President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration, to seven U.S. Army veterans during a solemn ceremony at the White House on January 3, 2025. This special event took place just under three weeks before Biden's departure from office, marking the last time he would have the honor of bestowing this significant recognition.
The Medal of Honor is reserved for those members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves through extraordinary acts of valor and selflessness above the call of duty. Biden expressed his deep reverence for the recipients, presenting them as true American heroes. "These are genuine, to their core heroes. Heroes of different ranks, different positions, and even different generations, but heroes who all went above and beyond the call of duty, heroes who all deserve our nation's highest and oldest military recognition," he said during the ceremony.
The seven veterans honored at the event included Private Bruno R. Orig, Private First Class Wataru Nakamura, Corporal Fred B. McGee, Private First Class Charles R. Johnson, General Richard E. Cavazos, Captain Hugh R. Nelson Jr., and Specialist Fourth Class Kenneth J. David. Six of these medals were awarded posthumously, recognizing the sacrifices made by these brave soldiers during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Among the notable recipients was General Richard E. Cavazos, who not only became the first Hispanic four-star general of the U.S. Army but also received the Medal of Honor for his actions commanding the 65th Infantry Regiment during the serious fighting of the Korean War. His son spoke fondly of him, stating, "He was a man of deep faith who loved his country, loved his family, loved his soldiers, and it was his love, selfless love, which drove him up the hill to collect his men and get them to safety."
Private First Class Kenneth J. David, the only recipient present to receive his honor at the ceremony, displayed remarkable bravery during combat on May 7, 1970, when his unit came under intense enemy fire. Surrounded and outnumbered, David valiantly engaged enemy combatants to draw fire away from his wounded comrades, enabling their evacuation. Biden lauded David's courage, insisting, "Imagine the courage—come get me, come get me, don’t get those folks. That’s selflessness." David was applauded by attendees as he shook hands with the president, embodying the spirit of heroism.
The other recipients' stories were also poignant and powerful. Private Bruno R. Orig was honored for his acts of conspicuous bravery, sacrificing his life to aid wounded soldiers during the Korean War. His actions exemplified the selflessness and commitment to duty expected of U.S. Army soldiers. Similarly, Private First Class Wataru Nakamura, who served under intense enemy fire, repeatedly risked his life to repair communication lines around his platoon, showcasing loyalty even after enduring the injustices of internment during World War II.
Cpl. Fred B. McGee demonstrated similar bravery by remaining behind to secure the safety of the wounded during combat, showing steadfast commitment even at the cost of his own life. Private First Class Charles R. Johnson was another who exemplified remarkable valor; he was killed during the Chinese forces' attack on his outpost, yet prior to his death, he rendered aid to fellow soldiers against overwhelming odds.
The ceremony was not merely about the recipients, but also highlighted the sacrifices made by many soldiers like these, who fought for their country yet faced enormous challenges due to the prejudices and systemic issues of their time. President Biden underscored this point during his remarks, affirming, "We haven't always lived up to [the ideal of equality], but we've never ever walked away from it. Today, I want to say clearly, we never ever will." This sentiment reaffirms the American ideal of unity and recognition of service regardless of race or background.
Each recipient's story serves as powerful testimony not only to their courage but also to the spirits of all who served. Their stories inspire future generations to honor the legacies of those who lost their lives fighting for their country. Acknowledging and sharing these acts of valor fosters unity and solidarity among Americans.
Reflecting on the essence of the occasion, President Biden concluded, "We can’t stop here. Together as a nation, it is up to us to give this medal meaning. To keep fighting. To keep fighting for one another, for each other. To keep defending everything these heroes fought for and many of them died for." His words resonate with the importance of acknowledging past sacrifices and instill hope for future generations to uphold the same values of valor, camaraderie, and service to the nation.