Military officer first Filipino to get Nininger award for valor

Metro Manila, Philippines — Maj. Floren Herrera, an officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, is the first Filipino and non-American to be conferred with this year’s Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms.

Herrera, a graduate of the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, was recognized for his leadership during the five-month Marawi Siege in 2017.

He maneuvered his platoon against a thousand local terrorists and foreign militants, resulting in a successful ambush against enemy forces.

“Herrera displayed exceptional bravery and tactical expertise by maneuvering his platoon through unexpected avenues of approach and catching the enemy by surprise. Herrera was also instrumental in the neutralization of two key terrorist leaders when he spearheaded the assault in the buildings adjacent to their occupied structure,” the USMA West Point said in an Instagram post.

Herrera paid tribute to the siege’s fallen heroes as he received the award.

“Amid the evolving security landscape, it is crucial to remain steadfast in advancing the causes for which they fought — for duty, honor, and country,” he said.

The Philippine Consulate General in New York highlighted the contributions of Herrera in counterterrorism operations.

“His tactical expertise and decisive actions, including the neutralization of key enemy leaders, were instrumental in saving the lives of his fellow soldiers,” it said in a statement.

The Nininger Award is presented by the West Point Association of Graduates yearly to acknowledge a graduate’s courage in combat.