The Four Living Medal of Honor Recipients Honored by Donald Trump

Out of the 60 living Medal of Honor recipients today, four were presented with this prestigious award by President Donald Trump. These four men represent the highest standard of bravery, facing the kind of intense combat situations that few can imagine. The Medal of Honor, awarded for extreme acts of courage, has been given only 3,538 times in its 150-year history almost 20% of those awarded posthumously.

Here are the stories of these remarkable heroes, men who went beyond the call of duty to protect their comrades and defend freedom.

Staff Sergeant David G. Bellavia

Awarded on June 25, 2019, Bellavia’s heroic actions took place on November 4, 2004, during the Iraq War. As his unit came under heavy fire from insurgents within a building, Bellavia provided cover so his team could withdraw safely. Then, risking his own life, he re-entered the building alone to take down remaining enemy fighters, sustaining serious wounds in the process. Trump honored Bellavia’s bravery, saying he exemplified the same courage as the soldiers of Normandy who defeated evil 75 years earlier. Bellavia’s bold message during the ceremony resonated with many: "We don’t want war, but if you want war with the United States of America…someone else will raise your sons and daughters."

Sergeant First Class Thomas P. Payne

On September 11, 2020, Payne was awarded the Medal of Honor for a daring rescue mission carried out on October 22, 2015, in Iraq’s Kirkuk Province. Under heavy fire, Payne breached a building where hostages were held, some of whom were trapped inside a burning structure. His courage and leadership enabled the rescue of 75 hostages and the elimination of 20 enemy combatants. Trump's acknowledgment of Payne underscored the significant impact of this operation, which exemplifies the unmatched courage of American warriors.

Senior Chief Britt K. Slabinski

On May 24, 2018, Slabinski, a U.S. Navy SEAL, received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the 2002 Battle of Takur Ghar in Afghanistan. After an enemy ambush caused his helicopter to crash-land, Slabinski led his team on a rescue mission up a mountain, directly engaging enemy positions. In the face of relentless fire and treacherous terrain, he provided critical support to his team, carrying a wounded comrade through snow and calling in airstrikes with precision. His actions saved lives and allowed the mission to continue, underscoring his dedication and endurance in combat.

Sergeant Matthew O. Williams

Recognized on October 30, 2019, Williams earned his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 6, 2008, during an assault on an enemy stronghold in Afghanistan. Williams navigated steep, heavily defended mountainsides to reach comrades who had been pinned down. After helping the wounded to a safer location, he led a counter-attack, keeping the enemy at bay until helicopters could evacuate the casualties. Williams’ bravery under fire ensured the survival of his team members and maintained control of the critical mountain terrain.

Each of these men went above and beyond in the heat of battle, risking their lives for their brothers in arms and upholding the highest ideals of service and sacrifice. Their courage serves as an enduring example of the strength, dedication, and valor of our armed forces.

Want more stories of American courage? Share this article and subscribe to our newsletter for more.