This collection of moving black-and-white photographs of recipients of the Medal of Honor shows not the glory of war, but the underlying spirit and humanity of true heroism. Forty-eight portraits are combined with comments, observations, and statements from the recipients of America's highest military honor. This compilation of words and pictures of men who served in the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps is both humbling and poignant. Their actions and lives vary as much as the conflicts (World War II, Korea, and Vietnam) and include a conscientious objector who never wielded a weapon and a man known as the "Last Eagle," as he was the last World War II pilot to retire. Each recipient's full official citation is included in the appendix. "Absolutely magnificent. Shocking it is so well done." -- Jim Swett, Medal of Honor Recipient "I couldn't put it down. Such honest pictures. It was a project that was done with complete integrity." -- Barney Barnum, President, Congressional Medal Of Honor Society "I love it! I am giving it to all my children." -- Walt Ehlers, Medal of Honor Recipient Everyone in American admires the Medal of Honor Recipients. Here, thanks to Tom Casalini, we get to know them today. -- Stephen Ambrose I couldn't put it down. Such honest pictures. It was a project that was done with complete integrity. -- Barney Barnum President/ Congressional Medal of Honor Society Ordinary Heroes has captured a view of Medal of Honor Recipients that has never before been portrayed so dramatically. -- Harold Ordinary Heroes speaks of the ordinary lives from which heroes emerge and to which most return. -- Walter Cronkite Tom Casalini's photographs show us how we are - ordinary citizens who honor our flag and love our nation. -- Charles P. Murray/ Medal of Honor Recipient Most of my life, my photograghs have spoken for me. I communicate through the lens of a camera. This book is no exception. I wanted you to see these men as I saw them. To learn about their experiences, their thoughts and their lives, just as I did. Now, I would like to share the personal journey I have taken during the development of this book. It was a jouney of miles and meetings with strangers who became brothers. And it was also about long-ago memories and the love of family. The most important part however is the message I have been entrusted to deliver to you on behalf of these men...these Ordinary Heroes. I never woke up and went to war. I woke up and went to the sandbox. It seems to me that much of my generation grew up the same way. Fortunate. And, hopefully, very grateful. The fact is, these men risked their lives to afford me mine. And so, this is the perspective I used in writing this story - a chronicle of my youth against these soldiers' sacrifices. If you have ever been at a loss as to whom to thank for your freedom, or for the peace your children enjoy, you can start with these men. If you've never thought about it, I hope that, now, you will. Tom Casalini - Congratulations! The truths about admirable Americans in battle which you have gathered at great cost to yourself, and told by you with silent ink on paper, have stirred me more deeply and permanetly than any shocking virtual reality war movie could ever do. The ingredients in such a spiritual miracle? Again, the setting of perfect silence which is an opened book, and the individual memories of modest men among us who were heroes when it counted, who are quiet men at peace now. Some poetry! Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for friends. PFC Kurt Vonnegut 423rd Infantry Tom Casalini is the former official state photographer of Indiana. His work has won local, regional, and national acclaim, including mentions on The One Show and in Print, Clios, and Communication Arts. His material has appeared in Life magazine and been used by McDonalds, John Deere, and Chevrolet. Timothy Wallis is an advertising executive who has won numerous awards for his professional writing. They both live in Zionsville, Indiana. I was born between wars. In the belly of 1958. Amongst fields of heather I fondly recall mightily heaving a wadded parachute soldier into skies of cobalt and watching as the winds would carry it into enemy territory. There were thickets of twisted briar, pillared oaks and magical mirrored ponds we weren't allowed to wade into. But most vivid in my memory is the yard of Mrs. Curr, an aging woman who bore no children and, at a distance, had a frightening resemblance to the Wicked Witch of the West. Up close it wasn't merely a resemblance. To me, she was indeed the witch. Right down to the wart with the hair sprouting out. Separated by a hedge that couldn't grow fast enough for either of us, her yard was off limits. It was a land from which no child's toy ever returned. I can't recall how many times I watched a breeze lift my tiny plastic soldier just out of grasp and over that hedge, but I can tell you thi