Philippine Army Major Floren Herrera has made history as the first Filipino to receive the prestigious Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms. The award, presented by the West Point Association of Graduates in New York, recognizes exceptional bravery in combat.
In an Instagram post, the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point praised Herrera’s heroic leadership during the 2017 Battle of Marawi. Then a First Lieutenant, Herrera was the executive officer of the 2nd Scout Ranger Company, 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, and played a pivotal role in the fight against ISIS-linked militants.
The USMA highlighted Herrera’s bold actions, describing how he maneuvered his platoon across an exposed area, secured a strategic building, and set up a successful ambush. His leadership significantly weakened enemy forces and saved numerous lives. He was also instrumental in eliminating key terrorist leaders by leading assaults on their strongholds.
Herrera, a 2013 West Point graduate, received the award on October 10. The Nininger Award, established in 2006, commemorates Second Lieutenant Alexander R. Nininger Jr., the first Medal of Honor recipient of World War II.