Dozens of Military Heroes Celebrated at White House

WASHINGTON—Korean War veteran Hiroshi Miyamura was one of 33 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients heralded at the White House on Sept. 12.

In April 1953, Miyamura’s company was about to be overrun by the enemy near Taejon-ni, Korea.

Then-Cpl. Miyamura, a machine gun squad leader, “aware of the imminent danger to his men, unhesitatingly jumped from his shelter wielding his bayonet in close hand-to-hand combat, killing approximately 10 of the enemy,” according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society website.

“As another savage assault hit the line, he manned his machine gun and delivered withering fire until his ammunition was expended. He ordered the squad to withdraw while he stayed behind to render the gun inoperative. He then bayoneted his way through infiltrated enemy soldiers to a second gun emplacement and assisted in its operation.”

President Donald Trump asked Miyamura to stand and be recognized, adding that Miyamura “treated the wounded and kept on fighting while enduring severe wounds of his own.”

Trump paid tribute to all 72 of the living recipients of the award.

“Each of you went above and beyond the call of duty. Each of you risked life and limb without a thought for your own safety. Each of you has made a lasting mark upon the history of our great nation,” Trump said. “You are the strongest, the bravest, and the finest among us.”

Trump also remembered the fallen. “I know that tonight you are thinking of your fellow warriors that didn’t come home,” he said. “We forever remember and eternally honor America’s fallen heroes.”

The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action. Since assuming office, Trump has presented four Congressional Medals of Honor to war heroes.