On Friday, President Joe Biden presented the Medal of Honor to seven soldiers who served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The soldiers honored were Pvt. Bruno R. Orig, Pfc. Wataru Nakamura, Cpl. Fred B. McGee, Pfc. Charles R. Johnson, Gen. Richard E. Cavazos, Capt. Hugh R. Nelson Jr., and Pfc. Kenneth J. David. The soldiers from the Korean War were posthumously presented the medal, with family members accepting the decoration on their behalf. From the Vietnam War, Nelson received the medal posthumously, while David, the only living recipient, accepted the medal in person.
Following the White House ceremony, the soldiers were inducted into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Randy A. George were present at the ceremony. The Hall of Heroes is where the names of all service members who receive the Medal of Honor are enshrined. Austin highlighted the diverse backgrounds of the soldiers honored, noting that they came from different walks of life and communities in the United States.
Austin commended the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers, emphasizing their commitment to putting the mission first and never leaving a fallen comrade behind. He shared the stories of the soldiers, including their service in wartime and their contributions following their military careers. McGee spent over 40 years working in the steel industry and served in civic organizations, while Cavazos continued his service in the Army until retirement as a four-star general. David, the only living recipient, has dedicated his post-military life to serving military veterans in his community.
Austin acknowledged the efforts of many individuals and groups who worked to bring recognition to the actions of the soldiers being honored. He expressed gratitude to witnesses of their actions, commanding officers, families, civic groups, journalists, alumni chapters, members of Congress, congressional staffers, and veterans who advocated for the recognition of these heroes. Austin called on people to not only honor the service and sacrifice of these American heroes but also strive to live up to their example and protect and strengthen the republic they loved.
