In a significant ceremony at the White House, President Joe Biden will posthumously honor six brave service members while recognizing one living veteran with the prestigious Medal of Honor.
This event marks one of Biden’s final opportunities to celebrate extraordinary acts of bravery and selflessness demonstrated during military service.
Honorees from World War II and the Korean War
Among the honored is Pfc.
Francis X. McGraw, who displayed remarkable courage during World War II.
In 1944, he took part in the D-Day assault and fought valorously as he advanced through France and into Germany, where he ultimately made the ultimate sacrifice.
Another recipient, Army Pvt.
Bruno R. Orig, showcased exceptional heroism at the Battle of Chipyong-ni during the Korean War on February 15, 1951.
When enemy forces targeted his unit, Orig sprang into action, tending to the wounded and orchestrating their safe evacuation.
Despite overwhelming odds, he later took up a machine gun position, inflicting significant damage on the enemy.
Tragically, he was found fallen beside the machine gun, having bravely fought against superior numbers.
Pfc.
Wataru Nakamura is also being honored for his valor in the Korean War.
He heroically destroyed an enemy machine gun post, reclaimed several bunkers, and continued to fight until he was killed by a grenade after running out of ammunition.
Additional Honorees and Their Bravery
Posthumous recognition will also be given to Army Cpl.
Fred B. McGee, who passed away in 2020.
His bravery was on full display on June 16, 1952, during a confrontation near Tang-Wan-Ni, Korea, where he heroically took command of his squad, neutralized an enemy machine gun nest, and aided in rescuing wounded comrades.
Another inductee, Army Pfc.
Charles R. Johnson from Millbrook, New York, lost his life on June 12, 1953, while valiantly defending his position against an onslaught of Chinese forces during the Korean War.
His relentless courage is credited with saving the lives of up to ten fellow soldiers.
Additionally, Army 1st Lt.
Richard E. Cavazos, who died in 2018 at the age of 88, will receive recognition for his outstanding service.
During the Korean War, he heroically remained behind enemy lines to evacuate five soldiers from an entrenched position, all while facing relentless attacks.
Cavazos later achieved four-star general status, and Fort Hood was renamed in his honor on May 9, 2023.
Recognition for Vietnam Service
Lastly, the living honoree, Army Capt. Hugh R. Nelson Jr. from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, will be posthumously awarded for his brave actions during the Vietnam War.
On June 5, 1966, he lost his life while rescuing two soldiers from a downed aircraft, courageously shielding one from enemy fire.
Finally, Pfc.
Kenneth J. David, who bravely served in Vietnam on May 7, 1970, will also be honored.
Despite suffering injuries from a satchel charge, he redirected enemy fire away from injured comrades, facilitating the safe landing of Medevac helicopters.
In a separate, private ceremony at the Oval Office, President Biden will honor eight first responders with the Medal of Valor, recognizing their heroic efforts to save lives.
Source: Militarytimes