American Heroes

Adams, Samuel – Sam Adams was an American Patriot.   He worked for American Independence from Britain.  His visions and courage helped make it possible for the United States of America to exist.

Addams, Jane – Jane Addams set up houses called Hull House that helped immigrants make a better life for themselves in America.

Ali, Muhammad – Muhammad Ali was a very famous boxer.  He was on the boxing team for the 1960 Olympics were he won a gold medal in the light-heavy weights competition.  Later he was stripped of his heavyweight title in 1967 for refusing to go and fight in the Vietnam War.

Allen, Ethan – Allen was a fearless freedom fighter that was never afraid to back down from a fight.  He defended his state and country.

Anthony, Susan B. – Susan B. Anthony was very involved with the fight for Women’s Rights. Along with Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony organized the first women’s right convention in Seneca Falls.

Armstrong, Neil – Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon.  He was on one of the first successful missions to the moon.

Attucks, Crispus – Crispus Attucks was a slave to a farmer named William Brown.  Later he ran away and worked as a rope maker and a sailor on whaling ships.  He was involved with the Boston Massacre, may have attempted to grab one of the British soldiers guns.

Baldwin, James – James Baldwin was an African American author of novels, essays, and short stories.  Baldwin tried to bridge the gap of understanding between the races.

Barton, Clara – During the Civil War’s first Battle of Bull Run hundreds of soldiers lay injured and dying.  Clara Barton appeared and calmly gave orders and comforted injured soldiers, bandaged their wounds and took water to them.  She then spent the rest of her life saving peoples lives.  She also was the founder of the Red Cross.

Bates, Daisy – Daisy Bates was a civil-rights activist.  She was the president of the state conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  She and other members of NAACP believed that Little Rock Nine should integrate its schools right away but the city put off making any changes.

Beckwourth, Jim – Jim Beckwourth was one of the many courageous Americans who set out to explore that wild and untamed world.  Jim Beckwourth was one of the bravest.

Boone, Daniel – Daniel Boone was an early settler that survived everything from Indian attacks to harsh weather to lack of food.  Daniel Boone was one of the most heroic and best known of these early settlers.

Bowie, James – James Bowie was well known as one of the west’s bravest adventures.

Bradley, Omar – Omar Bradley became one of the most important generals in American History.  He helped lead the U.S. and it’s allies to victory during World War 2. 

Brown, John – John Brown was violently opposed to slavery.  Throughout his life John Brown fought against slavery any way he could.  Eventually he gave up his life for his beliefs.

Bunche, Ralph – Ralph Bunche was a soldier of peace who after World War 2 worked to make sure that there would never again be such a devastating war.

Byrd, Richard E. – Richard E. Byrd was one of the bravest polar explorers who devoted his life to solving the mysteries of the most remote and forbidding places on Earth.

Carson, Kit – Kit Carson worked as a trapper and hunter, a guild in the unmapped West, a soldier in the Civil War, and a government representative to Native American tribes.  He was a true hero of the American West.

Carson, Rachel – Rachel Carson worked to protect the Earth.  Her book Silent Spring changed the way people looked at the world.

Chapman, John – John Chapman is also known as Johnny Appleseed.  He lived through a very poor childhood.  When he grew older he realized the value of apples they could be used for lots of things and could be stored for a while.  He decided that an apple orchard would be beneficial and he started collecting seeds and plating them for other people so they could have apple orchards in their towns.

Chavez, Cesar – Cesar Chavez stepped forward to help migrant workers find fair treatment and respect.

Crazy Horse – Crazy Horse was the leader of the Oglala Sioux.  His tribe suffered horribly in the hands of the United States Army.

Crockett, Davy – Davy Crockett worked to help others stake their claim on the American Frontier.  During this process he became an American Legend.

Benjamin O. Davis Jr. – Benjamin O. Davis Jr. became one of the most powerful and respected men in the military service.

DeVaca, Cabeza – Spanish explorer in North America, born in Spain about 1490 and died there about 1559.

Dooley, Thomas A. – Thomas A. Dooley along with some of his friends started a hospital in Laos because the country of three million people only had one doctor and they became American heroes.

Douglass, Frederick – Frederick Douglass was a powerful voice for freedom.  His house also became a stop on the Underground Railroad.  Douglass also spoke out against segregation.

Earhart, Amelia – Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly around the world.

Eisenhower, Dwight D. – Dwight Eisenhower was one of the most powerful U.S. military leaders during World War 2.  Dwight also became the 34^th president of the United States.

Ericson, Leif – Viking discoverer of the new world, born in Iceland about 980 and died in Greenland about 1050.

Farragut, David – David Farragut’s bravery and intelligence during the Civil War made him a national hero.

Franklin, Benjamin – Benjamin Franklin was a man of many talents.  He was a leader of the American Revolution, a scientist, an inventor, a writer, and a statesman who helped shape the nation in many ways.

