Washington, March 2 (NationPress) On Monday, President Donald Trump honored three American soldiers with the prestigious Congressional Medal of Honor—one living and two posthumously—celebrating their extraordinary bravery during World War II, Vietnam, and Afghanistan.

“We pay tribute to the valiant efforts of Master Sergeant Roderick Edmonds, Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis, and Command Sergeant Major Terry Richardson, as they received our nation's highest military accolade,” Trump remarked at the White House event.

Master Sergeant Roderick Edmonds was recognized for his courageous deeds as a prisoner of war in Germany back in 1945. During the ceremony, it was noted that when German forces demanded Jewish American prisoners step forward for a roll call under the threat of execution, Edmonds instructed all 1,200 American prisoners to stand together.

When confronted by a Nazi commandant who pressed a gun against his forehead, demanding he identify Jewish soldiers, Edmonds stood firm. The citation revealed that he “fearlessly held his ground,” which led the officer to lower his weapon. His actions were pivotal in saving over 200 Jewish American prisoners from segregation.

Command Sergeant Major Terry P. Richardson was honored for his heroic conduct on September 14, 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. As his company found itself surrounded near the Cambodian border, Richardson advanced through heavy enemy fire to aid wounded comrades and later ascended Hill 222 to oversee tactical airstrikes.

Despite sustaining a sniper injury, he continued to guide air support for seven hours. His actions directly contributed to the survival of 85 individuals that day, as stated in the citation. He opted not to evacuate medically, choosing instead to stay with his unit.

Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis was posthumously recognized for his bravery during a Taliban assault in Afghanistan on August 28, 2013. After ensuring his soldiers' safety at a compromised forward operating base, Ollis moved toward the assault area armed only with his rifle.

While engaging with insurgents, he discovered a wounded Polish officer. As a suicide bomber approached, Ollis intervened, firing at the insurgent. The citation indicates that the suicide vest detonated, fatally wounding him. His “exceptional courage and complete disregard for personal safety” exemplified the highest standards of military service.

A Polish officer who survived the incident was present at the ceremony, expressing gratitude by stating: “A soldier is not merely a title you hold at times. It defines who you are for eternity.” He concluded with, “Michael, thank you for your service, and I look forward to reuniting in our heavenly homeland.”

The Medal of Honor, created by an Act of Congress in 1863, represents the highest military distinction in the United States, awarded for acts of gallantry “above and beyond the call of duty.” It has been conferred over 3,500 times since the Civil War.

This event also underscored the enduring defense relationship between the United States and Poland, highlighting cooperative efforts in Afghanistan. For numerous Americans, this award remains the most solemn acknowledgment of sacrifice in wartime, often bestowed decades after the heroic act.