President awards Medal of Honor to three recipients at White House

I have no higher privilege than serving as the commander-in-chief of the U.S. Armed Forces

I'm so proud of them. A 250-year tradition of the bravest and greatest heroes ever to walk the earth

But only a few have received our highest military distinction, the Congressional Medal of Honor

I wanted to give it to myself, but I was informed I couldn't do it

And I couldn't find anything where I was actually worthy. So here we are. You understand that

But today we present this award. It's the greatest of awards to three new recipients

Marine Corps Major James Capers. Marine Corps Colonel John W. Ripley, deceased

And Army Major Nicholas Dockery. The first hero we pay tribute to today

is one of the finest warriors to ever wear the uniform of the United States Marines

Major James Capers, Jr. sitting right here. Thank you, James. In Vietnam the Corps promoted him from staff sergeant directly to second lieutenant unusual making Jim the first black marine in history to receive a battlefield commission in the middle of a war Next we

honor another legend of the United States Marines who is sadly no longer with us Colonel John W

Ripley. Get me there just get me there. When John detonated the explosives a bridge collapsed

into the river, crushing the advance and save the hope of a free Vietnam for Easter morning

For his heroic deeds, John Ripley was given the Navy Cross, and today we posthumously

award him the highest of all awards, the Congressional Medal of Honor

Finally, we honor a hero of the war on terror, Major Nicholas Dockery

On October 2nd, 2012, Nick's platoon was guarding the compound of the governor of eastern Afghanistan when they were ambushed by 150 Taliban fighters swarming in from multiple directions

They came from all over the place. The enemy unleashed overwhelming torrents of fire from machine guns and rocket grenades without concern for his own life at all Nick raced across the open ground to rally his scattered team When word came that Sergeant Eric Mitchell was wounded and

pinned down inside the compound, Nick went after him without even hesitating

He personally spearheaded the rescue, kicking down doors and clearing room after room

He was looking for him. He was going to find him. At one point, he killed a Taliban fighter and detained two others

As he reached Sergeant Mitchell, a grenade came raining down without thinking

Nick tackled Sergeant Mitchell, likely saving his life. Nick eliminated both terrorists in close quarters

then pulled Sergeant Hansborough back to cover, but found he was not breathing

So urgently, Nick administered CPR until the sergeant's heart kicked back in

As mortar fire thundered down all around them, Nick covered his incapacitated teammate with his own body, shielding him from further injury

In his final act of unbelievable valor that day Nick climbed his way to the open roof where he was again vulnerable to Taliban gunfire at highest levels he signaled enemy positions with smoke grenades allowing American gunships to come to the platoon rescue Major Dockery you were the last man to depart the battlefield that day

and you left it a legend and a hero. We proudly award you the Congressional Medal of Honor

Thank you

Thank you