White House to award Medal of Honor to first living recipient from Iraq War

President Trump will present the Medal of Honor later this month to an Army staff sergeant for his service during a mission in Fallujah, making him the first living Iraq War veteran to receive the award.

The White House announced Friday that Staff Sgt. David Bellavia will receive the nation’s highest military honor for his actions on Nov. 10, 2014. Trump will present the award during a June 25 ceremony.{mosads}

Bellavia was clearing a block of houses in Fallujah as part of Operation Phantom Fury when his unit was pinned down, the White House said. He provided cover fire so that he and other members of his squad could exit safely.

A military vehicle arrived to provide assistance but was unable to fire into one insurgent-held house. Bellavia then entered the building, where he was engaged by and killed five insurgent fighters.

“That remarkable day, then-Staff Sergeant Bellavia rescued an entire squad, cleared an insurgent strongpoint, and saved many members of his platoon from imminent threat,” the White House said in a statement.

BREAKING: Soldier who fought in Fallujah to receive the Medal of Honor.

Staff Sergeant David Bellavia will receive the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the @WhiteHouse, June 25.

Here is his remarkable story of bravery: https://t.co/JapOsJSWyH#ArmyValues pic.twitter.com/S1ISNqofcm

— U.S. Army (@USArmy) June 10, 2019

Bellavia’s actions are detailed in his 2007 memoir, “House to House.” 

Five other servicemen have received the Medal of Honor for their actions during the Iraq War. Each was honored posthumously.