President announces 24 veterans to receive Medals of Honor

By David VergunFebruary 26, 2014

Valor 24 promotional graphic
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Feb. 21, 2014) -- President Barack Obama announced today that he will award the Medal of Honor to 24 veterans during a March 18 ceremony at the White House.

Seven awards will go to World War II veterans, nine to Korean War veterans, and eight to Vietnam War veterans. All awards are posthumous with the exception of three living Vietnam veterans.

The award, the highest for valor, is an upgrade from the Distinguished Service Cross that many Soldiers received for intrepid actions, personal bravery and devotion to duty during actions against enemy forces.

World War II

Awardees from World War II include:

  • Pvt. Pedro Cano, for actions near Schevenhutte, Germany in December 1944
  • Pvt. Joe Gandara, for actions during the landings in Normandy, France in June 1944
  • Pfc. Salvador J. Lara, for actions during the Anzio Campaign in Italy in May 1944
  • Pfc. William Leonard, for actions in France in November 1944
  • Tech. Sgt. Manuel V. Mendoza, for actions at Mount Battaglia, Italy in September 1944
  • Sgt. Alfred B. Nietzel, for actions during the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, Germany in November 1944

Korean War

Awardees from the Korean War include:

  • Cpl. Joe R. Baldonado, for actions near Kangdeng in November 1950
  • Sgt. Victor H. Espinoza, for actions during the Battle of Old Baldy in August 1952
  • Sgt. Eduardo C. Gomez, for actions at Tabu-dong in September 1950
  • Pfc. Leonard M. Kravitz, for actions in Yangpyong in March 1951
  • Master Sgt. Juan E. Negron, for actions near Kalma-Eri in April 1951
  • Master Sgt. Mike C. Pena, for actions in Waegwan in September 1950
  • Pvt. Demensio Rivera, for actions near Changyong-ni in May, 1951
  • Pvt. Miguel A. Vera, for actions during the Battle of Old Baldy in September 1952
  • Sgt. Jack Weinstein, for actions near Kumsong in October, 1951

Vietnam War

Awardees from the Vietnam War include:

  • Spc. 4 Leonard L. Alvarado, for actions in Phuoc Long province in August 1969
  • Sgt. 1st Class Felix M. Conde-Falcon, for actions in Ap Tan Hoa in April 1969
  • Spc. 4 Ardie Ray Copas, for actions in Cambodia in May 1970
  • Spc. 4 Jesus S. Duran, for actions in Tay Ninh in April 1969
  • Sgt. Santiago J. Erevia, for actions near Tam Ky in May 1969
  • Sgt. Candelario "Cid" Garcia Jr., for actions near Lai Khe in December 1968
  • Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Morris, for actions near Chi Lang in September 1969
  • Master Sgt. Jose Rodela, for actions in Phuoc Long province in September 1969

Erevia, Morris and Rodela, each who served in Vietnam, are the living recipients of the Medals of Honor.

The U.S. Army will induct the Medal of Honor recipients into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes in a March 19th ceremony.

(For more ARNEWS stories, visit https://www.army.mil/arnews)

Related Links:

Vietnam War hero to receive Medal of Honor after 44 years

Army.mil: Valor 24 site

U.S. Army Center of Military History: Medal of Honor