Today, during a ceremony at the White House, President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to three service members whose acts of courage span generations of American service.

Nicholas Dockery, U.S. Army (Ret.), was recognized for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty for his actions on October 2, 2012, while serving as a rifle platoon leader with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment in Kapisa Province, Afghanistan.

On that day, then-Second Lieutenant Dockery and his platoon came under intense attack from Taliban fighters armed with machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and assault rifles. Throughout four hours of relentless combat, Dockery repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to reinforce isolated Soldiers, lead assaults through enemy-held compounds, and rescue wounded comrades. He shielded a fellow Soldier from a grenade blast, administered lifesaving aid under fire, and climbed onto a rooftop to mark friendly positions for helicopter support while drawing enemy fire upon himself. During the battle’s final stages, he twice volunteered to remain behind and provide covering fire, refusing to leave the village until every wounded Soldier had been evacuated.

Over the course of the engagement, Major Dockery’s unwavering courage, selflessness, and aggressive leadership proved decisive in repelling multiple enemy attacks and saving the lives of his fellow American and Afghan soldiers. His actions reflected the highest traditions of military heroism and the United States Army.

James Capers, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), was recognized for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on April 3, 1967, while serving as a platoon commander with the 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, then-Captain Capers and his team came under a devastating enemy ambush. Despite sustaining multiple severe wounds, he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire to direct his Marines and coordinate supporting fires. Refusing evacuation, Major Capers continued to lead the fight and ensured the recovery of his wounded teammates. Even after the battle, he insisted that no one be left behind, remaining committed to the recovery of his Marines and his military working dog. His extraordinary leadership, courage, and devotion to his men saved the lives of his team and reflected the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Armed Forces.

On April 2, 1972, then-Captain Ripley was serving as Senior Marine Advisor to the 3rd Vietnamese Marine Battalion in Quang

Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, as the North Vietnamese launched the massive Easter Offensive. The enemy’s advance depended upon capturing the strategic Dong Ha Bridge, the only crossing capable of supporting heavy armored vehicles.

When he discovered that demolition charges had not been properly emplaced, Captain Ripley acted without hesitation. For more than three hours, while under intense enemy fire, he climbed beneath the bridge and hand-carried nearly 500 pounds of explosives across its steel girders. Battling exhaustion, blood loss, and enemy rounds, he repeatedly exposed himself to danger as he painstakingly placed charges at key structural points along the 600-foot span. After completing the task, Captain Ripley detonated the explosives, destroying the bridge and halting the North Vietnamese advance.

His extraordinary gallantry, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to duty played a decisive role in blunting one of the largest enemy offensives of the Vietnam War and reflected the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Armed Forces.

One Medal. Three stories of extraordinary valor. Honor never fades. With today’s ceremony, there have now been 3,536 Recipients of our nation’s highest award for valor in combat. Of the fewer than 4,000 ever awarded, just 65 are living today, Major Dockery being one of them.

Jacquelyn Martin / AP