Biden Awards Medal of Honor to Vietnam War Veterans, 50 Years After the End of the Conflict

(Photo : Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
United States President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor to four Vietnam War veterans for their acts of valor during the conflict that ended roughly 50 years ago. Among the four recipients of the award, one was killed three months after the incident for which he was being awarded.

United States President Joe Biden bestowed the Medal of Honor to four Vietnam War veterans on Tuesday for their brave acts of valor during the conflict that ended roughly 50 years ago.

The bestowment of the medal upgrades the previous honors that the veterans previously received for their acts of courage at the time. The individuals that Biden gave the medal to, which is the most prestigious decoration in the U.S. military, were Staff Sergeant Edward N. Kaneshiro, Specialist Five Dwight W. Birdwell, Specialist Five Dennis M. Fujii, and retired Maj. John J. Duffy.

Medal of Honor

The Democratic leader said the four veterans "stood in the way of danger, risked everything to defend our nation and our values." Biden's remarks were made during the ceremony at the White House, where he added that not every service member had received the full recognition they deserved.

The president said that the day of the bestowment of the Medal of Honor was setting the record straight. Biden noted that it had been a long journey for the individuals and their families, roughly five decades. However, he said that time had not diminished the veterans' astonishing bravery and selflessness, as per CNN.

Kaneshiro and members of his platoon were attacked by North Vietnamese in 1966 when they entered a village on a search and destroyed the mission. The White House said that Kaneshiro destroyed one enemy group with rifle fire and two others using grenades. The success enabled the orderly extrication and reorganization of the platoon and ultimately led to a successful withdrawal from the village.

Kaneshiro, who was killed in action three months after the incident for which he is being awarded, will receive the award posthumously. Speaking to the fallen soldier's family, Biden said that they had sacrificed so much for the United States. He said he was hoping that the award would let them take pride and comfort in knowing that Kaneshiro's valor is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.

According to Fox News, Birdwell's award was for his actions after his tank commander was incapacitated. He moved the official to safety and fired the tank's weapons at the enemy force that was barreling down on them. Later, he dismounted and continued fighting until receiving enemy fire to his face and torso.

Vietnam War Veterans

He refused evacuation and led a small group of defenders to disrupt the enemy assault until reinforcements arrived to support them. The White House added that he then aided in evacuating the wounded until he was ordered to seek attention for his own wounds.

On the other hand, Fujii received his award for his actions when his medevac helicopter took on enemy fire and was forced to crash land. Despite being injured, he waved off a rescue from another helicopter and remained behind as the only American on the battlefield and administered first aid to allied casualties.

Duffy was wounded twice when the commander of the 11th Airborne Battalion was killed and refused to be evacuated. He also led evacuees, many of whom were seriously injured, to an evacuation area where he directed gunship fire on enemy positions and marked a landing zone for the helicopters, the New York Times reported.