the Civil War.
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I couldn't help but realize while putting this gallery together that the nation's highest award for bravery was awarded to some very gallant individuals indeed, but they represent only a fraction of the servicemen and servicewomen from the Garden State who performed heroic acts.
Every man and woman who put on a uniform sacrificed for their country. Admiral Chester Nimitz's quote inscribed on the United States Marine Corps War Memorial was delivered following the Battle of Iwo Jima but is applicable to all who've served:
"Uncommon valor was a common virtue."
Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.