William Goines (1936–2024), America’s first Black Navy SEAL

William Goines was a decorated U.S. Navy veteran who was the first Black SEAL and a Lone Sailor award recipient.

Lt. Gen. Claudius “Bud” Watts III (1936–2023), past president of The Citadel 

Lt. Gen. Claudius “Bud” Watts III was a United States Air Force veteran who served as president of The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina, from 1989 to 1996.

Gen. James J. Lindsay (1932–2023), Special Operations Command leader

James J. Lindsay was a retired four-star general in the United States Army who served as Special Operations Command (SOCOM)'s first leader and helped found the Airborne and Special Operations Museum.

Ashton Carter (1954–2022), former Defense Secretary under President Obama

Ashton Carter was the Defense Secretary under President Obama from 2015 until 2017.

Clarence Smoyer (1923–2022), World War II hero  

Clarence Smoyer was a World War II tank gunner known as the “Hero of Cologne” for his bravery in helping to defeat a German panther tank during the important 1945 battle.

Kenneth Stumpf (1944–2022), Medal of Honor recipient 

Kenneth Stumpf was an Army Sergeant who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1968 for his heroism during the Vietnam War.

Richard Marcinko (1940–2021), first commanding officer of SEAL Team Six

Richard Marcinko designed and developed the elite Navy SEAL Team Six in response to the 1979 Iran hostage crisis.

Kabul Airport Attack Victims (2021)

At least 13 U.S. troops and 90 Afghans were killed after a suicide bomb attack Thursday at the Kabul airport.

Bill Emerson (1938–2021), legendary bluegrass banjo player

Bill Emerson was a Bluegrass Hall of Fame banjo player who was a founding member of The Country Gentlemen.

Merle Smith (1944–2021), first Black graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy

Cmdr. Merle Smith was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who was the first Black graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Honor your veteran's memory with a free, permanent Military Times tribute

Legacy.com is pleased to announce the successful launch of a new relationship with the Military Times that offers families a free way to honor and share their veteran’s life story.

Robert Ashby (1926–2021), Tuskegee Airman who was the first Black pilot for Frontier Airlines

Robert Ashby was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a Tuskegee Airman during World War II before becoming the first Black pilot hired by Frontier Airlines.

Harry Beal (1930–2021), first Navy SEAL

Harry Beal was a U.S. Navy veteran who was the first to volunteer as a Navy SEAL.

Theodore ‘Ted’ Lumpkin (1919–2020), Tuskegee Airman

Theodore ‘Ted’ Lumpkin was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the Black pilots and support staff who served with distinction in World War II. He served as an intelligence officer, giving mission briefings to pilots during a combat tour in Italy. He retired from the Air Force Reserves as a lieutenant colonel.

Frank Macon (1923–2020), Tuskegee Airman

Frank Macon was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the Black pilots and support staff who served with distinction in World War II.

How Veterans Grieve

Honoring their fallen comrades is a uniquely powerful experience for America's military veterans.

MIA Vietnam vet's son flies his remains home 52 years later

A full military funeral will be held for Col. Roy A. Knight Jr. on Aug. 10 in Weatherford, Texas.

Stories of D-Day Veterans We Said Goodbye to This Year

Seventy-five years after the D-Day invasion of World War II, families and nations are honoring the service members who fought in one of the war's most famous battles.

What Obituaries Are Trying to Tell Us About Veterans and PTSD

Carlos Lopez Jr. was still a teenager when he signed up for a two-year stint in the U.S. Army. Not long after, the Iraq War began, and he became one of the first American soldiers to be deployed there, fighting battles in Baghdad, Najaf, and Fallujah.

This Veteran Died Alone, But Hundreds Attended His Funeral

When U.S. Army veteran Stanley C. Stoltz died recently, a heartbreakingly short obituary was published by , which handled his arrangements.

John McCain (1936–2018), war hero turned maverick politician

In a Congress where the gulf between red and blue seems wider than it ever has, the long-serving Senator John McCain created an image of himself as a bipartisan bridge-builder. A Republican devoted to his party, he nevertheless reached across the aisle to form alliances and friendships with Democrats as he tried to advance ideals including fiscal conservatism, campaign finance reform, and American exceptionalism.

Alene Duerk (1920 – 2018), Navy’s first female rear admiral

Enlisted in the Navy Nurse Corps during World War II and ascended the ranks over 30 years.

Tom Flynn, the Man Behind "America's Cemetery"

Tom Flynn, the founder of America's Cemetery, who was honored with the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association's 2018 Lasting Impact Award , died June 18 after a battle with cancer.

