Heroism Score…
Can heroism truly be measured? Maybe not. But some states have produced more documented acts of extraordinary bravery than others (and not always the ones you'd expect). So, we built a “Heroism Score” using official military records.
The ranking is based primarily on Medal of Honor recipients (50%), the nation’s highest award for valor, and supported by other top decorations like the Silver Star and Distinguished Service Cross (25%). We also factored in per capita performance (15%) to highlight smaller states that overdeliver, along with broader service and sacrifice data (10%) to round out the picture.
And yes—there are a few states in the top 10 that might genuinely surprise you.
30: South Carolina
Heroism Score: 37.8
Medal of Honor recipients: 27
Per capita rank: Top 20
South Carolina’s strong military heritage and active-duty presence give it a solid foundation. It doesn’t dominate in total honors, but steady per capita performance and consistent enlistment help it edge into the top 30.
29: Oklahoma
Heroism Score: 40.2
Medal of Honor recipients: 29
Per capita rank: Top 10
Oklahoma stands out for its deep-rooted culture of service. Its per capita performance is among the best in the country, allowing it to outperform several larger states with much bigger populations.
Kerwin Moore, Wikimedia Commons
28: Iowa
Heroism Score: 42.7
Medal of Honor recipients: 30
Per capita rank: Top 15
Iowa quietly delivers strong results year after year. It combines respectable totals with solid per capita output, reflecting consistent contributions across multiple conflicts without drawing much national attention.
Carl Wycoff from Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons
27: Oregon
Heroism Score: 45.1
Medal of Honor recipients: 31
Per capita rank: Top 20
Oregon performs well across the board without relying on any single metric. Its steady participation and reliable output of decorated service members keep it trending upward over time.
26: Utah
Heroism Score: 47.6
Medal of Honor recipients: 32
Per capita rank: Top 10
Utah’s strong culture of service shows up clearly in its per capita ranking. It consistently produces decorated service members relative to its size, helping it punch above expectations.
Spinnensoep, Wikimedia Commons
25: Kentucky
Heroism Score: 50.3
Medal of Honor recipients: 34
Per capita rank: Top 15
Kentucky’s long-standing military tradition drives both solid totals and strong per capita performance. Its steady pipeline of service members keeps it comfortably in the top half.
Warren LeMay, Wikimedia Commons
24: Connecticut
Heroism Score: 53.1
Medal of Honor recipients: 35
Per capita rank: Top 25
Connecticut blends historical significance with steady modern contributions. Its per capita performance is more moderate, but its consistent output across decades keeps it competitive.
Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons
23: Arizona
Heroism Score: 56.0
Medal of Honor recipients: 36
Per capita rank: Top 25
Arizona’s growing population and military infrastructure boost its totals, though its per capita ranking is more middle-of-the-pack compared to smaller, more service-heavy states.
Siphonophora, Wikimedia Commons
22: Indiana
Heroism Score: 59.2
Medal of Honor recipients: 38
Per capita rank: Top 20
Indiana continues the Midwest’s strong showing with consistent contributions across multiple wars. Its balanced mix of totals and per capita performance keeps it climbing.
ComplexRational, Wikimedia Commons
21: Minnesota
Heroism Score: 62.5
Medal of Honor recipients: 40
Per capita rank: Top 20
Minnesota delivers balanced results across all metrics. It may not dominate any single category, but its steady performance keeps it firmly in the upper half.
20: Wisconsin
Heroism Score: 66.0
Medal of Honor recipients: 42
Per capita rank: Top 20
Wisconsin’s long military tradition and steady output push it firmly into the top 20. Its consistent per capita performance reinforces its strong overall standing.
Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons
19: Colorado
Heroism Score: 69.5
Medal of Honor recipients: 44
Per capita rank: Top 20
Colorado benefits from a strong military presence and growing veteran population. Its consistent performance across all categories helps it maintain a steady upward position.
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18: Missouri
Heroism Score: 73.0
Medal of Honor recipients: 46
Per capita rank: Top 15
Missouri’s deep service culture and strong per capita performance help it stand out among similarly sized states. It consistently produces highly respected service members.
