Published: 06-03-08
WASHINGTON D.C. – Army Specialist Ross A. McGinnis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor at a White House ceremony today the second soldier serving in Iraq to receive the military’s highest medal for valor in combat. Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01) who joined with other Members of Congress to recommend SPC McGinnis for the honor attended the solemn event.
While his unit patrolled the Baghdad neighborhood of Adhamiyah during December 2006 SPC McGinnis sacrificed his own life when he selflessly threw himself upon a grenade that had entered his tank in order to shield his crew from the blast – two of whom Specialist Sean Lawson and Sergeant First Class Cedric Thomas hail from Tyler and Longview respectively. McGinnis who was a private first class at the time was posthumously promoted to specialist.
Following the ceremony Rep. Gohmert stated:
“Specialist McGinnis demonstrated unmatched bravery and quick action in the heat of combat for which he was deemed a hero. However we know SPC McGinnis was a hero long before that fateful day because he was remarkable not just in the way he lived in that moment but by the way he lived throughout his life. His love of and devotion to his country was evident since the time he was a young boy and he certainly carried that passion to the end. SPC McGinnis gave his life so that others might live.
“He offered his life to protect and defend the American ideals of justice and freedom of loyalty and honor. And for his intrepid and heart-wrenching demonstration of these values we are truly thankful and honored to recognize SPC McGinnis with the Medal of Honor. Words cannot adequately express the appreciation felt on behalf of a grateful nation but we will strive to prove our deep appreciation by continuing to fight for the values to which SPC McGinnis was committed throughout his life.”
President Bush spoke at the ceremony where SPC McGinnis’ parents Tom and Romayne McGinnis sisters Becky Gorman and Katie McGinnis as well as Specialist Sean Lawson and Sergeant First Class Cedric Thomas were all present. Rep. Gohmert was able to meet with them afterward to take them to dinner and lead them on a personal tour of the U.S. Capitol Building.
***Attached Photo: Top right: President George Bush addresses those gathered at the Medal of Honor ceremony for Army SPC Ross A. McGinnis. Vice President Cheney and the family of SPC McGinnis sit in the front row. Former Medal of Honor recipients are seated to the President’s left.
