WASHINGTON, D.C. March 2, 2026 – President Donald J. Trump presented the Congressional Medal of Honor — the nation’s highest military decoration — to three American soldiers during a solemn White House ceremony on March 2, recognizing their selfless bravery that saved countless lives across three different wars.
The recipients are:
– Master Sgt. Roderick W. Edmonds (posthumously, World War II)
– Command Sgt. Maj. Terry P. Richardson (Vietnam War)
– Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis (posthumously, Afghanistan War)
In a series of official posts on X (formerly Twitter) from the White House account, President Trump highlighted each hero’s extraordinary actions “above and beyond the call of duty.”
Master Sgt. Roderick W. Edmonds – WWII Hero Who Defied the Nazis
A captured U.S. Army soldier during World War II, Master Sgt. Edmonds refused German orders to identify Jewish-American prisoners of war. At gunpoint, he stood firm, declaring that every American soldier was Jewish when the Germans demanded separation. His courage saved more than 200 Jewish-American lives from certain death in Nazi camps.
The Medal was accepted by his son, Chris Edmonds. Photos from the ceremony show the family standing with President Trump in front of American flags and military banners, with the framed Medal of Honor prominently displayed.
Command Sgt. Maj. Terry P. Richardson – Vietnam War Legend
Command Sgt. Maj. Richardson’s leadership in Vietnam ensured that 85 of his men survived a fierce battle. The living recipient stood proudly as President Trump placed the Medal of Honor around his neck in a touching moment captured on camera — the President adjusting the iconic blue ribbon while Richardson looked forward with quiet dignity.
Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis – Afghanistan Sacrifice
In Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Ollis threw himself between an insurgent suicide bomber and a wounded Coalition officer, absorbing the full force of the blast and giving his life to save his comrade. His parents accepted the posthumous award during the emotional ceremony.
The White House shared striking images of the event: a formal gathering in an elegant East Room-style setting with military personnel and families standing at attention, heads bowed in respect; President Trump personally presenting the medals; and close-up shots of the recipients and their loved ones holding the framed awards.
President Trump stated that the awards recognize “exceptional valor” and serve as a reminder of the courage that defines the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Medal of Honor is awarded only to those who display conspicuous gallantry at the risk of their own life, above and beyond the call of duty. These three additions bring renewed focus to America’s military heritage during the Trump administration’s “Golden Age of America.”
The full ceremony photos and video highlights are available on the official White House X account (@WhiteHouse).
Source: Official White House announcement via X thread, March 2, 2026.
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