WORLD WAR TWO VETERANS AWARDED

Government Gives Medals to Brave Soldiers

Veterans Honored for Their Service

In a ceremony held at the White House, President Biden bestowed the Medal of Honor on three World War II veterans for their bravery and service. The veterans, all in their 90s, were recognized for their actions during some of the war's most famous battles, including the Battle of the Bulge and the invasion of Normandy.

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States to its service members. It is given to those who have distinguished themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty." The three veterans who received the award on Tuesday were all cited for their selfless acts of courage.

One of the recipients was Hershel "Woody" Williams, a 98-year-old Marine who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on February 23, 1945, when he single-handedly destroyed six Japanese pillboxes and killed dozens of enemy soldiers. He was the last surviving Marine who fought at Iwo Jima to receive the Medal of Honor.

Another recipient was Charles McGee, a 101-year-old Tuskegee Airman who flew 136 combat missions during World War II. McGee was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on December 20, 1943, when he shot down three German planes in a single mission. He was the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor for his service in World War II.

The third recipient was John Sidney McCain, a 100-year-old Navy pilot who was shot down over North Vietnam in 1968. McCain was held as a prisoner of war for over five years, during which time he was subjected to torture and abuse. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his "indomitable spirit and unwavering determination" in the face of adversity.

The ceremony was a moving tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of these three veterans. Their stories are a reminder of the great debt that we owe to those who have served our country.