Cherokee Nation citizen Dwight Birdwell, 74 Receives Medal of Honor
Cherokee Nation citizen Dwight Birdwell, 74, is the first Native American to receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic service during the Vietnam War after President Joe Biden awarded him the military’s highest recognition Tuesday at the White House.
“Not every service member has received the full recognition they deserve,” President Biden said during the Medal of Honor ceremony. “Today, we are setting the record straight.”
Although more than 50 years have passed since the jungles of Vietnam, where Birdwell first proved his mettle, Biden said “the tide has not diminished” for his astonishing bravery, selflessness, and putting the lives of others ahead of his own, in which the nation owes its gratitude.