Major Floren Herrera Receives West Point’s Nininger Award for Valor at Arms
Major Herrera stressed the importance of leading by example and creating a lasting impact that inspires and empowers others long after one's own service or leadership ends. (Photo courtesy of Sherlyn Roxas)
NEW YORK 16 October 2024 – Major Floren P. Herrera made history as the first Filipino and non-American to receive the prestigious Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms, conferred by the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point on 10 October 2024.
Major Herrera, currently serving in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has gained recognition for his leadership in critical counterterrorism operations. Graduated from West Point in 2013, he was honored for his bravery and leadership during the five-month Battle of Marawi in 2017, where he led his platoon against over 1,000 foreign militants and local terrorists. His tactical expertise and decisive actions, including the neutralization of key enemy leaders, were instrumental in saving the lives of his fellow soldiers.
In his acceptance speech, Major Herrera reflected on his journey as a leader and the sacrifices made by his fellow soldiers. Major Herrera paid tribute to the fallen heroes of the Marawi siege, vowing to honor their bravery and remember their sacrifices.
Prior to the award presentation, a separate ceremony was held in which Major Herrera was presented with a commemorative US Congressional Gold Medal Coin in honor of Filipino World War II veterans for their service alongside US forces.
A portrait of General Douglas MacArthur, painted by Filipino artist Angelo Antonio Maristela, was unveiled and donated to the West Point Association of Graduates (AOG) by Dr. Lestrino Baquiran, a US-based Filipino internist. END
From left: Ret. US Consul General Sonny Busa, Major Floren Herrera, PH Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amb. Antonio Lagdameo, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, and Ret. Ambassadors Mario de Leon, Jr. and Cecilia Rebong, both former Consuls General in New York] Consul General Busa, himself a Filipino graduate of West Point, presents a commemorative Congressional Gold Medal Coin to Major Herrera. While Major Herrera did not serve in World War II, the medal given to him represents the strong historical ties between the Philippines and the US. (Photo courtesy of Sherlyn Roxas)
For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.newyorkpcg.org, https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNY/ or https://www.instagram.com/phinnewyork/.