Which Marine earned the Medal of Honor for actions in Haiti and Veracruz?

• A. Presley O'Bannon
• B. Archibald Henderson
• C. John Quick
• D. Smedley Butler

Answer: (D)

The question asks which Marine earned the Medal of Honor for actions in the Haiti intervention and the Veracruz operation, tying together those two Latin American campaigns. Smedley Butler is the Marine who earned the Medal of Honor for actions in both places, notably during the Veracruz fighting in 1914 and the subsequent Haiti intervention in 1915–16. His leadership and bravery under difficult conditions exemplify the kind of valor the Medal recognizes, which is why this choice is the best fit for both campaigns. Presley O’Bannon earned his Medal of Honor much earlier, in the Derna action during the Barbary Wars; Archibald Henderson served as a long-time Commandant but did not earn the Medal of Honor in these campaigns; John Quick earned his Medal of Honor for the Battle of Belleau Wood in World War I.