Fry, Varian – Varian Fry’s efforts saved thousands of lives during World War 2 but he is a quiet hero and many people do not know his name.

Geronimo – Gernomio struggled against enormous odds to win freedom for his Apache tribe.  The U.S. first thought of him as a savage but they came to respect him as a brave warrior who would do anything for his people.  

General John "Black Jack" Pershing-While Pershing fought in the raids to try and capture Poncho Villa, he is better known for his part in WW1. Refusing to let American soldiers fight under French or British soldiers, Pershing reorganized the American Army into a modern Army. Leading the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), Pershing helped to turn the tide of the war into Allied favor.

Glenn, John – John Glenn served his country as a war hero, an astronaut, and a U.S. senator.

Grant, Ulysses S.  – Ulysses S. Grant became one of America’s greatest military heroes as well as the 18^th president.

Guthrie, Woodie – During the middle of the 20^th century, he traveled all over the U.S. writing songs that expressed the country’s hopes and dreams.

Hale, Nathan – Nathan Hale died when he was only 21 years old but his death made him one of America’s most famous heroes.

Hamer, Fannie Lou – Many people fought to win equal rights for African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. One of the most courageous of these freedom fighters was a poor, barely educated woman named Fannie Lou Hamer. She risked her life and livelihood to help ensure the right of every African American to vote.

Hamilton, Alexander – Alexander Hamilton came from simple beginnings, yet he rose to become one of the most powerful men in our history, as the creator of the U.S. economics system. However, his actions and attitude created many enemies and lead to his death.

Henry, Patrick – During America’s fight for independence from Great Britain, Patrick Henry became known as one of the colonies most fiery speakers. The energy and power of his words helped inspire our nations people and made him one of the most well known figures of the American Revolution.

Hickok, Wild Bill – During the 1800’s, the Western United States was a dangerous place filled with thieves and murderers. One man who was brave enough to brave such perils was Wild Bill Hickok, one of the most famous figures of the American West.

Houston, Sam – Texas declared its independence from Mexico in 1836. Sam Houston played an important role in helping Texas win that freedom. Without his further military and political leadership, Texas might not have become the 28^th state in 1845.

Hutchinson, Anne – One of the founding principles of the United States was that everyone would be able to worship whatever religion they wanted. However, during the colonial days, this was not always allowed. Anne Hutchinson was someone who suffered because of her beliefs. Her courage helped bring the idea of religious freedom to all Americans.

Jackson, Andrew – Until Andrew Jackson, all U.S. presidents had started life in wealthy, well-educated families. Jackson was a rough, tough soldier with humble origins. However, his courage, energy and intelligence made him one of the most popular and important presidents.

Jefferson, Thomas – Thomas Jefferson combined his intelligence, beliefs, and clear, dramatic writing style to give us the Declaration of Independence one of the most important documents in history. Later, as the third president of the United States, he made a deal that expanded our nations borders, changing the face of our nation forever.

Jones, John Paul – No one was more important in creating the United States Navy than a young sailor named John Paul Jones. His brave deeds made him the greatest naval hero in U.S. history.

Mother Jones, “The Grandmother of Agitators” – During the 1800’s and 1900’s, workers all over the U.S. fought bitter, often bloody battles to win their rights and improve working conditions. One of the greatest heroes in this battle was Mary Harris Jones, a woman who looked like a sweet little grandmother. In truth, this “grandmother” was a fiery speaker and an inspiration to workers everywhere. They called her Mother Jones.

Chief Joseph – Few Native American tribes were as peaceful or friendly to white Americans as the Nez Perce. Yet this tribe became part of a desperate fight against the U.S. government to retain its freedom. The hero of this struggle was the tribes’ leader, Chief Joseph.

Kennedy, John F. – John F. Kennedy was in poor physical health and almost constant pain. He served as U.S. president for less than three years. Yet he has become one of America’s most fascinating and heroic public figures.

Kerrey, Bob – Bob Kerrey’s life was completely ordinary until he was severely injured during the Vietnam War. After his recovery, he served his country in a different way, as an elected member of our government.

King, Billie Jean – For most of the 20^th century, female athletes were not treated as well as men. Then Billie Jean King came along and changed the world of sports forever.

Magellan, Ferdinand – Global navigator sailing for Spain, born in Portugal about 1480 and killed in the Philippine Islands in 1521. (World)

Martin Luther King Jr. – The 1950’s and 1960’s were a time of great tension of blacks and whites in the U.S. Many people dedicated their lives to ending segregation and winning equal rights for all races. One man, Martin Luther King Jr., became a national figure who gave his life in the fight for justice.

Kuhn, Maggie – For most of her life, Maggie Kuhn led a quiet, normal existence. However when she was 65 years old, she began the most important work of her life: winning equal rights for the elderly.

