Trump to Award Medal of Honor to 3 Soldiers, 2 Posthumously

The highest military decoration will be given for acts of valor in World War II, Vietnam, and Afghanistan.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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President Donald Trump will award the Medal of Honor to three soldiers who fought in different eras of U.S. military history. Two of the recipients, Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds and Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, will receive the honor posthumously for their heroic actions during World War II and the war in Afghanistan, respectively. The third recipient, then-Staff Sgt. Terry P. Richardson, will be recognized for his bravery during the Vietnam War.

Why it matters

The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest military decoration, awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in actual combat against an enemy of the United States. These awards highlight the valor and sacrifice of American service members across different generations and conflicts.

The details

Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds will be honored posthumously for shielding Jewish prisoners of war from Nazi guards in 1944. When ordered to have Jewish soldiers fall out separately, Edmonds refused and told the guard "We are all Jews." Then-Staff Sgt. Terry P. Richardson will be recognized for saving the lives of 85 fellow soldiers in Vietnam in 1968, braving enemy fire to direct airstrikes. Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis will be awarded the medal posthumously for sacrificing himself to protect a wounded Polish soldier from a suicide bomber in Afghanistan in 2013.

  • The Medal of Honor ceremony will take place on Monday, February 28, 2026.
  • Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds shielded Jewish POWs from Nazi guards in 1944.
  • Then-Staff Sgt. Terry P. Richardson performed his heroic actions in Vietnam in 1968.
  • Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis died in combat in Afghanistan in 2013.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who will be awarding the Medal of Honor.

Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds

A World War II soldier who will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor for shielding Jewish prisoners of war from Nazi guards in 1944.

Then-Staff Sgt. Terry P. Richardson

A Vietnam War soldier who will receive the Medal of Honor for saving the lives of 85 fellow soldiers in 1968.

Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis

An Afghanistan War soldier who will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor for sacrificing himself to protect a wounded Polish soldier from a suicide bomber in 2013.

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What they’re saying

“We are all Jews.”

— Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds (Stripes.com)

What’s next

The Medal of Honor ceremony will take place on Monday, February 28, 2026 at the White House.

The takeaway

These Medal of Honor recipients exemplify the highest levels of bravery, selflessness, and commitment to protecting fellow soldiers and civilians, even at the ultimate cost. Their actions in the face of grave danger serve as an inspiration and reminder of the sacrifices made by American service members throughout history.