Biden to Honor American War Heroes and First Responders With Medals

President Joe Biden is set to honor several American war heroes and first responders with medals at the White House on Friday. He will posthumously award the Medal of Honor to six individuals, along with one living recipient. Separately, in a private Oval Office ceremony, the president will present the Medal of Valor to eight first responders who risked their lives to protect others Why It Matters This will be one of Biden’s final opportunities to formally recognize extraordinary acts of bravery during his term. What To know On February 15, 1951, during the Korean War’s Battle of Chipyong-ni, Army Private Bruno R. Orig returned from a mission to find his unit under fierce attack. Acting decisively, the infantryman administered first aid to wounded comrades and helped move them to safety. Taking control of a machine gun position, Orig provided critical cover, enabling a friendly platoon to retreat without a single casualty. When the ground was reclaimed later that day, Orig was discovered dead beside the machine gun, surrounded by enemy soldiers he had taken down in his final stand. During the Korean War, Private First Class Wataru Nakamura demonstrated extraordinary valor, dismantling an enemy machine gun nest and reclaiming several bunkers. Despite running out of ammunition, he pressed forward after being resupplied. Nakamura was ultimately killed by an enemy grenade. He was laid to rest in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy of courage and sacrifice. U.S. President Joe Biden walks into the East Room to host the Presidential Citizens Medal ceremony at the White House on January 02, 2025 in Washington, DC. On January 3, 2025, Biden is set to… U.S. President Joe Biden walks into the East Room to host the Presidential Citizens Medal ceremony at the White House on January 02, 2025 in Washington, DC. On January 3, 2025, Biden is set to award several American war heroes and first responders with medals. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Army Corporal Fred B. McGee is being honored for his extraordinary bravery near Tang-Wan-Ni, Korea, on June 16, 1952. During the engagement, McGee took command of his squad, neutralized an enemy machine gun, and ensured his squad’s safe withdrawal while assisting in the rescue of wounded comrades. The Ohio native, whose heroic actions exemplified selflessness, passed away in 2020, according to news reports. Army Private First Class Charles R. Johnson of Millbrook, New York, made the ultimate sacrifice on June 12, 1953, during the Korean War. Holding off Chinese forces in a critical engagement, Johnson’s heroism saved the lives of up to 10 fellow soldiers. During the Korean War, Army 1st Lieutenant Richard E. Cavazos demonstrated exceptional bravery near Sagimak by remaining behind alone to evacuate five wounded soldiers to safety after multiple raids on entrenched enemy positions. Cavazos went on to serve over three decades in the military, rising to the rank of four-star general. The Texas native, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 88, was honored posthumously when Fort Hood was renamed after him on May 9, 2023. On June 5, 1966, during the Vietnam War, Army Captain Hugh R. Nelson Jr. of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, rescued two specialists from the wreckage of a helicopter crash, shielding one of them from enemy gunfire at the cost of his own life. On May 7, 1970, during the Vietnam War, then-Army Private First Class Kenneth J. David displayed remarkable courage by diverting enemy fire away from his injured comrades, sustaining injuries from a satchel charge in the process. Despite his wounds, David continued fighting, drawing enemy fire to protect landing Medevac helicopters. He was evacuated only after ensuring the last helicopter departed safely. The Ohio native remains alive today. First Responders On Friday, Biden will also present the Medal of Valor to eight individuals, recognizing their extraordinary bravery and selflessness in efforts to save lives. Among the recipients are the law enforcement officers who responded to the tragic shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 27, 2023, where six people lost their lives. What People Are Saying Representative Nicole Malliotakis, a New York Democrat, recognized members of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) who will be awarded the Medal of Valor. Malliotakis wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday: “We congratulate @FDNY Lt. John Vanderstar and FDNY Firefighter Brendan Gaffney on being awarded the Medal of Valor by the @POTUS for their extraordinary acts of courage. “In two separate fires, Lt. Vanderstar and firefighter Gaffney rescued women and children out of burning #NYC buildings. As a result of their exemplary heroism, all the victims survived. We are grateful for their service and congratulate them on this well-deserved honor.” What Happens Next It is currently unclear if Biden will award any further medals during his final days in office as president. This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.