WASHINGTON (Army News Service, March 18, 2014) –
Twenty-four U.S. Army veterans from three wars -- World War II, Korea
and Vietnam -- received upgrades to the highest military decoration for
uncommon bravery and gallantry at a White House ceremony Tuesday.
President Barack Obama presented posthumous Medals of Honor to family
members and representatives of 21 of those Soldiers, and draped the
sky-blue ribbon and five-pointed star-bearing medals around the necks of
the three living veterans from the Vietnam War.
Each of the 24 had received a Distinguished Service Cross for the same
fearless actions for which they were now receiving long overdue upgrades
to the Medal of Honor.
"This ceremony is 70 years in the making and today, we have the chance
to set the record straight," he said, noting that more than a decade ago
Congress mandated a review to ensure heroism of veterans wasn't
overlooked due to prejudice or discrimination. During that review, the
24 Soldiers -- Hispanic, Jewish and African American -- were identified
as deserving of the Medal of Honor.
"This is the length to which America will go to make sure everyone who
serves under our proud flag receives the thanks that they deserve," he
said. "So with each generation, we keep on striving to live up to our
ideals of freedom and equality, and to recognize the dignity and
patriotism of every person, no matter who they are, what they look like,
or how they pray."
Obama invited each living Soldier to the stage, one at a time, dressed
in uniforms they could have worn in their 20s, but they now were filling
out in their 70s with a full complement of ribbons and badges that
testified to their skills as young Soldiers. Their citations were read,
their Medals of Honor were draped and handshakes exchanged.
"These are extraordinary Americans. They are exemplary Soldiers," the president said.
Following the presentation to the three Vietnam veterans, Obama called them all to the stage.
"Santiago Erevia, Melvin Morris, Jose Rodela -- in the thick of the
fight, all those years ago, for your comrades and your country, you
refused to yield," he said. "On behalf of a grateful nation, we all want
to thank you for inspiring us -- then and now -- with your strength,
your will, and your heroic hearts."
Sons, daughters, nephews, brothers, wives, friends and representatives
of the 21 Soldiers who weren't present to receive the long overdue
recognition each were called to the stage to hear their Soldier's
citation read aloud for a final time.
While some fought tears, others smiled, faintly remembering. Then each
was presented with a framed citation and Medal of Honor which their
Soldiers so deserved. There was little doubt their Soldiers would never
be forgotten again.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is very rare where we have the opportunity to
reflect on the extraordinary courage and patriotism of such a
remarkable collection of men," Obama concluded. "We are so grateful to
them, we are so grateful to their families, it makes us proud and it
makes us inspired."