US Army awards Medal of Heroism to student who lost his life saving others in Florida school shooting

DCNFRyan Pickrell, DCNF

A memorial for Peter Wang, one of the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. (Photo credit should read RHONA WISE/AFP/Getty Images)

The U.S. Army will honor 15-year-old Peter Wang’s sacrifice and “selfless service” by presenting the Medal of Heroism to his family during a memorial service Tuesday, an Army spokesperson told The Daily Beast and confirmed to The Daily Caller News Foundation.

A Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) cadet, Wang bravely held a door open for his fellow students as a gunman murdered pupils and teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14. Wang, dressed in his uniform, was killed while saving others.

Other JROTC members praised Wang for his “selfless service,” according to The Washington Post.

The Medal of Heroism recognizes individuals whose performance “involved the acceptance of danger and extraordinary responsibilities,” the Army told TheDCNF. As an additional honor for his unfailing strength of character, the U.S. Army’s West Point Academy, which Peter had planned to attend, posthumously accepted Wang Tuesday.

Wang is expected to be buried in his JROTC uniform adorned with the prestigious Medal of Heroism, the Army revealed. A second “keepsake” medal will be presented to the family.

Alaina Petty and Martin Duque, two 14-year-old JROTC cadets who were killed in the shooting, are also being awarded the Medal of Heroism.

To earn a JROTC Medal of Heroism, one of the highest honors a cadet can earn, “the achievement must be an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding that it clearly sets the individual apart from fellow students or from other persons in similar circumstances,” an Army spokesman told TheDCNF.

Several other JROTC members also demonstrated courage under fire during last week’s incident. Zackary Walls and Colton Haab rushed students into a classroom, barricaded the door, and used Kevlar sheets to protect students. Jude Lenamon reportedly helped students get past a fence and escape the scene once it was clear that the situation was not a drill.

The Army is considering awarding some of the other heroic students medals for their exceptional service during last Wednesday’s shooting.

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