Biden signs bill to award Congressional Gold Medal to US service members killed in Kabul airport bombing
President Joe Biden on Thursday signed a bill that posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. service members killed in a terrorist attack outside Kabul's airport in August.
Congress unanimously approved the legislation in November, sending it to the president's desk for his signature.
Video above: In August, Biden attends dignified transfer of U.S. service members killed in Kabul bombing
The medal 바카라 게임 웹사이트 Congress' "highest expression of national appreciation" 바카라 게임 웹사이트 will be presented at a later date.
The troops were among the dozens killed in the suicide bombing attack outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport on Aug. 26, which ISIS-K claimed credit for, during the U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan.
"The American service members exemplified extreme bravery and valor against armed enemy combatants," the bill reads. "The American service members dedicated their lives and their heroism deserves great honor."
The 13 service members were identified as:
- Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah
- Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts
- Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California
- Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California
- Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska
- Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana
- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas
- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri
- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming
- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California
- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California
- Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio
- Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee