Trump awards Medal of Honour to 3 US Army service members

President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honour to three US Army soldiers at the White House on Monday, celebrating heroes of old wars as he defended his launch of a new one.

Retired Command Sgt Maj Terry P Richardson was recognised for actions during the Vietnam War that were credited with saving the lives of 85 other service members.

Staff Sgt Michael H Ollis, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2013, was recognised for saving a Polish Army officer’s life.

Master Sgt Roderick W Edmonds, who died in 1985, was recognised for his leadership and resistance as a prisoner of war in Germany during World War II.

“There’s no ceremony that can be more important than this,” Trump said to begin the East Room ceremony that included the recipients’ family members and the man Ollis shielded from enemy fire.

“Bravery is amazing,” Trump said. “You never really know who’s brave and who’s not until they’re tested.”