A book highlighting recipients of the Medal of Honor from South Carolina has been donated to the South Carolina State Library and all public and high school libraries statewide.

"The Medal of Honor: A Commemoration of South Carolina Recipients", was published in September by The South Carolina State Guard Foundation and AmeriCorps.. The book is the first to honor South Carolina's recipients of the Medal of Honor, the military's highest award. There are six living South Carolina Medal of Honor recipients and historically there have been 37 from South Carolina.

Editor Captain Caroline Watson says, "It was such a privilege to write this book and highlight these heroes. They have been honored on the battlefield or in private ceremonies but we wanted to recognize and thank them as a State for exceptional service.

"The Medal of Honor, which is awarded for combat valor, is becoming increasingly rare. Each year, more of these aging veterans pass away and today's war technology limits direct enemy engagements," she adds.

The book was reviewed and approved by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, an honorary society established by Congress whose members are the 130 living recipients across the United States today. The book includes a chapter on South Carolina's native son Medal of Honor recipients by Dr. Walter Edgar, noted South Carolina historian.

"The State Library is honored to serve as the distribution point for this book," says James Johnson, SC State Library director. "The State Library is the collection point for all significant works related to the state and it is most fitting that we have this book available for the public."

A special format audio version of the book will be produced by the South Carolina State Library's Talking Book Services division. It serves South Carolinians unable to use print materials due to blindness and other physical impairments.

Distribution of the book culminated a weeklong "Celebration of South Carolina's Heroes." The six living Medal of Honor recipients, their families, national and state leaders and families of deceased recipients celebrated these heroes and the book at a gala Sept. 30 in Columbia.

Distribution of the book culminated a weeklong "Celebration of South Carolina's Heroes." The six living Medal of Honor recipients, their families, national and state leaders and families of deceased recipients celebrated these heroes and the book at a gala Sept. 30 in Columbia.