WATCH: President Trump Awards Medal of Freedom to HERO Navy SEAL! 🇺🇸

Описание: President Donald J. Trump leads a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House. Before commencing the awards, he provides a military update on "Operation Epic Fury," detailing ongoing U.S. combat operations in Iran aimed at dismantling the regime's nuclear and conventional missile programs. The focus then shifts to the ceremony, where the President posthumously and formally awards the Congressional Medal of Honor to three American soldiers for their extraordinary acts of valor across different conflicts: Master Sergeant Roderick Edmonds (World War II), Command Sergeant Major Terry P. Richardson (Vietnam War), and Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis (Afghanistan).

Key Points
[03:17] Operation Epic Fury Update: President Trump provides a briefing on ongoing large-scale military operations in Iran. He emphasizes the destruction of Iranian missile capabilities, the sinking of naval ships, and the absolute prevention of their nuclear weapon development.

[11:08] Commencing the Ceremony: The President shifts the focus to the main purpose of the gathering, recognizing the unsurpassed courage of three American heroes.

[15:19] Honoring Master Sergeant Roderick Edmonds: Trump recounts Edmonds' WWII heroism during the Battle of the Bulge. As a POW, Edmonds fearlessly defied a Nazi SS officer with a gun to his head, refusing to segregate Jewish American prisoners and ultimately saving over 200 lives.

[18:25] Honoring Command Sergeant Major Terry P. Richardson: The President details Richardson's incredible bravery during the Vietnam War. While his unit was vastly outnumbered and pinned down, a severely wounded Richardson exposed himself to enemy fire for hours to call in tactical airstrikes, saving 82 men in his company.

[22:44] Honoring Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis: Trump shares the tragic and heroic story of Staff Sergeant Ollis, who gave his life in Afghanistan in 2013. During a complex attack involving suicide bombers, Ollis placed himself between an insurgent and a wounded Polish soldier, absorbing the blast and saving the soldier's life.

[26:28] Remarks from the Rescued Polish Soldier: Second Lieutenant Karol, the Polish soldier saved by Ollis, delivers a deeply moving speech expressing his eternal gratitude and commitment to honoring Michael's memory.

[31:22] Reading of the Citations: The military aide steps forward to formally read the official Medal of Honor citations for all three heroes as their awards are presented to them and their families.

Key Timestamps
11:57 – Introduction of President Donald Trump.
12:39 – Opening prayer and invocation.
14:51 – President Trump provides an update on "Operation Epic Fury" and U.S. military operations in Iran.
22:50—Transition to the main event: the Medal of Honor ceremony.
23:42 – Acknowledgment of notable attendees, including military leaders, senators, and former Medal of Honor recipients.
26:50 – President Trump shares the story of Master Sergeant Roderick Edmonds' heroism during World War II.
30:07 – President Trump shares the story of Command Sergeant Major Terry P. Richardson's valor during the Vietnam War.
34:23 – President Trump shares the story of Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis' sacrifice during the war in Afghanistan.
36:11—Remarks by the Polish soldier (Second Lieutenant Carol) whose life was saved by Staff Sergeant Ollis.
38:27 – Official reading of the Medal of Honor citation for Master Sergeant Roderick W. Edmonds.
40:17 – Official reading of the Medal of Honor citation for Command Sergeant Major Terry P. Richardson.
42:15 – Official reading of the Medal of Honor citation for Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis.
43:09 – Benediction and closing prayer.

#MedalOfFreedom #USMilitary #NavySEAL #Trump2026 #DefenseNow #SpecialForces

A U.S. Navy SEAL: Recognized for valor and leadership during a high-risk, overseas rescue mission.

Connor Hellebuyck: The U.S. men's Olympic hockey goaltender, honored for his 41-save performance that secured a gold-medal victory over Canada at the recent Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.


Today's ceremony sits alongside a broader wave of recent military commendations from the White House. This includes the Medal of Honor presented to 100-year-old Navy Captain Royce Williams for a newly declassified 1952 dogfight, and Purple Hearts awarded to National Guard members Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and the late Spc. Sarah Beckstrom following the November attack in Washington, D.C.

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Defense Now | March 2026
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The President participates in a Medal of Honor Ceremony
The President participates in a Medal of Honor Ceremony
East Room

Film Credits: White House Communications Agency