The WWII Massacre of Americans You Haven't Heard Of

Even in a war with more than its share of horrors, the Malmedy massacre stands out. Eighty-four American soldiers were brutally killed by their German captors in a shocking breach of the Geneva Convention's rules for warfare. Forty-three more were left for dead, using all their will to remain completely silent and still as they lay amidst the dead on freezing, snow-covered ground.

What to Do When a Veteran Dies

When you’re grieving a loss, just the idea of paperwork may feel overwhelming. But when your partner was a member of the armed services, you know that needing signatures and signoffs is part of the process. To help you navigate this difficult time as smoothly as possible, here’s a checklist of what you have to do when a veteran passes away.

R. Lee Ermey (1944 - 2018), "Full Metal Jacket" actor

Former U.S. Marine made a Hollywood career of playing military men.

Why Is the Flag at Half Staff Today?

CONNECTICUT | In honor of North Haven Firefighter

Anna Mae Hays (1920 – 2018), first female general in the U.S. military

Anna Mae Hays, the first female general in the U.S. military, died Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, at a retirement home in Washington, according to multiple news sources. She was 97.

POW-MIA: You Are Not Forgotten

On POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor missing American service members and their families.

USS Fitzgerald Sailors

7 U.S. sailors have died after the USS Fitzgerald collided with a merchant ship…

How to Create a Veteran’s Memorial Garden

Memorial Day can be a very personal experience in a very personal space.

America Remembers Memorial Day (video)

We observe Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice of all of those who have died while serving in the armed forces. It grew out of the nation’s need to pay respects to the 750,000 servicemen who died on both sides during the American Civil War. Competing Union and Confederate holidays were merged and over time Memorial Day came to cover all those lost in service to their country.

A Wall That Brings Us Together: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall (video)

A video about the history and impact of the iconic memorial.

How Can I Honor Fallen Veterans Before & After Memorial Day? 4 Ideas

Memorial Day is a particularly American holiday tradition, one that embodies what’s been described as our nation’s “secular civil religion.” That is, while Americans don’t all share the same religious beliefs, historically we have shared a sacred respect for citizens who devote their lives to the service of the national good. Those who sacrifice their lives in defense of the nation are traditionally honored as the noblest among us.

John L. Harrison Jr. (2017), Tuskegee Airman

John L. Harrison Jr., one of the members of the famed all-African-American Tuskegee Airmen, died March 22, 2017, in a Philadelphia hospice. He was 96.

American Heroes: Carl Brashear

Saluting the Navy diver whose story was told in "Men of Honor."

Hal Moore (1922 - 2017), We Were Soldiers Once … and Young co-author

Retired Lt. Gen. Hal Moore, a co-author of “We Were Soldiers Once … and Young,” died Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, in Auburn, Alabama, according to multiple news sources. He was 94.

Edward Tipper (1921 - 2017)

Edward Tipper, one of the World War II paratroopers whose experiences were dramatized on the TV series “Band of Brothers,” died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Lakewood, Colorado, according to The Associated Press. He was 95.

Pearl Harbor Medal of Honor Recipients

On the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we take a look at five men awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions on that day.

Soldiers Remembering Soldiers

No one understands the life of a U.S. service member better than a fellow veteran.

Caskets for Veterans: A Meaningful Gift

One funeral home in Texas has found a special way to honor men and women who’ve served their nation.

The Meaning Behind Military Funerals

American military funerals are full of tradition and symbolism. These elements express appreciation for a life lived and sometimes given in service to the nation.

Camp Lifts Spirits for Children of Dead Soldiers

The WOLF Camp provides a safe space for children with a unique shared experience.

The Quotable Norman Schwarzkopf

Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the U.S. Army four-star general who led coalition forces to victory during 1991's Persian Gulf conflict, was known as "Stormin' Norman" but he also was thoughtful and gentle.

Bob Hope’s USO

Bob Hope headlined 57 USO tours, bringing laughter to the lives of U.S. military men and women.

In Remembrance of Women Who Served

We honor 11 American servicewomen who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Legacy of Valor: The Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor honors military personnel who distinguish themselves through "gallantry in action, and other soldier-like qualities."

Missing Them at the Parade

Today we salute the veterans who never failed to honor their fallen comrades at Memorial Day parades.

Saluting SEALs, Soldiers and Airmen

We pay tribute to the 30 brave U.S. servicemen who died August 6 when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.