Cashe would be the first African American to receive the award for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan
The Senate passed legislation on Tuesday that clears the way for President Trump to award the nation’s highest award for valor in combat to Army Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe, who repeatedly entered a burning vehicle in Iraq to save six fellow soldiers and an interpreter from harm and died a few weeks later.
The legislation, passed by unanimous consent, waives the legal requirement that the Medal of Honor be awarded within five years of a service member’s acts of valor. Cashe has long been considered one of the war’s great American heroes and would be the first African American to receive the award for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan. Former defense secretary Mark T. Esper supported the move in a letter to Congress in August after years of deliberations within the Army.
“Alwyn Cashe’s incredible bravery on the battlefield in service of his fellow Americans is worthy of the Medal of Honor,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, (R.-Ark.), who co-sponsored the legislation, in a statement. “Now, Mr. Cashe’s ultimate sacrifice can be formally recognized by the president and appreciated by our grateful nation.”
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