Near Beloit in Rock County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Medal of Honor
Photographed by Keith L, September 23, 2009
1. The Medal of Honor Marker
The Medal of Honor is the highest decoration for bravery awarded to members of the armed forces of the United States. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, only for a deed of supreme valor and self-sacrifice distinguished by "gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty." More often than not, the Medal of Honor is awarded posthumously.
President Abraham Lincoln approved the creation of the Medal of Honor in 1862, and during the Civil War some 1,527 Union soldiers and sailors earned it. In all, 3,394 Medals have been awarded. Wisconsin citizens received 62, including the special Medal of Honor awarded by Congress to Milwaukee-born advocate of air power General William C. "Billy" Mitchell.
Wisconsin citizens have received the Medal of Honor in the following conflicts: Civil War, 21; Frontier Wars, 7; Spanish American War, 1; Philippine Insurrection, 1; Boxer Rebellion, 1; Mexican Campaign, 2; World War I, 2; World War II, 15; Korea, 5; Vietnam, 6.
Erected 1990 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 291.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • War, Vietnam
this page online
Location. 42° 30.301′ N, 88° 59.059′ W. Marker is near Beloit, Wisconsin, in Rock County. It can be reached from Interstate 90 at milepost 187, on the right when traveling west. Marker is at northbound I-39/westbound I-90 Rest Area 22. Marker is 0.7 miles north of the Wisconsin/Illinois state line. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Beloit WI 53511, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin and in Greater Madison. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Black Hawk War (within shouting distance of this marker); Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Highway (within shouting distance of this marker); Wisconsin's First Aviator (approx. 1.2 miles away); Beloit College (approx. 2.4 miles away); Rasey House (approx. 2.4 miles away); Roy Chapman Andrews (approx. 2.6 miles away); Black Hawk at Turtle Village / The U.S. Military at Turtle Village (approx. 2.6 miles away); Abraham Lincoln (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beloit.
Also see . . .
Photographed by Keith L, September 23, 2009
2. The Medal of Honor Marker
The rest area shelter is in the background.
Photographed by Keith L, September 23, 2009
3. The Medal of Honor Wall
Photographed by William J. Toman, April 30, 2011
4. The Medal of Honor Wall
Photographed by Keith L, September 23, 2009
5. Civil War Recipients
Photographed by Keith L, 1100
6. Civil / Frontier Wars Recipients
Photographed by Keith L, September 23, 2009
7. War Recipients
Photographed by Keith L, September 23, 2009
8. Valor · Medal of Honor
Photographed by Keith L, September 23, 2009
9. World War II Recipients
Photographed by Keith L, September 23, 2009
10. Korean War Recipients
Photographed by Keith L, September 23, 2009
11. Vietnam War / Special Medal Recipients
Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 4,758 times since then and 2,854 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 28, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on July 10, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on September 28, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
