Trump Awards Medals to Military, Olympic, and Coast Guard Heroes

The president recognized acts of valor and service during his State of the Union address.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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During his State of the Union address, President Trump awarded several prestigious medals to recognize the heroic actions of military pilots, an Olympic athlete, a Coast Guard swimmer, and two National Guard members. The honorees included a 100-year-old Navy captain, a warrant officer who led a military operation in Venezuela, an Olympic hockey goaltender, a Coast Guard rescuer, and two National Guard members who were shot near the White House.

Why it matters

The president's awarding of these medals highlights the administration's efforts to honor and recognize acts of valor, service, and sacrifice by members of the military, first responders, and athletes. It also underscores the president's continued interest in receiving the Medal of Honor himself, despite being informed he cannot award it to himself.

The details

The president awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest American military decoration, to 100-year-old Navy Captain Royce Williams and Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover. Williams was recognized for his service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, while Slover was honored for leading a recent military operation in Venezuela. Trump also announced that Olympic hockey goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. Additionally, Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal for his heroic rescue of 164 girls during a deadly Texas flood, and two National Guard members, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and the late Sarah Beckstrom, were posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for being shot near the White House.

  • The State of the Union address took place on Tuesday evening.
  • The medals were awarded during the president's speech.

The players

Royce Williams

A 100-year-old former Navy fighter pilot who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Eric Slover

A Chief Warrant Officer who was awarded the Medal of Honor for leading a recent military operation in Venezuela.

Connor Hellebuyck

An Olympic hockey goaltender who is set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, for helping the U.S. team clinch the gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

Scott Ruskan

A Coast Guard Petty Officer who was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal for his heroic rescue of 164 girls during a deadly Texas flood.

Andrew Wolfe

A National Guard Staff Sergeant who was awarded the Purple Heart for being shot near the White House.

Sarah Beckstrom

A National Guard member who was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for being shot near the White House and dying from her injuries.

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What they’re saying

“Tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He was a legend long before this evening.”

— Donald Trump, President (The Hill)

“Congratulations Petty Officer Scott Ruskan on your Legion of Merit award recognizing your heroic service rescuing over 150 young girls during the Kerrville Floods!”

— Chip Roy, Texas Representative (X)

“With God's help, Andrew has battled back from the edge of death — and we're talking about the edge of death — on his way to a miraculous recovery.”

— Donald Trump, President (The Hill)

“Sarah Beckstrom died in order to defend our capitol, and we are honored to be joined by her wonderful parents. Gary and Evelea, your daughter was a true American patriot and she will be greatly missed.”

— Donald Trump, President (The Hill)

The takeaway

The president's awarding of these prestigious medals highlights the administration's efforts to honor the sacrifices and heroic actions of members of the military, first responders, and athletes. It underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating those who go above and beyond to serve their country and communities.