User:Csch15, Wikimedia Commons
17: Maryland
Heroism Score: 77.0
Medal of Honor recipients: 48
Per capita rank: Top 25
Maryland’s proximity to major military institutions supports a steady flow of decorated service members, even if its per capita numbers are slightly more average.
Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons
16: Tennessee
Heroism Score: 81.2
Medal of Honor recipients: 50
Per capita rank: Top 15
Tennessee’s high enlistment rates and strong military identity push it firmly into the upper tier. Its contributions span multiple generations and conflicts.
David Ratledge, Wikimedia Commons
15: Louisiana
Heroism Score: 85.6
Medal of Honor recipients: 52
Per capita rank: Top 10
Louisiana stands out with one of the strongest per capita performances among larger states. Its culture of service helps it consistently exceed expectations.
Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, Wikimedia Commons
14: Georgia
Heroism Score: 90.3
Medal of Honor recipients: 55
Per capita rank: Top 15
Georgia’s major military bases and large population combine to produce consistently high numbers of decorated service members across multiple eras.
JJonahJackalope, Wikimedia Commons
13: Virginia
Heroism Score: 95.5
Medal of Honor recipients: 58
Per capita rank: Top 20
Virginia’s long military history—from early America to today—keeps it near the top. Its performance remains steady across all key metrics.
12: Washington
Heroism Score: 101.0
Medal of Honor recipients: 60
Per capita rank: Top 20
Washington blends population size with steady military output. Its consistent contributions across conflicts help maintain a strong overall ranking.
GyozaDumpling, Wikimedia Commons
11: Massachusetts
Heroism Score: 107.2
Medal of Honor recipients: 62
Per capita rank: Top 25
Massachusetts’ deep historical legacy and steady modern contributions keep it just outside the top 10, despite slightly more moderate per capita numbers.
Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons
10: Michigan
Heroism Score: 114.0
Medal of Honor recipients: 65
Per capita rank: Top 20
Michigan’s large population and industrial-era contributions help it break into the top 10. Its per capita performance remains solid and reliable.
Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons
9: New Jersey
Heroism Score: 121.5
Medal of Honor recipients: 68
Per capita rank: Top 20
New Jersey performs consistently across both totals and per capita metrics, making it one of the most well-rounded states in the rankings.
8: North Carolina
Heroism Score: 130.2
Medal of Honor recipients: 72
Per capita rank: Top 15
North Carolina’s major bases and strong service culture push it firmly into elite territory. It performs well across nearly every category.
Precisionviews, Wikimedia Commons
7: Illinois
Heroism Score: 140.8
Medal of Honor recipients: 78
Per capita rank: Top 20
Illinois benefits from both population size and long-standing military contributions. Its balanced performance keeps it solidly in the top tier.
Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons
6: Pennsylvania
Heroism Score: 152.4
Medal of Honor recipients: 85
Per capita rank: Top 15
Pennsylvania’s size and deep military history make it a consistent producer of decorated service members, with strong support from per capita performance.
Tony Webster, Wikimedia Commons
5: Ohio
Heroism Score: 165.0
Medal of Honor recipients: 92
Per capita rank: Top 10
Ohio is a true powerhouse, combining high totals with standout per capita performance. It consistently ranks near the top across all metrics.
4: Florida
Heroism Score: 178.6
Medal of Honor recipients: 100
Per capita rank: Top 20
Florida’s massive population and veteran base drive its high ranking. Its totals are huge, even if per capita performance is more moderate.
3: New York
Heroism Score: 195.3
Medal of Honor recipients: 110
Per capita rank: Top 20
New York’s size and historical role in major conflicts help it remain one of the top contributors of decorated service members across U.S. history.
2: California
Heroism Score: 210.8
Medal of Honor recipients: 125
Per capita rank: Top 25
California’s scale and military infrastructure make it one of the largest contributors of military heroism, even if its per capita ranking is more middle-tier.
Sharon Hahn Darlin, Wikimedia Commons
1: Texas
Heroism Score: 230.0
Medal of Honor recipients: 150+
Per capita rank: Top 10
Texas dominates across nearly every category. Its combination of population, strong military culture, and high participation rates makes it the clear overall leader.
Tony Webster, Wikimedia Commons
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