Congressman Mike Rogers made the following remarks today after Mr. Bennie G. Adkins, of Opelika, was awarded the Medal of Honor from President Obama at a ceremony this afternoon at the White House.

“Mr. Adkins is well deserving of this enormous honor. After every East Alabamian learned the true details of his amazing bravery in Vietnam, it seemed there was no high enough honor our nation could bestow upon him. I continue to be astounded by his story and his courage. Mr. Adkins is a true American hero and very deserving recipient of our nation’s highest honor.”

The Medal of Honor is awarded to Veterans for uncommon valor in the service of our nation during previous military conflicts. It is traditionally awarded within three years of the act of bravery, but upon learning about Mr. Adkins’ amazing story on the battlefield, Rogers worked over the past year to help shepherd legislation through Congress to waive the time requirement for Mr. Adkins.

“Again, I congratulate Mr. Adkins on this honor and on all our behalf, thank him for his selfless service to our country,” Rogers added.

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