On Friday, President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military honor, to a group of seven U.S. Army soldiers, six of whom were recognized posthumously. The ceremony took place in the East Room of the White House, where Biden honored soldiers who demonstrated extraordinary bravery.
Among the posthumous honorees were Pvt. Bruno Orig, Pfc. Wataru Nakamura, Cpl. Fred McGee, Pfc. Charles Johnson retired General Richard Cavazos and Capt. Hugh Nelson Jr. The only living recipient, Spc. Kenneth David was present at the ceremony and received a standing ovation.
In his speech, Biden praised the recipients as heroes who went “above and beyond the call of duty” in their service. A prayer was offered in honor of the seven soldiers before Biden took the stage to recognize their sacrifices. He also mentioned that as his presidency nears its conclusion, it has been an honor for him to lead the U.S. military, which he described as “the finest military in the world.”
Seven Soldiers Honored with Medal of Honor by President Biden for Extraordinary Bravery
The ceremony highlighted the dedication and courage of the soldiers, whose actions saved lives and contributed to their country in moments of extreme danger.
Spc. Kenneth David, the only living recipient, was recognized for his bravery during the Vietnam War. On May 7, 1970, while serving in Thua Thien Province, his company came under heavy attack by a large hostile force. David, who was part of the defensive efforts, drew enemy fire away from his fellow soldiers, putting himself at great risk. Despite being wounded, he continued to fight until the last medical evacuation helicopter arrived, ensuring the safety of his comrades. His actions demonstrated a profound commitment to duty and selflessness under intense pressure.
The six posthumous honorees served in various wars, with Orig, Nakamura, McGee, Johnson, and Cavazos serving in Korea, while Nelson fought in Vietnam. Orig, Nakamura, Johnson, and Nelson all lost their lives in battle, while Cavazos later achieved the rank of four-star general before his death in 2017. These soldiers’ heroic actions, often under extreme conditions, exemplify the sacrifices made by U.S. military personnel in defense of their country.
In addition to the Medal of Honor ceremony, President Biden also awarded Medals of Valor, the highest civilian award for bravery, to eight public safety officers. This included five officers from Nashville who responded to the tragic Covenant School shooting in March 2023. These awards, alongside the Medals of Honor, reflect the nation’s recognition of exceptional acts of courage and the willingness to face danger in service to others.
