Gold Medal ceremony in honor of WWII Army Rangers - June 26, 2025

The Gold Medal ceremony held on June 26, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., was a significant event to honor the WWII Army Rangers for their extraordinary heroism and service during World War II. The Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors bestowed by the United States Congress, was awarded collectively to the surviving members of the U.S. Army Ranger Battalions and their families in recognition of their pivotal role in key military operations, such as the D-Day invasion of Normandy and other critical campaigns. The ceremony took place in the Capitol Rotunda, a symbolic venue for national tributes, and was marked by bipartisan attendance, reflecting the widespread respect for the Rangers’ contributions.
The event featured the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to two surviving WWII Army Ranger veterans, Sgt. Joseph J. Drake and Pfc. John M. Wardell, who accepted the honor on behalf of all Ranger Battalions. A replica of the medal was also presented to Wehnona Stabler, daughter of WWII Army Ranger Hollis D. Stabler, recognizing the legacy of Native American Rangers. The ceremony included remarks from prominent figures such as Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who praised the Rangers’ courage, sacrifice, and enduring impact on American military history.
The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including Secretary of Veterans Affairs Collins, Senators Joni Ernst and Tammy Duckworth, Representative Jason Crow, and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The ceremony was both a solemn tribute to the Rangers’ sacrifices—many of whom gave their lives—and a celebration of their legacy, with an estimated 4,000 to 7,000 Rangers having served in WWII. The Congressional Gold Medal, designed specifically for this honor, featured inscriptions and imagery symbolizing the Rangers’ motto, “Rangers Lead the Way,” and their storied contributions. The event was widely covered, with posts on X highlighting the emotional weight of the ceremony and the pride in honoring these American heroes.

Guests:
Sgt. Joseph J. Drake - WWII Army Ranger Veteran
Pfc. John M. Wardell - WWII Army Ranger Veteran
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson - Congressional Leader
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth - U.S. Secretary of Defense
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries - Congressional Leader
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer - Congressional Leader
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Collins - U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Senator Joni Ernst - U.S. Senator, Iowa
Senator Tammy Duckworth - U.S. Senator, Illinois
Representative Jason Crow - U.S. Representative, Colorado
General Dan Caine - Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Wehnona Stabler - Daughter of WWII Army Ranger Hollis D. Stabler