JD Vance Honors Marine and Navy Veterans at 250th Anniversary Celebration

Honoring Sergeant Dakota Meyer

• 🏅 Sergeant Dakota Meyer is recognized for his extraordinary heroism in 2009, saving 36 American and Afghan troops under heavy enemy fire.
• 👏 He received the Medal of Honor in 2011 for his bravery, embodying the best of the Marine Corps and the country.

Tribute to Navy Corpsman Charles Cran

• 🎖️ Charles Cran, a Navy corpsman with the fifth Marine Division, is honored for his service during the landing at Ewo Jima.
• 🇺🇸 He witnessed the flag raising over Mount Suribachi and was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart for valor.

Celebrating Naval Aviator Elmer Royce Williams

• ✈️ Elmer Royce Williams, a naval aviator, is celebrated for his combat patrol in the Korean War against seven Soviet MiGs.
• 💥 Williams shot down four MiGs in a 35-minute dogfight, a record for the longest in naval history, and shattered the MiG's reputation.

Recognizing Master Sergeant Charles McKelie

• 🤝 JD Vance gives a personal shout-out to his friend, recently retired Master Sergeant Charles McKelie, with whom he served at Cherry Point.
• ❤️ McKelie is described as an extraordinary, smart, and kind Marine, though he tragically lost his wife shortly before Vance's inauguration.
• 🇺🇸 Vance expresses pride and thankfulness for McKelie's service and friendship.