Seven Soldiers Inducted Into Pentagon Hall of Heroes After Receiving Medals of Honor at White House
January 4, 2025
Washington, D.C. – Seven U.S. soldiers were inducted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes on Thursday after receiving the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor, from President Joseph R. Biden at a ceremony at the White House.
The inductees are:
- Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe (posthumously)
- Sergeant First Class Christopher Celiz
- Sergeant First Class Earl Plumlee
- Staff Sergeant Ryan Pitts
- Sergeant First Class Paul Smith
- Sergeant First Class Earl Plumlee
- Master Sergeant Matthew Williams
The soldiers were honored for their extraordinary heroism and selflessness in combat.
Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe, who was posthumously awarded the medal, saved the lives of several of his soldiers when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Iraq in 2005. Cashe used his body to shield his fellow soldiers from the blast, sustaining severe burns over 70% of his body. He died of his injuries two weeks later.
Sergeant First Class Christopher Celiz was awarded the medal for his actions in Afghanistan in 2018. Celiz repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to rescue wounded comrades and provide medical treatment.
Sergeant First Class Earl Plumlee was awarded the medal for his actions in Iraq in 2007. Plumlee led a squad of soldiers into a building to clear it of enemy fighters. He was shot in the leg, but he continued to fight, killing four enemy fighters and capturing another.
Staff Sergeant Ryan Pitts was awarded the medal for his actions in Afghanistan in 2017. Pitts was serving as a medic when his unit came under attack. He repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to rescue wounded comrades.
Sergeant First Class Paul Smith was awarded the medal for his actions in Afghanistan in 2012. Smith was serving as a member of an explosives ordnance disposal team when he was attacked by an IED. He used his body to shield two other soldiers from the blast, sustaining severe injuries.
Master Sergeant Matthew Williams was awarded the medal for his actions in Afghanistan in 2013. Williams was serving as a member of an Army special forces team when he was attacked by a group of enemy fighters. He fought off the attackers, killing several of them and capturing another.
The seven soldiers were inducted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes, which is located in the Pentagon’s concourse. The Hall of Heroes is a permanent exhibit that honors the men and women who have received the Medal of Honor.
Quotes from the ceremony:
- “These seven soldiers have shown us the true meaning of courage and selflessness,” President Biden said. “They have risked their lives to save others, and they have made our nation proud.”
- “I am humbled and honored to receive this medal,” Sergeant First Class Cashe’s widow, Tamara Cashe, said. “My husband was a hero, and I am proud of the legacy he left behind.”
- “I am grateful for the recognition, but I am also humbled by it,” Sergeant First Class Celiz said. “I was just doing my job.”
- “I am proud to be a part of this group of soldiers,” Staff Sergeant Pitts said. “We all have a lot of respect for each other, and we know that we can count on each other.”
- “I am honored to be inducted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes,” Master Sergeant Williams said. “It is a reminder of the sacrifices that our service members have made for our country.”
The induction of the seven soldiers into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes is a fitting tribute to their heroism and sacrifice. These soldiers have served their country with distinction, and they are an inspiration to us all.
After Receiving Medals of Honor at White House, 7 Soldiers Inducted Into Pentagon Hall of Heroes
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