A 250-year tradition of the bravest and greatest heroes ever to walk the Earth. But only a few have received our highest military distinction, the Congressional Medal of Honor. Today we present this award, it's the greatest of awards to three new recipients, Marine Corps Major James Capers. In Vietnam, the Corps promoted him from Staff Sergeant directly to Second Lieutenant unusual, making Jim the first black Marine in history to receive a battlefield commission in the middle of a war. Jim, the nation kept you waiting far too long. So I say to you, congratulations, you made it. Next we honor another legend of the United States Marines who is sadly no longer with us, Colonel John W. Ripley, for his heroic deeds. John Ripley was given the Navy Cross, and today we posthumously award him the highest of all awards, the Congressional Medal of Honor. Army Major Nicholas Zachary, in his final act of unbelievable valor that day, Nick climbed his way to the open roof where he was again vulnerable to Taliban gunfire at highest levels. He signaled enemy positions with smoke grenades, allowing American gunships to come to the platoon's rescue. Major Zachary, you were the last man to depart the battlefield that day, and you left it a legend and a hero. We proudly award you the Congressional Medal of Honor.
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Video transcript 1:43
A 250-year tradition of the bravest and greatest heroes ever to walk the Earth. But only a few have received our highest military distinction, the Congressional Medal of Honor. Today we present this award, it's the greatest of awards to three new recipients, Marine Corps Major James Capers. In Vietnam, the Corps promoted him from Staff Sergeant directly to Second Lieutenant unusual, making Jim the first black Marine in history to receive a battlefield commission in the middle of a war. Jim, the nation kept you waiting far too long. So I say to you, congratulations, you made it. Next we honor another legend of the United States Marines who is sadly no longer with us, Colonel John W. Ripley, for his heroic deeds. John Ripley was given the Navy Cross, and today we posthumously award him the highest of all awards, the Congressional Medal of Honor. Army Major Nicholas Zachary, in his final act of unbelievable valor that day, Nick climbed his way to the open roof where he was again vulnerable to Taliban gunfire at highest levels. He signaled enemy positions with smoke grenades, allowing American gunships to come to the platoon's rescue. Major Zachary, you were the last man to depart the battlefield that day, and you left it a legend and a hero. We proudly award you the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Transcribed automatically. Expect errors in names and numbers.