Archive · 27 Sep 2025
Hegseth: Wounded Knee Medals of Honor to Remain
In late 1890, the US Army and Lakota tribe members were involved in a tragic event near Wounded Knee Creek, resulting in many deaths.
Years later, the Pentagon had to decide whether to keep the medals of honor given to the soldiers involved.
A review panel was created to assess the situation and decided the soldiers should keep their medals.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the final decision, ensuring that the soldiers' place in history will remain.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced soldiers from the Wounded Knee Massacre will retain their Medals of Honor.
The massacre occurred in late 1890 when the US Army enforced a ban on the Ghost Dance.
A review board was ordered to assess the awards.
The board determined the soldiers 'rightfully' deserved the medals.
The decision comes after Hegseth ordered the restoration of a Confederate memorial.
- Who
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and US soldiers.
- What
- Hegseth announced that soldiers who fought at the Wounded Knee Massacre will keep their Medals of Honor.
- When
- The announcement was made on Thursday evening. The massacre occurred in late 1890.
- Where
- Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota.
- Why
- Hegseth finalized the decision after a review panel concluded soldiers deserved to keep their medals. The massacre involved the US Army enforcing a ban on the Ghost Dance, leading to the death of Lakota tribe members.
- Event
- Wounded Knee Massacre
- Location
- Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota
- Date of Massacre
- Late 1890
- Decision Maker
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
- Hegseth's Announcement
- Soldiers will keep Medals of Honor
- Victims of Massacre
- Lakota tribe members