Monday, July 18, 2016
What is it?
President Barack Obama will award the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor, to a U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran during a White House ceremony today at 11:20 a.m. EDT.
Retired Lt. Col. Charles S. Kettles will receive the Medal of Honor for his actions during combat operations, May 15, 1967, near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam.
What has the Army done?
The Office of the Chief of Public Affairs has created a Medal of Honor microsite to pay tribute to the recipients, including Kettles. Visitors to the mobile-friendly multimedia site can access his biography and read an account of Operation Malheur, which showcases Kettles’ heroism above and beyond the call of duty.
The White House ceremony will be live streamed from the website and live tweeted from the @USArmy Twitter handle. In addition, the Army has published exclusive content about Kettles on the official Army Facebook page.
What continued efforts are planned for the future?
In addition to today’s ceremony at the White House, the secretary of defense and Army senior leaders will recognize Kettles and his family during a Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony at the Pentagon, scheduled for 11 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, July 19. The ceremony for Kettles will be streamed live at the Medal of Honor website.
Why is this important to the Army?
The Army’s commitment to the brave men and women does not stop when they transition from the Army uniform. Kettles displayed the attributes of a professional Soldier and embodied the Warrior Ethos. The Army is proud of him and proud to see his professionalism, service and sacrifice being recognized in full view of a new generation.
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