For the first time in its 19-year history, the Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms was presented to a U.S. Military Academy international graduate. A Class of 2013 graduate, Philippine Army Maj. Floren P. Herrera, humbly accepted the award during a ceremony in the Cadet Mess Hall on Oct. 10, 2024.
Herrera’s heroic actions and leadership during the Battle of Marawi against 1,000 foreign militants and local terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) led him to be nominated and selected as this year’s award winner.
From June 12 to Oct. 16, 2017, while serving as the executive officer of the 2nd Scout Ranger Company, 1st Scout Ranger Battalion in the Philippine Army, Herrera maneuvered his platoon around a 50-meter open area to tactically seize a building, paving the way for a successful ambush against enemy forces. His efforts resulted in a significant number of enemy casualties and saved the lives of his troops who were in the enemy’s kill zone. As a result of his bravery and leadership, Herrera received the Distinguished Conduct Star, the Philippines’ second-highest award for heroism and equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross.
Before Thursday’s award ceremony, Herrera was able to sit down with current cadets who are part of the academy’s Asian Pacific Cadet Club (APAC), including Filipino Exchange Cadets Rafael Munoz, Class of 2025, and Renzo Almodovar, Class of 2026, where he discussed his actions and provided insight and advice on how to be successful military officers.
“I’m going to be receiving the (Nininger) award,” he stated. “But I’m offering that award in the memory of those guys in my unit who died on Marawi. I’m happy to be recognized, but I’m here not just for myself but for the memory of those guys – I’m getting it for them.”
While he attributes the success of the battle to those in his unit, he recognized that his time at the academy played a vital role in his development as an officer in the Philippine Army.
“The thing we hear at West Point is lead from the front,” Herrera explained. “It is what was expected when I got back to the Philippines (after I graduated) because the Scout Rangers are pretty much like the 75th Ranger Regiment here. We do special operations missions, so part of the expectations for officers, for that unit, is you must be able to lead from the front, especially in combat.
“West Point prepares you to be a platoon leader. You have the tools to lead your troops. Regardless of the situation, whether you are tired, angry, whatever, make sure you are composed in your decision-making,” Herrera added. “Leading from the front, decision-making, trusting your guys and promoting teamwork – those are the most important things as a leader.”
Herrera’s parting words to the APAC cadets was to commit to the West Point Leader Development System in developing their leadership skills.
“The cadets have got to optimize their training here because when I was a cadet, I maximized it,” Herrera said. “I made sure I always looked into the future … I was always assessing myself, whether I was ready to lead troops and everything that I thought I needed to succeed. I had to make sure I learned it here while I was still at West Point.”
In addition to the Nininger Award and the Distinguished Conduct Star, Herrera has also been awarded the Filipino Gold Star Medal, the equivalent of the U.S. Army’s Silver Star Medal, and the Wounded Personnel Medal, equivalent to a U.S. Purple Heart.
His bravery and tactical expertise are reminiscent of Nininger, USMA Class of 1941, who fought in the Philippines during World War II with the 57th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Scouts. Nininger voluntarily joined another company as his unit was not yet involved in combat to fight against the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. Nininger was posthumously awarded the first Medal of Honor in World War II for his actions near Abucay, Bataan, on Jan. 12, 1942.
After speaking with APAC, Herrera was honored in front of USMA leadership and the U.S. Corps of Cadets to accept the Nininger Award. His sentiment rang true throughout the day. “To make a sustainable difference, I want to share two crucial points: leading from the front and empowering your team,” Herrera told the crowd. “Through hard work, humility and discipline, you will seize the opportunity to learn from both your superior officers and your subordinates. Before long, your commitment to leading by example will place you at the forefront of your troops.”
Herrera also reiterated that he would accept the award in memory of his fallen comrades. On reflecting on their lives and the life of Alexander Nininger, Herrera said, “We must ensure the sacrifices of those who gave their lives are not wasted ... Therefore, amid the rapidly evolving security landscape that continues to pose challenges to our nation, we must remain steadfast. As instruments of change, advancing all they fought for, for duty, for honor and for country.”
The Alexander R. Nininger Award, presented by the West Point Association of Graduates, is funded by an endowment from E. Doug Kenna, USMA Class of 1945, and his wife, Jean, to represent the ideals of West Point by presenting to the Corps of Cadets an exemplar of heroism in the profession of arms.
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