While honoring heroes is supposed to be about them, President Trump found a way to make it about himself Tuesday night.
Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams, 100, finally received the Medal of Honor for a secret Korean War mission. In 1952, he shot down four Soviet MiG-15 jets during a 35-minute dogfight off the coast of Korea. The mission stayed classified for decades to avoid tensions with the Soviet Union.
“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. First Lady Melania Trump pinned the medal while Williams got a standing ovation. The ceremony drew cheers from both Republicans and Democrats.
Trump kept the focus on military service, awarding more honors. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom received a Purple Heart for being shot while on patrol near the White House in November 2025. Beckstrom tragically died, while Wolfe survived.
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“With God’s help, Andrew has battled back from the edge of death,” Trump said. He called the attacker a “terrorist monster” and criticized him sharply, praising both soldiers’ bravery. Families were visibly moved as Trump handed over the awards.
Next, Trump honored Connor Hellebuyck, goalie for the U.S. men’s hockey team, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Trump bragged, “I’ve never seen a goalie play as well as Connor Hellebuyck,” after the team’s gold-medal win over Canada. The hockey team met Trump earlier and received loud applause from Congress.
Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover got the Medal of Honor for being injured while capturing Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. Trump described the pilot’s wounds and courage while landing a Chinook helicopter under fire. Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Ruskan received the Legion of Merit for rescuing 11-year-old Milly Cate McClymond and dozens of others during last year’s deadly Texas floods.
But true to form, Trump couldn’t resist adding himself to the story. After awarding Williams, he quipped, “I’ve always wanted it, but I’m not allowed to give it to myself… if they ever change the law, I’ll be there.” Even in moments meant to honor others, he made sure attention swung back to him.
Donald Trump after awarding the Medal of Honor to a Korean War hero:
“I’ve always wanted it, but I’m not allowed to give it to myself… if they ever change the law, I’ll be there.”
Standing next to someone who earned it in combat.
And still making it about himself.
That’s the… pic.twitter.com/AXWuHF5FaY
— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) February 25, 2026
The awards were emotional and inspiring. Veterans, Olympians, and rescue heroes were celebrated for their courage.
Featured image via YouTube screengrab