Lee, Robert E. – Robert E. Lee loved his home state of Virginia more than anything else. When Virginia went to war against the U.S. government, Lee became the strongest military leader in a struggle that tore the nation apart.

Lewis, John L. – John L. Lewis rose from the coal mines to become one of the most powerful labor leaders in the U.S. His dedication to the labor movement improved working conditions for thousands of men and women.

Meriwether, Lewis and Clark, William – Imagine setting off on journey into the wilderness. You have no idea what lies in the land ahead. There is no speedy way to send word back home, and no way to ask for help. You and your companions are completely on your own, facing harsh and unknown conditions. These were the circumstances that Lewis and Clark faced when they set off into the American West in 1804. The bravery and fortitude of those explorers changed the shape of America.

Lincoln, Abraham – Abraham Lincoln had a poor childhood, little education, and a failed business. Yet he became president of the United States and led our nation through the most difficult time in history.

Lindbergh, Charles – When Charles Lindbergh took off from Roosevelt Field in Long Island, New York, he was not trying to become a hero. Yet his 33½-hour flight made him the most famous and admired man in America.  

MacArthur, Douglas – Douglas MacArthur was a man who liked to be in charge. His talent for leadership led him to become one of the most important American military figures of the 20^th century.

Malcolm X – Malcolm x was a controversial figure in American history. He took his anger at racism and the way Black Americans were treated and eventually turned it into something positive as he encouraged black people to take control of their lives.

Marion, Francis – For most of his life, Francis Marion was an average farmer. Then the American Revolution turned him into a skilled fighter and an American hero.

Marshall, John – John Marshall was the fourth chief of justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. His legal rulings were so brilliant that they are still used to settle disputes today.

Marshall, Thurgood – As a lawyer, Thurgood Marshall fought tirelessly for Civil Rights. As the first black justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, he challenged inequality and helped bring fair treatment to people of all races.

McCain, John – John McCain has faced pressure in many forms as a Naval Pilot, prisoner of war, and a politician. No matter what situation life has placed him in he has always stood firmly for what he believes in.

Muir, John – John Muir is known as the “father of our national parks.” Because of his dedication and hard work, we can enjoy the beauty of our country’s wild places.

Murphy, Audie – On January 26^th, 1945, Audie Murphy was fighting in the woods of Germany. Six German tanks and several hundred soldiers suddenly attacked him and his men. After ordering his men to take cover in the woods, Audie Murphy stood on top of a burning tank destroyer and began firing its machine gun on the advancing German army. For the next hour, Murphy single-handedly held off 250 German soldiers. Even after he was shot in the leg, he continued to fight. 

Paine, Thomas – Thomas Paine was born in England and did not come to America until he was 37 years old. Yet his patriotic writings made him one of the most beloved and important leaders of American independence.

Parks, Rosa – For most of the 20^th century, black people in the South were forced to live separate lives from white people.  People of different races were not allowed to sit in the same sections in movie theaters, swim in the same pools, eat at the same restaurants, or even sit together on public buses.  In the mid-1950’s, hat began to change, thanks to a woman named Rosa Parks.

Patton, George S. – During World War 2, few American generals had as powerful a reputation as George S. Patton.  His skill in handling armies made him one of the greatest combat leaders of modern times.

Peary, Robert, Henson, Matthew – During the early part of the 20^th century, explorers from all over the world were determined to be the first to reach the North Pole.  The men who finally accomplished this incredible feat were tow close friends from America, Robert Peary and Matthew Henson.

Penn, William – William Penn could have lived an easy, privileged life in England.  Instead, the founder of Pennsylvania and Delaware dedicated his life to creating a place where people could practice their religion without fear of imprisonment of death.

Perry, Oliver Hazard – Oliver Hazard Perry was so eager to command a naval fleet in battle against the British, that he built his own ships.  The resourceful officer became one of the greatest heroes of the War of 1812.

Pershing, John J. – Few army leaders have received as many honors as John “Black Jack” Pershing.  His leadership during World War 1 made a difference on the battlefield and gave him a reputation as a courageous and fair commander.

Pitcher, Molly – When Mary Ludwig was growing up in England’s American colonies during the 1760’s, she had no idea that they would soon become a new country called the United States of America.  She could not have guessed that it would take a war for the colonies to win independence or that, as “Molly Pitcher,” she would become one of that war’s most beloved heroes.

Pocahontas – Sometimes one simple act of compassion can make a person a hero.  That is what happened to Pocahontas, a young Native American girl who saved a man’s life- and became a legend.

Pyle, Ernie – For many Americans, World War 2 was hard to understand.  Then Ernie Pyle traveled to Europe’s war-torn cities and began writing about the people he met and the things he saw.  His simple, down-to-earth writing style gave Americans a clearer idea of what they were fighting for.

