Private First Class James H. Diamond of New Orleans, Louisiana, was just 20 years old when he displayed extraordinary bravery that would earn him the nation’s highest military honor—the Medal of Honor—posthumously.
Diamond enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1943, and by May 1945, he was serving with valor in Company D, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, during the fierce campaign in Mindanao, Philippines. Known for his unwavering courage, he repeatedly volunteered for some of the most dangerous tasks—evacuating wounded comrades and repairing a critical bridge under relentless enemy fire.
On May 14, 1945, amid a hail of bullets in Mintal, Mindanao, Diamond made the ultimate sacrifice. As gunfire rained down, he dashed through the line of fire to reach an abandoned machine gun and rescue injured fellow soldiers. His selfless actions cost him his life but saved others.
For his exceptional heroism and sacrifice, James H. Diamond was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. He now rests at Evergreen Cemetery in Gulfport, Mississippi—a young hero whose legacy lives on in the heart of a grateful nation.