24 Soldiers Receive MoH

President Obama presented Medals of Honor to 24 Army veterans – all but three posthumously – during a March 18 White House ceremony. The former soldiers displayed heroism sufficient to warrant the nation’s highest award for valor in combat during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. Each has been honored with lesser medals for their actions. The decision to upgrade their awards centered upon the desire to correct the discrimination that precluded them receiving Medals of Honor at the time they served. The honorees all were Hispanic, Jewish, or African American. “We have a chance to set the record straight,” President Obama said in remarks during the ceremony. The three living honorees – former Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Morris, Master Sgt. Jose Rodela, and Sgt. Santiago J. Erevia – were present.