Filipino West Point graduate honored with medal for valor in combat

Maj. Floren Herrera / West Point Association of Graduates website

WASHINGTON – Maj. Floren Herrera of the Philippine Army was honored with the Alexander Nininger Medal, awarded to a United States Military Academy at West Point graduate for valor in combat.

A seasoned officer with the Philippine Scout Ranger Regiment, the premier fighting unit of the Philippine Army, Herrera has faced Muslim insurgents in Mindanao since his graduation from West Point in 2013.

The Alexander Nininger Medal honors a West Point graduate from the Class of 1941, who heroically led Filipino soldiers of the 57th Philippine Scout Regiment against superior Japanese forces in Bataan on Jan. 16, 1942.

For his actions that day, Nininger posthumously received the first US Congressional Medal of Honor awarded in World War II.

Sony Busa (left) and his wife Ceres Busa pose for a photo with Maj. Floren Hererra after the Alexander Nininger award ceremony in the mess hall of West Point. CONTRIBUTED

The Nininger medal being presented to a Filipino officer is a momentous occasion, symbolizing the enduring US-Philippine relationship forged in shared sacrifice. Notably, over 40 percent of West Point graduates who died in World War II perished in the Philippines.

Herrera received the Nininger Medal in front of the entire 4,400-member Corps of Cadets, faculty and staff at West Point.

In his speech, his message of leading from the front, caring for one’s troops and fostering a culture of excellence resonated deeply with the audience.

Sony Busa (right) and his wife Ceres with then first-year West Point cadet Floren Hererra (center) at West Point.

Many cadets described Herrera’s message as one of the most impactful leadership lessons they have ever encountered.

Major Herrera paid tribute to the soldiers he led who made the ultimate sacrifice, emphasizing that the medal was for them.

The audience was particularly moved when images of these fallen soldiers were shown on the screen, creating a poignant moment of silence as they honored the fallen of Marawi, Mindanao, the scene of some of the heaviest fighting and where he earned several medals for gallantry.

Maj. Floren Hererra addresses the 4,400 strong Corps of Cadets, receiving a standing ovation. US Army photo by Christopher Hennen, USMA

The West Point band’s rendition of the Philippine National Anthem added to the emotional weight, marking what may have been the first time it was played at such an event. Philippine cadets and over 65 Filipino American cadets were visibly touched.

In a special reception prior to receiving the Nininger award, Maj. Hererra was presented with a Congressional Gold Medal commemorative coin that was approved by the US Congress to honor Filipino veterans of World War II.

The reception was attended by the Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Antonio M. Lagdameo, Philippine Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, retired Ambassador Mario de Leon and Filipino American leaders in New York.

Maj. Floren Hererra (2nd from left) is presented with a Congressional Gold Medal commemorative coin. Joining Hererra at a reception are Philippine Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the United Nations Antonio Lagdameo, Consul General in New York Senen Mangalile, retired Ambassador Mario de Leon and former Philippine Consul General in New York Cecilia Rebong. CONTRIBUTED

Sony Busa is a West Point graduate (Class of 1976) and a visiting professor of International Relations at the military academy. He first met Maj. Herrera when he entered West Point in July 2009 and noticed a spark of excellence in him from the start. He stayed in touch with Herrera over the years and had a conversation with Herrera in Marawi after the battle that earned him numerous medals for bravery.  

Busa described Herrera as “the epitome of the servant leader who leads with compassion, but with a steely determination to win.” “The Philippines is fortunate to have men like him. He is that warrior, always striving to bring his troops back home to their families,” he said.

Busa shared the words of Greek philosopher Heraclitus, as he reflected on Herrera’s valor: “Of a hundred men on a battlefield, ten do not belong there, eighty are just targets, nine are real fighters, for they make the battle. Ah, but the one, one is a warrior, and he will bring the others back.”