Medal of Honor Recipients: A Tribute to Bravery and Sacrifice
President Donald J. Trump will present the Medal of Honor to three distinguished military personnel on June 18, 2026. Retired Maj. James Capers, Jr. of the U.S. Marine Corps will be honored for his exceptional bravery during a reconnaissance mission in Vietnam in 1967. Despite facing a superior enemy force, he led his team with courage and determination, ultimately saving a Marine battalion from an impending attack.
Col. John W. Ripley, also of the U.S. Marine Corps, will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions in Vietnam in 1972. As a senior marine advisor, he played a crucial role in stopping a North Vietnamese mechanized assault by single-handedly destroying a key bridge with explosives, despite facing intense enemy fire.
Retired Maj. Nicholas Dockery of the U.S. Army will be awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary valor during a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan in 2012. As a platoon leader, he bravely fought off the enemy, risking his life to protect and evacuate wounded members of his platoon. His leadership and courage in the face of danger were instrumental in repelling subsequent enemy attacks.
These three individuals exemplify the highest ideals of military service and selfless sacrifice. Their unwavering bravery and dedication to duty serve as an inspiration to all who serve in the armed forces. The Medal of Honor is a testament to their extraordinary valor and heroism in the face of adversity.