(CNN)On Tuesday, President Joe Bidenbecame four Army veterans who fought. Awarded the Medal of Honor. Vietnam War, upgrade the previous honor they received for brave deeds.
The most prestigious decoration medals in the U.S. military were received by Sergeant Edward N. Kaneshiro, Five Dwight W. Birdwell Specialist, and Five Dennis M. Fujii Specialist, who retired. did. Major John J. Duffy.
"They disturb danger, put everything at risk, and protect our country and our values," Biden said at a ceremony at the White House. "But not all military personnel have received the full recognition they deserve. Today we are breaking records. The four who performed incredible heroic acts during the Vietnam War. We are upgrading the soldiers' awards. ”
The President said it was a long journey of more than 50 years for veterans and their families. "But time did not diminish their amazing courage, selflessness to prioritize the lives of others over themselves, and the gratitude we owe them as a nation," he added.
"Your family has made many sacrifices for our country," Biden told Kinjo's family. "I know that awards cannot make up for the fact that your father wasn't there as he died and grew up, but today his courage finally gives him the full recognition it deserves. I hope I can be proud and comforted to know that I am receiving it. "
Kaneshiro's son, before winning the award on his behalf, his father's story was his own. He told CNN that he had an impact on his military career.
"Imagine. Imagine him just selfless and jumping into the fire like that. Inspiring me to do what he did. I did, "said John Kaneshiro.
Former Cherokee National Supreme Court judge Birdwell received a medal for his actions in January 1968.
"I did a trained job. I felt I had to do this. It was a matter of duty. And I fulfilled my duty as much as I could." Birdwell said. "I wondered thousands of times why I survived and why some others didn't, but when I make a decision, if I have the courage to ask God that question."
{37 Biden explained that "it took decades" for Birdwell's commander, General Glen Otis, to realize that he had "not received the full honor he had earned." However, retired Biden said, "General Otis has revised his records to fully document Birdwell's actions to make this day possible."Fujii received a medal for his actions during the rescue of helicopter ambulances in Laos and Vietnam for four days in February 1971.
While on a mission to evacuate seriously injured Vietnamese soldiers, a helicopter was used to destroy the land, according to the White House, when the aircraft was attacked by an enemy. The injured Fujii was the only American left on the battlefield, shaking off another helicopter. He was repeatedly exposed to enemy fire and called for a US helicopter gunship to provide first aid to his allies and repel enemy attacks.
Duffy won the award for his actions in Vietnam in April 1972.
Biden also said. As the airship was preparing to depart, one of Duffy's Vietnamese allies was shot in the foot and "dropped him backwards from the helicopter."
"Major Duffy captured him, dragged him onto the ship, and saved another life along the way," he continued.
Duffy, now 84, has been sent to Vietnam four times to win 64 awards and decorations, including 29 Courage, 4 Bronze Stars, 8 Purple Hearts and 7 Air Medals. ..
"You are bound to honor to fulfill your obligations, no risks or dangers. You are there to do. And as long as you do it, you You can control it, "Duffy said before being awarded the Medal of Honor.