President Biden to Award Medals of Honor to Seven Heroic Service Members

During a White House ceremony on Friday, President Joe Biden will present the Medal of Honor, the nation's most prestigious military decoration, to seven service members. As well as one living veteran, Pfc. Kenneth J. David, the recipients include six posthumous honorees who exhibited extraordinary courage during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Army Pvt. Bruno R. Orig, a Korean War veteran, gave his life in 1951 while defending his platoon during the Battle of Chipyong-ni. Orig's actions enabled a friendly platoon to retreat securely; however, he was subsequently discovered deceased, being surrounded by enemy combatants he had eliminated.

Cpl. Fred B. McGee, who neutralized an enemy machine gun, rescued wounded comrades, and ensured the safety of his squad, and Pfc. Wataru Nakamura, who continued an assault after exhausting his ammunition but was slain by a grenade, are other Korean War honorees. While defending against overwhelming forces, Pfc. Charles R. Johnson, who was killed in 1953, rescued up to ten soldiers.

1st Lt. Richard E. Cavazos evacuated wounded personnel from the Vietnam War amid intense fire. Capt. Hugh R. Nelson Jr. passed away while protecting the survivors of a helicopter accident. In 1970, Pfc. David, the solitary living recipient, courageously exposed himself to enemy fire in order to safeguard his injured comrades.

Biden will also give the Medal of Valor to eight first responders for their lifesaving actions in civilian emergencies during a private ceremony in the Oval Office.

‍