March 18, 2014 - President Barack Obama awarded 24 Army veterans with the Medal of Honor in White House ceremony. Each of these Soldiers' bravery was previously recognized by award of the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation's second highest award, which was upgraded to the Medal of Honor.
Congressional review and the 2002 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prompted a review of Jewish American and Hispanic American veteran war records from WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. During the review, records of several Soldiers of neither Jewish nor Hispanic descent were found to display criteria worthy of the Medal of Honor. The 2002 NDAA was amended to allow these Soldiers to be honored with the upgrade in addition to the Jewish and Hispanic American Soldiers.
The ceremony recognized these 24 men for their gallantry, intrepidity and heroism above and beyond the call of duty.
Video courtesy of U.S. Army / Office of the Chief of Public Affairs Edited by USA Patriotism!
Living Veterans (Vietnam War) Honored: (see photo above)