Army awards heroism medals to JROTC cadets killed in Florida school shooting
FOX NEWS - Three junior ROTC cadets who were killed in the Florida high school shooting last week will be honored with heroism medals by the U.S. Army.
A spokesman for the U.S. Army told Fox News on Tuesday that Cadet Command approved Junior ROTC Heroism Medals for cadets Alaina Petty, Peter Wang and Martin Duque.
The family of Petty, 14, were presented the medal during her funeral service Monday, at which more than 1,500 people attended to pay their respects.
Wang’s family received his medal at his service Tuesday morning.
According to students and teachers, Wang, 15, died in his junior ROTC uniform while helping students, teachers and staff escape from the shooting rampage.
An online petition to the White House sought to give Wang military honors at his funeral. It had more than 43,700 signatures as of Tuesday.
“His selfless and heroic actions have led to the survival of dozens in the area. Wang died a hero, and deserves to be treated as such, and deserves a full honors military burial,” the petition said.
The Army spokesman said the family has requested Wang be buried in his junior ROTC uniform.
“The JROTC Heroism medal will be on his uniform, but a second ‘keepsake’ medal will be given to his family,” Michael Maddox, told Fox News in an email.
Additionally, the U.S. Military Academy West Post is posthumously admitting Wang, who dreamed of attending the prestigious academy, Fox News confirmed.