Text of Jason Sehorn and Angie HarmonHARMON Good evening. Tonight we are proud to recognize two men who embody the American spirit of bravery and sacrifice.
Their heroic feats earned them our nation's highest military award, the Medal of Honor. SEHORN Some say that playing football takes courage - but it's just a game. Nothing compares to the valor of these men. These are America's heroes. They know the price of liberty. And they support President George W. Bush. HARMON The first sailor to earn the Medal of Honor was John Williams of the USS Pawnee during the Civil War. When the ship's flagstaff fell, the wounded captain held the splintered remains in his hand, keeping the flag aloft and rallying his men. SEHORN The Medal of Honor represents the highest aspirations of our country, a duty that demands sacrifice, honor drawn from character..... HARMON And a country where the flag is lifted high, and freedom still reigns. SEHORN Tonight we honor the bravest of the brave. HARMON It was May 31st, 1951 on a hill near Wontong-ni, Korea. Army Corporal Rudy Hernandez and his platoon took defensive positions after gunfire and heavy artillery caused numerous casualties. Lacking ammunition, his comrades retreated; but a wounded Corporal Hernandez stayed behind to slow the enemy. When a ruptured cartridge prevented him from firing, he rushed forward anyway, armed with a rifle and bayonet -- one man against many -- before falling unconscious from his wounds. His heroic and selfless actions saved lives and allowed his unit to retake their ground. Ladies and gentlemen, Corporal Rudy Hernandez of North Carolina. SEHORN In December 1950, in the Chosin Reservoir area of North Korea, Navy pilot Lieutenant Tom Hudner came to the rescue of a downed pilot trapped in burning wreckage behind enemy lines. At great risk, he successfully attempted a wheels-up landing on the mountainous terrain. Enemy fire surrounded him, and he knew there was little chance of escape or survival in the sub-zero temperatures. However, Lt. Hudner stayed, packing snow into the burning plane's fuselage with his bare hands. He battled time, cold, and flames in his attempt to rescue the downed pilot. Ladies and gentlemen, Lieutenant Tom Hudner of Massachusetts, who celebrates his 80th birthday tomorrow. HARMON We thank you both for your service to America, and to the cause of peace and freedom in the world. And we join you in supporting a leader of courage -- a President building a safer world, and a more hopeful America.
President George W. Bush. |
