An Exemplary Award

Progress update on The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership

By Rose Drill-Peterson » Photos by Flock and Rally

Established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861 and given out throughout very major conflict since the Civil War, the Medal of Honor has commemorated those who   risked their lives to protect our country and uphold its most cherished ideals.

Most of us have never met a Medal of Honor recipient or heard their stories firsthand. What choices did they make to earn the nation’s highest recognition of valor in combat? What leadership did they demonstrate?

Their extraordinary courage, integrity, commitment, sacrifice and patriotism earned them this prestigious award—and The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership believes these qualities are worth learning from.

The stories of heroism in combat are more than historical accounts; they are powerful lessons in resilience and selflessness that can shape the leaders of tomorrow. They inspire us to reflect on our own values, encouraging a deeper understanding of what it means to lead and serve.

On October 17, 2024, the hangar of the U.S.S. Yorktown transformed into a venue for a progress report on a crucial initiative: the ambitious $75 million 50,000-square-foot training center and immersive visitor experience planned to be built at Patriot's Point in Mt. Pleasant. 

A $3.5 million Medal of Honor Museum re-opened on board the Yorktown in May 2024 in a 25,000 square-foot climate-controlled space that helped inspire the dream of the larger stand-alone museum with an education and leadership component.

The event welcomed nearly 400 attendees, including nine Medal of Honor honorees from conflicts ranging from the Korean War to the War on Terror in Afghanistan. These living examples of valor provided a powerful presence.

Honorees continue to do great things on and off the battlefield: one of these men wrote a book about his experiences. One redeployed after receiving the Medal of Honor. Others returned to civilian life, embracing their roles in their families and communities, knowing they had helped defend our country and the American dream. Their continued commitment to service underscores that heroism extends beyond the battlefield.

The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership aims to preserve these stories, remember these heroes and learn valuable lessons from their sacrifices. Already, the museum and leadership center has raised $25 million from private and public sources, including contributions from the town of Mt. Pleasant and the Charleston County Council. An additional $25 million is needed to sign a lease for the land with the Patriots Point Development Authority.

During the event, Michael Thornton, a Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient, made an emotional, personal pledge of $5,000, urging others to contribute.

Education and Leadership for Future Generations

According to Justin Habash, Chief Learning Officer for the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, the education component of the forthcoming facility will leverage cutting-edge technology, including virtual reality to appeal to a wide range of diverse learners. A Leadership and Master Course Series will provide an in-depth exploration of leadership, simulating real-life challenges. The curriculum aims to instill core values of duty, honor and perseverance, ensuring the lessons of these heroes resonate with future leaders. These innovative tools will allow participants to engage deeply, making the lessons personal and impactful. The leadership lessons will be geared to any leader, not just those in the military.

As Corporal Kyle Carpenter, a Medal of Honor Recipient, aptly put it: “I want my story to help others see what’s extraordinary in themselves.”

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders

The Center will feature a museum dedicated to sharing the stories of Medal of Honor Recipients, an expanded version of what’s onboard the U.S.S. Yorktown, along with classes and leadership training designed to inspire future generations. At its core, the Center aims to foster courage, leadership and integrity among tomorrow’s leaders. By understanding the legacy of these extraordinary individuals, future generations will be encouraged to discover and embrace their own inner strength. These lessons will empower them to face challenges with the same determination and resolve that Medal of Honor Recipients exemplify, fostering a new generation of resilient, principled leaders.

Learn more about plans for The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership at www.mohcenterforleadership.org. To learn more about how to support and donate visit mohcenterforleadership.org/support-our-mission.