ABC News - LIVE: President Biden delivers remarks at Presidential Medal of Valor ceremony
The ceremony recognizes seven soldiers for their extraordinary acts of bravery during combat operations in Korea and Vietnam. Each soldier demonstrated selflessness and courage, often sacrificing their own safety to save others. The President highlighted their heroic deeds, such as Private Bruno Orig's rescue efforts under enemy fire, and Captain Hugh Nelson's ultimate sacrifice to protect his crew. The event underscores the importance of remembering and honoring those who defend freedom, and the need to uphold the values they fought for. The Medal of Honor is awarded posthumously to several soldiers, with family members accepting on their behalf, while Specialist Kenneth J. David is present to receive his award. The ceremony concludes with a call to continue fighting for the ideals of freedom and democracy.
Key Points:
- Seven soldiers awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery in Korea and Vietnam.
- Private Bruno Orig saved fellow soldiers under enemy fire, sacrificing his life.
- Captain Hugh Nelson shielded his crew, sacrificing himself to save others.
- Specialist Kenneth J. David drew enemy fire to protect wounded comrades.
- The ceremony emphasizes the importance of honoring and remembering military heroes.
Details:
1. 🙏 Opening Prayer and Tribute
- The presence of the President highlights the event's high-profile and significant nature, setting a formal tone.
- The prayer and tribute are central to the event's solemnity, reflecting respect and reverence.
- The opening includes specific acknowledgments, likely of individuals or themes pertinent to the event's purpose.
- The segment sets the stage for the proceedings by establishing a respectful and contemplative atmosphere.
2. 🇺🇸 Tribute to Fallen Heroes
- Seven soldiers were honored for their acts of bravery during combat operations in Korea and Vietnam, with a focus on their extraordinary courage under fire.
- Specialist Kenneth J David received the Medal of Honor, a testament to his exceptional valor and dedication in combat.
- The ceremony underscored the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by these heroes, highlighting specific acts of bravery and their impact on the nation.
- The event inspired future generations to emulate the courage and commitment demonstrated by these soldiers, emphasizing the need to preserve the freedoms and liberties they fought for.
- Personal stories and quotes from the ceremony illustrated the deep respect and gratitude felt by all attendees.
3. 🎖️ Honoring Seven American Heroes
- The event is described as the most solemn occasion participated in by the commander-in-chief in four years, indicating the high level of importance and respect accorded to it.
- Seven American Heroes are being honored, highlighting their extraordinary contributions and sacrifices.
- These individuals come from different ranks, positions, and generations, emphasizing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of those recognized.
- The honorees have demonstrated exceptional bravery and commitment by going above and beyond the Call of Duty, warranting the nation's highest honors.
4. 🪖 Stories of Valor and Sacrifice
4.1. 🪖 Stories of Valor and Sacrifice
4.2. Private Bruno's Sacrifice
4.3. Wataru Nakamura's Bravery
4.4. Corporal Fred Mc's Dedication
5. 💪 Acts of Bravery and Courage
5.1. Bravery of Charlie Johnson
5.2. Leadership of General Richard Cavazos
5.3. Sacrifice of Captain U Nelson
5.4. Courage of Private First Class Ken David
5.5. Recognition and Legacy
6. 🇺🇸 A Call to Remember and Honor
- The United States is unique for being founded on the idea that all men and women are created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout their lives, rather than on geography, ethnicity, or religion.
- The speech emphasizes the importance of adhering to the foundational ideals of freedom and democracy that have allowed for American progress.
- The commitment to these ideals is highlighted as ongoing and unwavering, with a call to continue honoring them.
- The segment concludes with a tribute to military personnel, specifically mentioning the Medal of Honor and a call to protect troops engaged in operations.
- Examples of historical milestones achieved through adherence to these ideals could enhance the understanding of their significance.
7. 🎖️ Medal of Honor Citations: Bruno R Orig
- Private Bruno R Orig displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the Call of Duty.
- While serving with Company G, 23rd Infantry Regiment, during the Korean War on February 15th, 1951, he assisted wounded comrades despite ongoing enemy attacks.
- Orig administered first aid and helped evacuate the wounded to safety, showing complete disregard for his own safety.
- He volunteered to man a machine gun after the crew was wounded, allowing a friendly platoon to withdraw without casualties.
