President Biden Awards Medal of Honor to Seven Army Veterans

President Biden recently awarded the Medal of Honor to seven U.S. Army veterans for their heroism during the Korean and Vietnam Wars at the White House. Among the recipients were Private Bruno Orig, Private First Class Wataru Nakamura, Corporal Fred McGee, Private First Class Charles Johnson, retired General Richard Cavazos, Captain Hugh Nelson Jr., and Specialist Fourth Class Kenneth David.

During the ceremony, President Biden praised the recipients as “genuine heroes” who went above and beyond the call of duty. Five of the recipients were killed in battle, including Captain Hugh Nelson Jr., who became the first graduate from The Citadel Military College in South Carolina to receive the Medal of Honor.

Captain Nelson, a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, displayed exceptional bravery during a reconnaissance mission in June 1966. After his aircraft was struck by hostile gunfire, he crash-landed in enemy territory. Despite sustaining injuries and facing enemy fire, Captain Nelson evacuated his wounded crew members and used his body as a shield to protect them. Tragically, he was killed during the rescue attempt.

Captain Nelson’s daughter, Debra McKnight, accepted the award on her father’s behalf, highlighting the sacrifices made by military families. The ceremony was attended by top Army ROTC Cadet Tomas Fitzpatrick, who praised Captain Nelson’s courage and leadership.

The Citadel President Gen. Glenn Walters also commended Captain Nelson for exemplifying the values of courage, selflessness, and leadership that are instilled in every Citadel cadet. The ceremony served as a reminder of the importance of honoring and preserving the legacy of American heroes like Captain Nelson.

In his closing remarks, President Biden emphasized the significance of continuing to uphold the values and ideals that these Medal of Honor recipients fought and died for. He urged Americans to keep fighting for one another and to defend the principles that these heroes so bravely defended.

Overall, the Medal of Honor ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our nation’s military personnel and the importance of honoring their legacy for generations to come.