Daniel J. Daly, Marine Hero Who Earned Two Medals of Honor

Jan 28 , 2026

Daniel J. Daly, Marine Hero Who Earned Two Medals of Honor

Sgt. Maj. Daniel J. Daly stood his ground amid a whirlwind of bullets and screams, the air thick with smoke from hand grenades. Two enemies closed in on his position, relentless, their fire unmoving. Without hesitation, Daly charged forward, revolver blazing, driving them back alone. In that instant, he was not just a Marine — he was a force of nature.

Origins of a Warrior’s Spirit

Born in 1873 in Glen Ellen, New York, Daniel J. Daly came from humble roots, the grit of his upbringing etched deep into his bones. Poverty chased him like a shadow. No silver spoon, only hard work and hard choices. He found purpose in the Corps, enlisting in 1899. The young Marine carried with him an unshakeable faith, whispered behind clenched teeth in the darkest fights.

“I believe in the Old Book,” he once said, “and that God’s grace is for those who stand firm when the storm breaks.” His creed was simple: serve with honor, protect the wounded at any cost, and never leave a man behind. The battlefield was his altar. His scars, his testimony.

The Boxer Rebellion: Valor in the Ranks

Daly’s first Medal of Honor came during the Boxer Rebellion in China, 1900. The Siege of Peking ground on with the bitter clang of enemy rifles. Daly fought as a private in the 1st Marine Regiment. Under withering fire, when the Chinese forces surged during a desperate assault, Daly took a flag from the fallen and planted it defiantly in the breach.

“During the action near Peking, Daly distinguished himself by his coolness and bravery in the face of the enemy.”— Medal of Honor citation¹

His quiet leadership stemmed not from rank but unwavering courage. He risked his life to save fellow Marines trapped in the enemy’s grip, moving through the chaos with a calm fueled by instinct and something beyond. This was a man who understood the cost of fear.

World War I: The Legend Earns His Second

Fourteen years later, the roads of France bore witness to Sgt. Maj. Daly’s second Medal of Honor. The Battle of Belleau Wood in June 1918 tested every ounce of his spirit. The Marines faced an enemy entrenched in a tangled hell of trees and mud.

At a critical moment, Daly saw his men pinned down by relentless fire. Without orders, he grabbed a rifle and charged alone, shouting a cry that pierced the chaos.

“Come on, you sons of bitches, do you want to live forever?” — reportedly shouted by Daly during Belleau Wood²

That raw call snapped the line back into action. He led the assault up the ridges, shots tearing around him but never forcing him to falter. Despite suffering wounds, Daly stayed in the fight, embodying the ferocity and resilience that earned the Marines their feared nickname: Devil Dogs.

“His leadership and valor set the example for every man at Belleau Wood,” said Col. Wendell C. Neville, Commandant of the Marine Corps³

Daly led by sheer will, a warrior who knew no surrender, weaving faith and ferocity into every step.

Honors Carved by Blood and Duty

Two Medals of Honor — a rarity matched by almost no one. Daly’s first awarded by President Theodore Roosevelt for his actions during the Boxer Rebellion¹. His second recognized by General John J. Pershing himself⁴, a testament to unyielding dedication.

Besides the Medal of Honor, Daly earned the Navy Cross and numerous other commendations. His battlefield grit became Marine Corps legend. But Daly never sought glory. His accolades were reminders of fallen comrades, the price of every breath he took in combat.

Legacy of Sacrifice and Redemption

Daniel J. Daly’s story is not just about medals or battles. It’s the raw narrative of a man who carried the weight of war on his weathered shoulders, a testament to sacrifice without fanfare. He showed that courage is a choice made in the darkest moments, when death leers closest.

“Greater love has no one than this — that someone lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13

Those words found a fierce home in Daly’s heart. To serve, to endure pain, to lead brothers through hell — that was his redemption. His legacy reaches beyond the mud of Belleau Wood to every veteran who laces boots despite the scars. It reminds us all: courage isn’t heroic unless it’s tethered to purpose.

In a world quick to forget the weight of sacrifice, Sgt. Maj. Daniel J. Daly stands as a monolith of valor — raw, unyielding, and resolute. His story won’t fade because he fought not for fame, but for the men beside him and the duty greater than himself. That is the legacy burned into the soul of every true warrior.

Sources

1. U.S. Marine Corps, Medal of Honor Recipients: Daniel Joseph Daly. 2. Bradley, James. Semper Fi: The Definitive History of the U.S. Marines, 2007. 3. Millett, Allan R. The U.S. Marine Corps: A Complete History, 1991. 4. Pershing, John J., My Experiences in the World War, 1931.