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Cass City Today
By the People, for the People
Trump Awards Medal of Honor to 3 Army Heroes
The president recognized soldiers for their bravery during the Vietnam War, Afghanistan, and World War II.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to three U.S. Army soldiers for their heroic actions during the Vietnam War, Afghanistan, and World War II. The recipients included Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Terry P. Richardson, Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis, and Master Sgt. Roderick W. Edmonds, who were recognized for saving lives and displaying courageous leadership in the face of enemy fire.
Why it matters
The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest military decoration, awarded by the president for acts of valor that go above and beyond the call of duty. By honoring these soldiers, Trump highlighted the bravery and sacrifice of American service members throughout history, while also using the ceremony to discuss his own political agenda.
The details
Richardson was recognized for actions during the Vietnam War that saved the lives of 85 other service members. Ollis was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2013 while shielding a Polish Army officer from enemy fire. Edmonds, who died in 1985, was recognized for his leadership and resistance as a prisoner of war in Germany during World War II.
- On September 14, 1968, Richardson led a reconnaissance mission in Vietnam.
- On August 28, 2013, Ollis was killed in an attack on Forward Operating Base Ghazni in Afghanistan.
- On January 26, 1945, Edmonds defied German orders to segregate Jewish-American POWs during World War II.
The players
Terry P. Richardson
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. who was recognized for actions during the Vietnam War that saved the lives of 85 other service members.
Michael H. Ollis
Staff Sgt. who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2013 while shielding a Polish Army officer from enemy fire.
Roderick W. Edmonds
Master Sgt. who was recognized for his leadership and resistance as a prisoner of war in Germany during World War II.
Donald Trump
The president who awarded the Medal of Honor to the three Army soldiers.
Karol Cierpica
Polish Army officer who was shielded by Ollis during the attack in Afghanistan.
What they’re saying
“Bravery is amazing. You never really know who's brave and who's not until they're tested.”
— Donald Trump, President of the United States (klfy.com)
“A soldier is not something you are from time to time. It is who you are forever.”
— Karol Cierpica, Polish Army officer (klfy.com)
“We are all Jews here.”
— Roderick W. Edmonds (klfy.com)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This ceremony highlighted the bravery and sacrifice of American service members throughout history, while also serving as a platform for the president to discuss his own political agenda, including his recent military actions in Iran and his endorsements in Polish elections.
