Herbert K. Pililaau: The Quiet Warrior Killed 40 men

Hawaiian Medal of Honor recipient

Known for quietly reading his Bible and writing letters home, Pililaau was nonetheless a fierce warrior and his actions on Heartbreak Ridge in Korea 1951 proved it beyond a doubt. Drafted, Pililaau thought about being a conscientious objector not knowing how his Christian faith could reconcile killing others but he accepted his call to action. During an overwhelming flood of North Korean troops forcing U.S. troops to retreat, Pililaau volunteered to cover the retreat with his BAR and a pile of grenades. Fighting alone (his comrades watching in the distance), he fought until he ran out of ammo. Grabbing his trench knife, he killed men by punching and stabbing them, until he himself was shot and killed. 40 bodies of enemy soldiers surrounded him when he was recovered later. Beware the Quiet, Respectful and God fearing: for acts of Valor lie within those who have strength of soul. Valor is in you. Set it free.