A former Army staff sergeant who took on enemy fighters at close range, first with an M249 light machine gun and then with a knife, will be the first living veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom to receive the Medal of Honor, Military.com has learned. David S. Bellavia, 43, of Batavia, New York, will have his Silver Star upgraded to the highest military award for valor in a June 25 ceremony at the White House, a source close to Bellavia confirmed to Military.com. The news of the award was first posted at the American Legion's Burn Pit blog June 6 and then confirmed by Army Times. The White House made the official announcement Monday morning. Read more about Staff Sgt. Bellavia on Military.com.
Fallujah Vet Will Be First Living Medal of Honor Recipient from Iraq War
![](http://images02.military.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2024-01/1tim%20audie%20murphy%20movie%201200.jpg?itok=1Dc6BLwj "Audie Murphy recreates his Medal of Honor action for the 1955 film "To Hell and Back," adapted from his autobiography. (Universal Pictures)")
