Sgt William Harvey Carney Born as a slave in Norfolk, VA. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1900 for his gallantry in saving the regimental colors (American flag) during the suicidal charge at the Battle of Fort Wagner in 1863. This was recounted in the movie Glory. His actions where the first awarded with the MOH, but it took 37 years for him to receive that honor.

Corporal Desmond Doss of Lynchburg VA, who showed that conscientious objectors could be heroes. He saved 75 men as a US Army medic at Okinawa and showed similar renown at Guam and the Philippines. Medal of Honor winner, two bronze stars, and noted pacifist.

Admiral David Farragut, a Union leader who stayed loyal, like 40% of the Virginian officer corps did during the Civil War. His command of 'Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead' won everlasting renown at the battle of Mobile Bay. His capture of New Orleans in the early days of the war was pivotal to the Anaconda plan and helped strangle Confederate resources. He remained on active duty until his death at age 70.

Vice Admiral Samuel L. Graveyly, Jr, a pioneer in the navy. He was the first African American in the U.S. Navy to serve aboard a fighting ship as an officer, the first to command a Navy ship, the first fleet commander, and the first to become a flag officer, retiring as a vice admiral. Commander of the Third Fleet, and the Defense Communications Agency.

Major General George Henry Thomas, the 'Rock of Chickamauga', and one of the most important commanders in the western theater of the Civil War. Born 5 miles from the North Carolina line in Southern Virginia, his stout defense at Chickamauga stopped a complete Union route. He followed soon after with a dramatic breakthrough on Missionary Ridge in the Battle of Chattanooga. In the Franklin–Nashville Campaign of 1864, he achieved one of the most decisive victories of the war, destroying the army of Confederate General John Bell Hood, his former student at West Point, at the Battle of Nashville.

Lt General Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller, the most highly decorated Marine in US history. Born in West Point, VA, Chesty received five Navy Crosses and one Army Distinguished Service Cross. Best known for his heroism at Guadalcanal, Pelileu, and Inchon in the Korean War, Puller is an institution in the marine corps.