Trump Awards Medals to Military, Olympic, and First Responder Heroes

Honors include Medals of Honor, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and Purple Hearts

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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During his State of the Union address, former President Trump presented several prestigious awards to recognize the heroic actions of military pilots, an Olympic athlete, a Coast Guard officer, and National Guard members. The honorees included a 100-year-old Navy fighter pilot, a Coast Guard swimmer who rescued over 150 people, and two National Guard members who were shot near the White House.

Why it matters

The awards highlighted Trump's continued focus on honoring the service and sacrifice of American military, first responders, and athletes, even after leaving office. The high-profile recognition of these individuals' bravery and heroism during the State of the Union address was seen as an effort to maintain his political brand and appeal to his base.

The details

Trump awarded Medals of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration, to 100-year-old Navy pilot Captain Royce Williams and Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover for their distinguished service. He also presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, to Olympic hockey goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Additionally, Trump awarded the Legion of Merit Medal to Coast Guard swimmer Scott Ruskan for rescuing over 150 people during a deadly Texas flood, and Purple Hearts to two National Guard members who were shot near the White House, one posthumously.

  • The State of the Union address took place on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • Captain Royce Williams served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
  • Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover led a recent military operation in Venezuela to capture President Nicolas Maduro.
  • Connor Hellebuyck helped the U.S. men's hockey team win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
  • Scott Ruskan rescued over 150 girls at Camp Mystic during the deadly Texas floods in 2025.

The players

Captain Royce Williams

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

Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover

A military officer who led a recent operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, and was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Connor Hellebuyck

An Olympic hockey goaltender who helped the U.S. team win the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Scott Ruskan

A Coast Guard swimmer who rescued over 150 people, including young girls, during the deadly Texas floods in 2025, and was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal.

Andrew Wolfe

A National Guard member who was shot near the White House in 2025 and awarded the Purple Heart.

Sarah Beckstrom

A National Guard member who was killed in the shooting near the White House in 2025 and awarded the Purple Heart posthumously.

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What they’re saying

“Tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves.”

— Donald Trump, Former 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, Former President (The Hill)

“Sarah Beckstrom died in order to defend our capitol, and we are honored to be joined by her wonderful parents.”

— Donald Trump, Former President (The Hill)

What’s next

The awards presented during the State of the Union address are expected to be a topic of discussion in the lead-up to the 2028 presidential election, as Trump's potential run for office again remains a subject of speculation.

The takeaway

The high-profile recognition of military, first responder, and athletic heroes during the State of the Union address underscores Trump's continued efforts to appeal to his base and maintain his political brand, even after leaving office. The awards highlighted the sacrifices and bravery of these individuals, reinforcing Trump's messaging around honoring American service and patriotism.