Decision to Retain Medals of Honor
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that the 20 soldiers awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre will retain their honors. In a video posted to social media on the evening of September 25, Hegseth stated, 'Under my direction, the soldiers who fought at the Battle of Wounded Knee will keep their medals. This decision is final. Their place in history is settled.' This statement comes after a review process initiated by his predecessor, Lloyd Austin, in 2024, following a Congressional recommendation in the 2022 defense bill to reconsider these awards due to the controversial nature of the event.
The Wounded Knee Massacre, often referred to as a battle in historical accounts, occurred on South Dakota's Pine Ridge Indian Reservation near Wounded Knee Creek. Historical records indicate that the U.S. Army, during a campaign to suppress Native American tribes in the region, killed an estimated 250 Lakota Sioux, including women and children, while attempting to disarm them. The decision to maintain the medals has sparked renewed discussion about how history is remembered and honored.
Historical Context and Controversy
The events of December 29, 1890, at Wounded Knee have long been a point of contention. While some historical narratives describe it as a battle, many accounts and historians emphasize that it was a massacre, with significant loss of life among the Lakota people. Reports suggest that over 300 Lakota individuals were killed during the incident, a stark contrast to the military casualties reported at the time. The awarding of Medals of Honor to 20 soldiers—some recognized for rescuing wounded comrades or continuing to fight despite injuries—has been criticized by activists and lawmakers who argue that such honors are inappropriate given the nature of the event.
Efforts to rescind these medals gained traction in recent years, culminating in the Congressional push for a review in 2022. The review ordered by Lloyd Austin aimed to reassess whether the actions of the soldiers warranted the nation's highest military decoration. However, Hegseth's recent decision has put an end to this process, affirming that the medals will not be revoked and closing the chapter on this particular reevaluation.
Reactions and Implications
The announcement by Hegseth has elicited varied responses across different communities. Posts found on social media platforms like X reflect a spectrum of opinions, with some users supporting the decision as a recognition of historical military actions, while others express disappointment over what they see as a failure to address past injustices. The finality of Hegseth's statement—emphasizing that 'their place in history is settled'—suggests that further official reconsideration of these awards is unlikely under his tenure.
This decision also raises broader questions about how the United States reconciles with its historical actions, particularly those involving Native American communities. The Wounded Knee Massacre remains one of the most documented acts of violence against Native Americans, and the retention of these medals continues to be a sensitive issue for many. As discussions persist, this moment serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between honoring military service and acknowledging historical tragedies.