Military Heroes

Pfc. Glendon Oakley Jr. received an Army Commendation Medal for guiding children away from the gunfire.

On Thursday, Knight flew his dad back to the place they last saw each other: Dallas Love Field Airport.

A terminal full of travelers stopped what they were doing to give a hero's welcome to a fallen pilot from the Vietnam War.

Tech. Sgt. Michael Perolio received the third-highest award for valor in combat during a ceremony Thursday.

Badly outnumbered, Staff Sgt. David Bellavia took on insurgents first with an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and then a knife.

The award is an upgrade from Bellavia's previously awarded Silver Star and honors his exceptional bravery.

Black's actions earned him a Bronze Star. Now, he will become the 19th sergeant major of the Marine Corps.

"Today marks the anniversary of the day the Marines came and told me my son, Jordan Haerter, was killed in action."

Officials are preparing to roll out a policy designed to ensure acts of heroism receive the full recognition they deserve.

After a three-year review of medals for heroism in conflicts following 9/11, the Pentagon has upgraded 57 awards for valor .