A PHILIPPINE Army major was conferred the Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms by the US Military Academy or West Point graduates on Thursday last week, becoming the first Filipino product of the academy to receive the prestigious medal.
Maj. Floren Herrera, who graduated from the academy in 2013, was cited for “heroic actions and leadership” during the military campaign that ended the so-called Marawi siege in 2017 staged by terrorist groups associated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
The five-month fighting resulted in the death of about a thousand terrorists, 168 soldiers and policemen, and 47 civilians. It also left widespread destruction.
Herrera was executive officer of the 2nd Scout Ranger Company, with a rank of first lieutenant, during the Marawi siege.
“Herrera daringly maneuvered his platoon around a 50-meter open area and tactically seized a building, paving the way for a successful ambush against unsuspecting enemy forces,” the USMA said on Instagram on Saturday.
It said Herrera’s actions “resulted in a significant number of enemy casualties and saved the lives of troops who were in the enemy’s kill zone.”
“Furthermore, during the clearing of several buildings occupied by enemy snipers, Herrera displayed exceptional bravery and tactical expertise by maneuvering his platoon through unexpected avenues of approach and catching the enemy by surprise,” the USMA said.
“Herrera was also instrumental in the neutralization of two key terrorist leaders when he spearheaded the assault in the buildings adjacent to their occupied structure,” it added.
The USMA said these achievements are “testament to Herrera’s courage, tactical expertise, and dedication
Herrera has been conferred by the Armed Forces of the Philippines the Distinguished Conduct Star, the second highest military decoration in combat, for his role in the campaign.
In a separate statement on its website, the USMA said: “For the first time in its 19-year history, the Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms was presented to a U.S. Military Academy international graduate.”
Before accepting the award, the USMA said, Herrera sat down with the academy’s Asian Pacific Cadet Club, including Filipino cadets Rafael Munoz and Renzo Almodovar and gave advice how they can become successful military officers.
The USMA quoted Herrera as saying: “West Point prepares you to be a platoon leader. You have the tools to lead your troops. Regardless of the situation, whether you are tired, angry, whatever, make sure you are composed in your decision-making … Leading from the front, decision-making, trusting your guys and promoting teamwork — those are the most important things as a leader.”
Herrera said he will receive the award “in the memory of those guys in my unit who died on Marawi.”
“I’m happy to be recognized, but I’m here not just for myself but for the memory of those guys — I’m getting it for them,” Herrera said.
The award, presented by the West Point Association of Graduates, is named after Lt. Alexander R. Nininger of the USMA Class of 1941 in recognition of his “heroic actions” while assigned with the 57th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Scouts.
Nininger was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for “gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty” for his actions on June 12, 1942 in Bataan during the World War II.
