President Donald Trump awarded several honors and medals during his historic State of the Union Tuesday night. Here is every honor Trump awarded during the joint address.
‘He was a legend long before this evening.’
1. Connor Hellebuyck, Presidential Medal of Freedom
Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images
As goalie, Connor Hellebuyck played an integral role on the USA men’s hockey team that brought home the gold for the first time in 46 years. Trump hosted the team at the White House on Tuesday, just days after their historic victory, later inviting them to attend the State of the Union.
During his joint address, Trump announced that he would bestow Hellebuyck with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor. Trump also noted that he took a vote from the team members in the Oval Office as to whether he should award Hellebuyck the medal, and they unanimously supported the idea.
Trump’s address was a beacon of patriotism, and this moment was no exception.
“What special champions you are,” Trump said.
2. Andrew Wolfe, Purple Heart
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Andrew Wolfe was one of the two National Guardsmen who were ambushed and shot, allegedly by an Afghan national, just feet from the White House in November. Wolfe was not expected to survive, but he miraculously pulled through and appeared at the State of the Union alongside his mother.
To commend his service, Trump awarded Wolfe the Purple Heart.
“It was a solemn and unforgettable moment, one that ensured their courage and sacrifice were honored not only by West Virginia but also before the entire nation,” West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) said in a statement.
3. Sarah Beckstrom, Purple Heart
Photo by Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Sarah Beckstrom was the second National Guardsman recognized at the State of the Union and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. Beckstrom was serving alongside Wolfe when she was ambushed and fatally shot in November at just 20 years old.
Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images
Beckstrom’s parents accepted the award on behalf of their late daughter Tuesday night, marking a solemn moment.
“West Virginia will never forget their service, their bravery, or their sacrifice,” Morrisey said.
4. Scott Ruskan, Legion of Merit
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Scott Ruskan, an aviation survival technician and rescue swimmer for the United States Coast Guard, was recognized for saving nearly 170 people during the floods that devastated central Texas back in July. Those rescued included children attending Camp Mystic.
Trump awarded Ruskan the Legion of Merit for his “extraordinary heroism.”
Ruskan accepted the award alongside 11-year-old Milly Cate McClymond, one of the girls he rescued from Camp Mystic.
“As the waters threatened to sweep her away, 11-year-old Milly Cate McClymond closed her eyes and prayed to God,” Trump said. “She thought she was going to die. Those prayers were answered when Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan descended from a helicopter above … and he lifted not just Milly Cate but 164 others to safety.”
5. Eric Slover, Medal of Honor
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Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover was recognized for his role in capturing Venezuelan ex-dictator Nicolas Maduro in January, successfully piloting the Chinook mission despite being shot several times and sustaining severe injuries to his legs.
Despite being severely wounded, Slover stood up in a walker to accept the highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.
“Chief Warrant Officer Slover is still recovering from his serious wounds,” Trump said, “but I’m thrilled to say that he is here tonight with his wife, Amy.”
“The success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Eric’s ability to take the searing pain. It was unbelievable, what’s happened to his legs,” he continued.
6. Royce Williams, Medal of Honor
Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images
Retired Navy Captain Royce Williams was also awarded the Medal of Honor Tuesday night, commending the 100-year-old veteran’s service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. First lady Melania Trump, who sat beside Williams, bestowed the award on the war hero during the address.
In 1952, Williams found himself in a 35-minute dogfight against the Soviets, where he downed four enemy aircraft, survived a 37mm cannon, and still returned to the deck of the USS Oriskany just off the coast of North Korea. His fellow servicemen later counted 263 holes in the frame of his F9F-5 Panther.
“Tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He was a legend long before this evening,” Trump said.
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