- Orig inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, even as his position was overrun, demonstrating extraordinary heroism and selflessness.
- He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions, reflecting great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
8. 🎖️ Medal of Honor Citations: Wataru Nakamura
- Wataru Nakamura posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions on May 18, 1951, in Korea.
- Demonstrated conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
- Volunteered to repair a communications line under enemy fire, showing extreme courage.
- Single-handedly attacked and destroyed an enemy machine gun nest and drove the enemy from several bunkers.
- Despite depleted ammunition, Nakamura rearmed himself and continued the attack, killing multiple enemy combatants.
- Fell mortally wounded by an enemy grenade but his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.
- His heroism reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
9. 🎖️ Medal of Honor Citations: Fred B McGee
9.1. Medal of Honor Actions - Initial Assault
9.2. Medal of Honor Actions - Taking Command
9.3. Medal of Honor Actions - Evacuation Efforts
10. 🎖️ Medal of Honor Citations: Charles R Johnson
- Charles R Johnson, a private first class in the United States Army, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during June 11-12, 1953, in the Republic of Korea.
- He demonstrated conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, defending Outpost Harry against overwhelming odds.
- Despite being wounded by artillery and a grenade, Johnson administered first aid to more seriously injured soldiers.
- He dragged a wounded soldier to safety under direct enemy fire, assisted other injured soldiers, and engaged in hand-to-hand combat, killing several enemy troops.
- Johnson collected weapons and ammunition, returned to rearm his squad, and placed himself between the enemy and his injured comrades to protect them.
- His actions directly contributed to saving the lives of as many as 10 soldiers, showcasing extraordinary courage and selflessness.
11. 🎖️ Medal of Honor Citations: Richard E Cavazos
- First Lieutenant Richard E. Cavazos led his company in a raid under intense enemy fire, demonstrating conspicuous gallantry beyond the call of duty.
- Cavazos directed heavy fire on enemy positions and led repeated assaults, destroying vital enemy fortifications.
- He provided effective commands and personal leadership, inspiring his men to achieve heroic feats.
- Cavazos remained on the battlefield alone to search for missing men, successfully evacuating five casualties under enemy fire.
- He made multiple trips to rescue separated soldiers, ensuring their safety.
- Cavazos only sought treatment for his own combat wounds after ensuring all soldiers were accounted for.
- His actions reflect the highest traditions of military service, bringing great credit to himself and the United States.
12. 🎖️ Medal of Honor Citations: Hugh R Nelson Jr
- Captain Hugh R Nelson Jr was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty.
- On June 5th, 1966, Captain Nelson was the acting aircraft commander of an armed Huey helicopter during a Search and Destroy reconnaissance mission in Vietnam.
- His aircraft was struck by a large volume of enemy fire, rendering it virtually uncontrollable, yet he managed to crash land the aircraft safely.
- Despite the crash, Captain Nelson exited the aircraft to aid his wounded comrades, risking his life under intense enemy fire.
- He successfully freed a trapped door gunner while being hit by enemy fire, and used his body as a shield to protect his comrade.
- Captain Nelson sacrificed his life, which allowed his comrade to signal for support using a smoke grenade.
- His actions led to the successful rescue of the three wounded crew members by supporting aircraft.
- Captain Nelson's sacrifice and bravery reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
13. 🎖️ Medal of Honor Citations: Kenneth J David
- Kenneth J David was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a radio telephone operator with Company D, First Battalion, 506 Infantry, 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam on May 7th, 1970.
- During an intense enemy attack, David handed his radio to his platoon sergeant and moved forward to the defensive perimeter, resisting enemy attempts to overrun his position.
- David repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to draw attention away from wounded comrades, displaying extraordinary heroism despite being wounded himself.
- He continued to engage the enemy, using hand grenades when low on ammunition, and assured a medic he was okay to continue fighting.
- David's actions allowed for the safe evacuation of wounded personnel and contributed to the enemy's eventual retreat, after which he was medically evacuated himself.
- His gallantry and heroism reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
14. 🙏 Benediction and Closing
- May the courage of these seven Heroes be our example.
- May righteousness be our choice and hope be our Guiding Light.
- Bless and protect our Armed Forces as they preserve our freedoms.
- Keep the light of Liberty burning bright on the United States of America and allies.
- Remain seated as the president departs.