The D-Day operation in Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944, is one of the most famous moments in U.S. military history – and out of it rose countless stories of heroism and sacrifice demonstrated by those who participated in the amphibious and air assault that day. 

Here are four Americans who would receive the Medal of Honor for their actions on D-Day: 

Monteith, who also landed at Omaha Beach, was hailed for disregarding his personal safety to push the assault forward. 

Jimmie Monteith Jr. is remembered for the “courage, gallantry, and intrepid leadership” he displayed on D-Day, his Medal of Honor citation says. (Congressional Medal of Honor Society)

His Medal of Honor citation says that, at one point, Monteith “moved over to where two tanks were buttoned up and blind under violent enemy artillery and machine-gun fire. 

“Completely exposed to the intense fire, 1st Lt. Monteith led the tanks on foot through a minefield and into firing positions,” it continued. “Under his direction several enemy positions were destroyed. He then rejoined his company and under his leadership his men captured an advantageous position on the hill.” 

“When the enemy succeeded in completely surrounding 1st Lt. Monteith and his unit and while leading the fight out of the situation, 1st Lt. Monteith was killed by enemy fire,” it also said.