Awards

President Harry S. Truman (right) awards the Congressional Medal of Honor to Corporal Desmond Doss (left), the first Conscientious Objector to receive a Medal of Honor, on the White House lawn. Others in the background are unidentified. From the scrapbooks of Matt Connelly, Vol. 1.

President Harry S. Truman (left) awards Sergeant William G. Harrell (right), of the United States Marine Corps Reserves, the Congressional Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House. From the scrapbooks of Matt Connelly, Vol. 1.

Fifteen members of the Army Ground Forces stand on the White House lawn after being presented the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman (not pictured). From left to right: Sergeant Christos H. Karaberis, Sergeant Freeman Horner, Corporal Desmond T. Doss, Corporal Clarence B. Craft, Captain James M. Burt, Corporal Melvin E. Biddle, Corporal Edward A. Bennett, Corporal Thomas E. Atkins, Private First Class William A. Soderman, Second Lieutenant Edward A. Silk, Sergeant Cleto Rodriguez, Sergeant Nicholas Oresko, Sergeant Dexter J. Kerstetter, and Sergeant Thomas J. Kelly.

New Secretary of War Robert P. Patterson (left) is congratulated by the outgoing Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson (right) who has just received the Distinguished Service Medal from President Harry S. Truman (not pictured) In center back is General Jacob L. Devers. All others are unidentified. From the scrapbooks of Matt Connelly, Vol. 1.

President Harry S. Truman (left) presents Sergeant Ralph G. Neppel (right) of Glidden, Iowa with the Congressional Medal of Honor. Neppel was awarded the medal after losing both legs in action on December 14 in Germany while ignoring a charging tank and killing 20 Germans who were assaulting his position. From the scrapbooks of Matt Connelly, Vol. 1.

President Harry S. Truman awards the Congressional Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Carlton R. Rouh. Lt. Rouh was given the medal for risking his life to save two comrades by throwing himself in front of a Japanese grenade. Others in the background are unidentified.

President Harry S. Truman (left) awards Private First Class Luther Skaggs, Jr. the Congressional Medal of Honor as Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal (left) and others look on. From the scrapbooks of Matt Connelly, Vol. 1.

Clarence Osthagen, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Commerce, and an unidentified lady who is holding a certificate autographed by Secretary of Commerce Charles Sawyer.

Secretary of Commerce Charles Sawyer pinning an award on Clarence Osthagen, Assistant Secretary.

President Harry S. Truman (center) shakes hands with General Dwight D. Eisenhower (right) after decorating him with the Distinguished Service Medal. Mrs. Mamie Eisenhower (left) and a cheering crowd observe. This photograph is from the album "Mr. President, His Family and Friends."