Biden awards Medal of Honor to Vietnam veterans snubbed decades ago due to prejudice
IndependentJul 06, 2022
The Facts
On Tues., US Pres. Biden bestowed the Medal of Honor on four veterans of the Vietnam War for their heroism above and beyond the call of duty.
Whilst Staff Sergeant Edward N. Kaneshiro received the US's highest military honor posthumously, Specialist Fives Dwight W. Birdwell and Dennis M. Fujii, alongside retired Major John J. Duffy, were awarded the medal at an in-person ceremony.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This ceremony finally marked a recognition of the courage and heroism that was demonstrated in abundance by Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders during the Vietnam War. While all four men had previously been given other awards for their actions, recognition of their efforts has rightly been elevated to reflect the unbelievable feats they endured in order to protect not only their fellow soldiers but America and its values.
Establishment-critical narrative
While the men were undoubtedly brave, this doesn't alter the fact that these Vietnam veterans, abandoned by authorities for decades, are now receiving meaningless recognition for their role in a war of aggression carried out by lying politicians at the cost of the lives of thousands of young Americans and millions of Vietnamese. Instead of issuing medals of honor, the US should apologize to all those affected by this dishonorable war.
