On October 20, President Obama welcomed the entire Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry (known as the Blackhorse Unit) to the White House to honor the unit’s service in Vietnam with the presentation of the Presidential Unit Citation. In March 1970, the Alpha Troop received a communication that another unit, Charlie Company, had come upon an underground bunker of North Vietnamese troops and were facing some 400 enemy fighters. The Alpha Troop’s captain gave the order to “Saddle up and move out,” and the Blackhorse Unit went on to rescue the 100 Charlie Company soldiers. In his remarks, President Obama said that “I cannot imagine a more fitting tribute to these men, who fought in what came to be called The Anonymous Battle. Troopers, you are not anonymous anymore. And with America’s overdue recognition also comes responsibility — our responsibility as citizens and as a nation, to always remain worthy of your service.” Here, military uniform hats are checked in the White House before the presentation.
Official White House Photo By Samantha Appleton
Participants walk to the Rose Garden for the presentation.
Official White House Photo By Lawrence Jackson
President Obama makes his remarks before presenting the Blackhorse Unit with the Presidential Unit Citation.
Newscom/Zuma Red West
Members of the Blackhorse Unit stand behind President Barack Obama during the presentation. Eighty-six Alpha Troop veterans attended the ceremony.
Official White House Photo By Lawrence Jackson
President Barack Obama greets members of Alpha Troop.
Official White House Photo By Lawrence Jackson
Medals are displayed on Sgt. Earl W. Fleming’s uniform during the ceremony. Fleming is a retired platoon sergeant from the Blackhorse Unit, and served in Vietnam from 1967-70.
Official White House Photo By Lawrence Jackson
Sgt. Fleming, left, and Sgt. Charles Ezell are reunited in the White House Rose Garden after 39 years.
Official White House Photo By Lawrence Jackson
The attendants applaud President Obama at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Official White House Photo By Pete Souza
