A look at the Medal of Honor

Today there are 103 living recipients of the Medal of Honor. On Saturday, more than 30 of those men will be honored at Arlington Park racetrack in Arlington Heights.

The Medal of Honor is the highest award given to an individual serving in the armed services for valor in action against an enemy force. It is usually presented by the president and, due to its nature, the medal is frequently awarded posthumously.

Since 1862 there have been 3,467 Medals of Honor awarded. In total, 40 percent of the living recipients earned their medals while serving in World War II (28) or Korea (14). There are 61 living recipients who performed actions in Vietnam.

On Saturday between the third and fourth races, a Marine Air Control Group will present the Medal of Honor winners with a flag flown over U.S. military soil.

Besides Lynch, the others that will be honored on Saturday are:

Donald Ballard, born in Kansas City, Mo.

Gary Beikirch, born in Rochester, N.Y. Patrick Brady, born in Philip, S.D.

Bruce Crandall, birthplace unknown

Sammy Davis, born in Dayton, Ohio

George Day, born in Sioux City, Iowa

Roger Donlon, born in Saugerties, N.Y.

Russell Dunham, born in East Carondelet, Ill.

Walter Ehlers, born in Manhattan, Kan.

Michael Fitzmaurice, born in Jamestown, N.D.

Robert Howard, born in Opelika, Ala.

Thomas Hudner, born in Fall River, Mass.

Robert Ingram, born in Clearwater, Fla.

Arthur Jackson, born in Cleveland, Ohio

Joe Jackson, Newnan, Ga.

Leonard Keller, born in Rockford, Ill.

Thomas Kelley, born in Boston, Mass.

Gary Littrell, born in Henderson, Ky.

Walter Marm, born in Washington, Pa.

David McNerney, born in Lowell, Mass.

Robert Modrzejewski, born in Milwaukee, Wis.

Thomas Norris, born in Jackson, Fla.

Richard Pittman, born in San Joaquin, Calif.

Alfred Rascon, born in Chihuahua, Mexico

Ronald Ray, born in Cordelle, Ga.

Ronald Rosser, born in Columbus, Ohio

Tibor Rubin, birthplace unknown

Clarence Sasser, born in Chenango, Texas

Kenneth Stumpf, born in Neenah, Wis.

James Taylor, born in Arcata, Calif.

Hershel Williams, born in Quiet Dell, W.V.