Randolph, A. Philip – For many years, African Americans were not represented by labor unions.  A. Philip Randolph changed that, and helped win fair and equal treatment for black workers all over America. 

Revere, Paul – Paul Revere spent most of his life making silverware and engraving printing plates.  However, he is best remembered for his work in the fight for independence for the American colonies especially for his heroic, late-night ride on the eve of the American Revolution.

Rickenbacker, Eddie – Eddie Rickenbacker became famous as one of the most daring fighter pilots of World War 1.  His bravery and style make him one if the war’s most popular heroes.

Ride, Sally – Until June 18,1983, every U.S. astronaut who went into space was a man.  Sally Ride was the first American woman to leave Earth and soar into space.

Ridgway, Matthew B. – Many men have been leaders in wartime.  One of the most distinguished was Matthew B. Ridgway, who led the U.S. Army in key battles during World War 2.

Robinson, Jackie – When Jackie Robinson was growing up, only white players were allowed to play on major-league baseball teams.  When Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers as the first African American player in the major leagues, he changed baseball and history forever.

Roosevelt, Eleanor – Eleanor Roosevelt was the wife of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  However, she was more than just a First Lady.  During her life, she became known all over the world for her dedication to improving conditions for poor and disadvantaged people. 

Roosevelt, Franklin D. – Franklin D. Roosevelt was born wealthy, and could have spent his life having fun.  Instead, he served the nation as its 32^nd president for 12 years; leading the nation through two of the worst crises it ever faced the Great Depression and World War 2.  In doing so, he changed the way the U.S. government works.

Roosevelt, Theodore – Theodore Roosevelt started life as a frail child, but grew up to be an adventurer, a war hero, and one of the nation’s most energetic presidents.

Sacagawea – In 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out to explore what is now northwestern U.S. Early in their two-year journey they met Sacagawea.  The young Native American woman became their interpreter and friend and an essential part of their expedition.

Salk, Jonas – Today, almost all America children are vaccinated against a disease called polio.  Until 50 years ago, however polio was one of the most feared diseases in the world.  It paralyzed or killed tens of thousands of children every year.  Today, however, polio is rare thanks to Dr, Jonas Salk, who developed a vaccine to prevent it.

Serra, Junipero – Founder of California missions, born at Majorca, Spain, in 1713 and died in California in 1784.

Alan B. Shepard Jr. – Today, a journey into space seems almost ordinary. However, in the 1950’s and 1960’s sending someone into outer space was a fantastic achievement that many people thought impossible. The first American to leave our planet behind was Alan Shepard.

Smalls, Robert – Robert Smalls started life as a slave. Then a daring decision gave him his freedom and changed his life.

Stanton, Elizabeth Cady – When Elizabeth Cady Stanton, was alive, women and African Americans were not treated the same by law as white men. Stanton dedicated her life to winning equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their gender or color of their skin.

Sullivan, Anne – Many people have heard the story of Helen Keller, who overcame multiple handicaps to become one of the most inspiring women in the world. However, less is known about Keller’s companion, Anne Sullivan. Sullivan dedicated her life to Keller, and overcame her own hardships to become a hero in her own right.

Tecumseh – As settlers moved westward across the U.S., Native American tribes were usually too small and unprepared to defend themselves against the U.S. government. Tecumseh realized that uniting different tribes would give them a better chance to hold on to their lands and culture.

Truth, Sojourner – During the fights to end slavery and win equal rights for women, few voices were as powerful as Sojourner Truth’s. This hard-working former slave inspired people all over the country to rethink their views on equality.

Tubman, Harriet – Harriet Tubman was a slave who never learned how to read or write. However, her courage and determination won her freedom, and the freedom of countless other slaves as well. She helped open the nations eyes to the injustice of slavery.

Walker, Mary Edwards – Only recently have women been accepted into the armed forces and given the same opportunities as men. During the Civil War, however, Mary Edwards Walker served on battlefields and became the only woman ever to earn a congressional medal of honor.

Washington, George – George Washington was the first president of the United States of America. He also led the army that won America’s independence from Great Britain. Without him, the country might not even exist today.

Whitney, Eli – Inventor of the cotton gin, born in Massachusetts in 1765 and died in Connecticut in 1825.

Williams, Roger – Today, American’s take it for granted that we can practice whatever religion we want. We owe much of that freedom to a brave man named Roger Williams. He was the first religious leader in America to declare that everyone should be free to worship as he/she chooses.

Yeager, Chuck – In 1947 pilot Chuck Yeager did something that many people thought was not only dangerous, but physically impossible: he flew a plane faster than the speed of sound.

York, Alvin – Alvin York placed his dedication to his country above his personal beliefs and left home to fight in WWI. He became one of the most heroic and admired soldiers in American history.