History’s Most Decorated World War 2 Soldiers Went Above the Call of Duty

World War 2 was a time for bravery. As the world plunged into the costliest war in human history, among the millions dead a few brave soldiers went above and beyond the expectations set. Today, we're looking at some of the most courageous, decorated soldiers in military history.

Audie Murphy holds the distinction of being the most decorated soldier in American history. He received 33 awards for his actions during WW2, including the Medal of Honor. Murphy's stature as a soldier is something larger than life, and he was able to parlay his wartime bravery into a brief career as a country singer and film actor.

Ranking in second place in the United States, Garlin Murl Conner was a highly decorated American soldier. Conner received the Distinguished Service Cross, 4 Bronze Stars, 4 Silver Stars, 7 Purple Hearts, and the French Croix de Guerre for his bravery in the European theater.

Douglas Bader was England's finest airman. Joining in 1928, he lost both his legs during a bit of showboating in 1931, but this hardly slowed the man down. 1941 saw Bader captured by German forces after actions over French airspace. Bader made numerous attempts to escape despite his disability and was eventually liberated in 1945. He was awarded numerous honors, like the Distinguished Service Order and Distinguished Flying Cross.

The Soviet Union produced no shortage of decorated snipers over the course of the Second World War. The most decorated soldier of these snipers has to be Vasily Zaitsev, particularly during the Battle of Stalingrad. For his actions, he received the Hero of the Soviet Union, 4 Orders of Lenin, and multiple other awards.

Few soldiers are going to fit the same mold left by Desmond Doss. As a contentious objector, Doss never picked up a rifle and fired it at the enemy. That didn't stop him from becoming one of the most decorated soldiers in American history, however. Doss earned a Medal of Honor for his actions in Okinawa, along with 2 Bronze Stars and 3 Purple Hearts.

Fighter ace David McCampbell had made the military a career, already being a seasoned pilot by the time the Second World War broke out. It was during the war where he would achieve multiple air victories, downing an astounding 34 planes during his time in the air. McCampbell would go on to be awarded the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, and Silver Star among other honors.

Few soldiers are as instantly recognizable as General Douglas MacArthur. MacArthur was the architect of the Pacific Theater's battle plan and an instrumental figure in the final victory over Japan. Among the many accolades he received, he was awarded 3 Distinguished Service Crosses, 7 Silver Stars, and a Distinguished Service Medal among others.

Baker's actions were awarded long after his service in the Second World War. That said, Vernon Baker's military service certainly merits mention due to his actions in Viareggio, Italy. While initially disqualified for a Medal of Honor due to his race, he was finally awarded one for his service in 1997.

Bulkely came to fame and renown during his service in the Pacific Theater. During the Japanese invasion of the Phillippines, Bulkeley was directly responsible for the evacuation of Douglas MacArthur and his family. Further, this one of the actions that saw the man awarded the Medal of Honor. Bulkeley would go on to have an illustrious military career, serving with distinction in the Korean War as well.

Gabaldon is just one of two soldiers on today's list who was awarded high honors without firing a shot from his rifle. Guy Gabaldon's time of distinction came during the battle of Saipan, where he was able to convince 1,300 Japanese soldiers and civilians to surround without firing a single shot. He simply talked to those present, an action that earned him the nickname The Pied Piper of Saipand. Gabaldon would receive the Navy Cross and Purple Heart for his valorous actions.

New Zealander Charles Upham has the distinction of being the only soldier during the Second World War to receive the Victoria Cross his actions in combat. The first came during the Battle of Crete in 1941, with the second following in the First Battle of El Alamein in 1942. His valor also saw the Greek Order of Honour bestowed upon him.

Bull Allen is one of the rare Silver Star recipients to not be from the United States. As part of the Second Australian Imperial Force, Allen made himself a known quantity due to his willingness to dive into the fray and pick up wounded American soldiers. Allen waded into the carnage of the Battle of Mount Tambu, rescuing 12 wounded American soldiers and living to see old age.

While many of the men covered today received their distinctions for actions in combat, few stack up to Witold Pilecki's actions. Infilitrating the infamous Auschwitz is what ultimately earned Pilecki's his military awards. After being arrested in 1941, Pilecki would escape in 1943 receiving the Order of the White Eagle and other accolades from the Polish military.

They don't make them like Patton these days. The notorious general left an indelible mark on the way armored warfare is waged and received numerous military awards to boot. Among his awards are the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, and Silver Star. That's not even getting to the foreign awards bestowed upon him.

As one of the main commanders in the Western Front during WW2, it only stands to reason that Montgomery was a decorated soldier. His actions and commands throughout the war saw him receive the Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, and numerous other awards across the world.