WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Congress designated March 25 as National Medal of Honor Day, a day dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients. Since the Medal of Honor was established during the Civil War, more than 40 million Americans have defended their nation, yet fewer than 3,500 have received the Medal of Honor, including five living Kentuckians: Staff Sgt. Don Jenkins of Butler County, Sgt. 1^st Class Gary Littrell of Henderson County, Marine Cpl. Dakota Meyer of Adair County, Pvt. Wilburn Ross of McCreary County, and Pfc. Ernie West of Greenup County. Sen. Paul issued the following statement:

"The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. We must recognize and honor the bravery and self-sacrifice of these courageous men and women. The Commonwealth of Kentucky is fortunate enough to claim five of its sons as medal recipients. While facing insurmountable odds, Staff Sgt. Don Jenkins, Sgt. 1^st Class Gary Littrell, Pvt. Wilburn Ross, Pfc. Ernie West, and most recently Marine Cpl. Dakota Meyer, honorably placed the well-being of others before their own. Their valorous actions have made not only Kentucky, but the entire country, proud." 

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