WATCH: Trump honors three U.S. Army soldiers in Medal of Honor ceremony, addresses Iran attacks

By — Bill Barrow, Associated Press Bill Barrow, Associated Press By — Seung Min Kim, Associated Press Seung Min Kim, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Trump honors three U.S. Army soldiers in Medal of Honor ceremony, addresses Iran attacks Politics Updated on Mar 2, 2026 12:59 PM EST — Published on Mar 2, 2026 11:01 AM EST WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump recognized three U.S. Army soldiers with the Medal of Honor at the White House on Monday, with two of the commendations being awarded posthumously. The ceremony is expected to begin at 11 a.m. EST. Watch live in our video player above. Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Terry P. Richardson was recognized for actions during the Vietnam War that were credited with saving the lives of 85 other service members. Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2013, was recognized for valor during the combat that resulted in his death. Master Sgt. Roderick W. Edmonds, who died in 1985, was recognized for his leadership and resistance as a prisoner of war in Germany during World War II. "There's no ceremony that can be more important than this," Trump said to begin the East Room ceremony that included the recipients' family members. The Republican president also used the ceremony to talk about his decision to launch a war in Iran, his immigration crackdown, expansion of the White House and decor he's chosen at the executive mansion. On Iran, the president defended the preemptive action as necessary to block Tehran from rebuilding its nuclear program and becoming "an intolerable threat to the Middle East but also to the American people." The Medal of Honor is given by U.S. presidents, in the name of Congress, to recognize combat service that goes beyond the call of duty and risks one's own life. Richardson risked his life on Vietnam reconnaissance mission On Sept. 14, 1968, Richardson was a staff s...