By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 19, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel
led a celebration correcting an injustice today, as 24 Army veterans whose
heroics spanned three wars were inducted into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes
here.
President Barack Obama presented to the Medal of Honor to
three living heroes and to family members or representatives of the 21 others
at the White House yesterday. All had previously received the Distinguished
Service Cross, but a congressionally directed review resulted in their awards
being upgraded.
Joined by Army Secretary John M. McHugh, Army Chief of Staff
Gen. Ray Odierno, and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III, the
defense secretary noted that today’s event also celebrated the nation’s highest
award for valor.
“We are here this morning to celebrate the heroism of 24
selfless individuals,” Hagel said, noting that their acts of gallantry in
battle merit the nation’s highest recognition. “We are also here to correct an
injustice of history to help right 24 wrongs that should have never occurred.”
Before honoring the Medal of Honor recipients themselves,
Hagel recognized a friend of one particular recipient for his determination to
ensure Pfc. Leonard Kravitz, and other deserving soldiers, received their
rightful recognition.
“I want to recognize another soldier here today, a man who
President [Barack] Obama acknowledged and commended yesterday,” Hagel said.
“His name is Mitch Libman. He was the driving force behind this effort to award
the Medal of Honor to Jewish and Hispanic service members who had earned it,
but had never received it because of racial or religious discrimination.”
Hagel said when Libman discovered his childhood friend had
been denied the Medal of Honor, he decided to do whatever was necessary to
rectify it.
“He never gave up,” the secretary said. “And though it took
a long time -- too long -- he was able to see the record set straight, not only
for his friend, but for 23 other soldiers. Mitch, on behalf of everyone in this
auditorium, and this country, thank you. We’re grateful for your hard work and
your persistence.”
Hagel also expressed gratitude to Army officials and others
who helped to identify and verify every heroic deed being honored at the
ceremony.
Hagel also noted three of the 24 medal recipients -- Sgt. 1st
Class Jose Rodela, Staff Sgt. Melvin Morris and Specialist 4th Class Santiago
J. Erevia, who all were promoted to the next rank before leaving the Army --
were in attendance at the induction ceremony.
“Some of these soldiers gave their lives in service to this
nation,” he said. “Others have passed away, but we are honored to have three of
the recipients here with us today. The names that grace the walls of the
Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes belong to soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who
represent the essence, the finest, the best of military service.”
The defense secretary also related a story of a Jewish
chaplain who survived the carnage at Iwo Jima 70 years ago and paid tribute by
leading his fellow Marines to dedicate a cemetery on the island.
“They were burying their friends and their comrades,” Hagel
said, “men of all religions, all races [and] all creeds.”
In mourning them, Hagel said, the chaplain observed, “Here
no man prefers another because of his faith, or despises another because of
their color. Here there are no quotas of how many from each group are admitted
or allowed. Thus do we memorialize those who, having ceased living with us, now
live within us. Thus do we consecrate ourselves, the living, to carry on the
struggle they began.”
The defense secretary said the two dozen Medal of Honor
recipients’ induction into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes continues to honor
their valor.
“Today, on the doorstep of our nation’s capital, we honor 24
heroes with the same solemn pledge that was given on the island of Iwo Jima --
that their sacrifice shall never be in vain,” Hagel said. “Thank you for what
you all have done for our country.”
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