United States Department of Defense’s Post

#ICYMI: Last week, the families of two Civil War soldiers received Medals of Honor for their descendants’ actions during the “Great Locomotive Chase,” one of the most daring operations of the war. Survivors of the team who carried out the mission were the first to ever receive the #MedalofHonor at the time, but two men who died during the incident – US Army Pvt. Philip G. Shadrach & Pvt. George D. Wilson – weren't honored for their sacrifices until now.

The 2024 NATO Summit kicks off this week, marking 75 years of an alliance that has stood united in collective defense since the years following #WWII. #NATO heads of state, government officials and key partners will convene in Washington, D.C., as the world faces its most dangerous security environment since the Cold War. Learn the history behind this crucial alliance and why it continues to be important today. #WeAreNATO #1NATO75Years

For Karoni Forrester, the search for her #POWMIA father, Marine Corps Capt. Ron Forrester, finally ended after his remains were recovered and identified in late 2023. But the search continues for 1,576 other unaccounted for Vietnam veterans. Several of their families recently gathered for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s annual briefing to get updates on the never-ending mission to find their loved ones. #NeverForgotten

On July 4, 1776, the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, asserting American sovereignty from Great Britain. On the anniversary of our nation’s birth, we salute the men and women, past and present, who have selflessly served our nation. Happy Independence Day to the USA! 🇺🇸✨

Chances are you can name the 50 states and 13 colonies that make up the American flag, but do you know the flag’s history or the etiquette it requires? 🇺🇸 Check your knowledge here!

Service members living outside of your home state: ahead of this year’s elections, don’t forget the Federal Voting Assistance Program is available to help you with any questions you might have about your ability to vote and the processes for each state.

Battlefield successes are increasingly dependent upon the DoD's ability to harness evolving #technology and digital capabilities that enable interoperability among warfighters. #ICYMI: The Pentagon released a blueprint for building an interoperable, integrated digital space for this purpose. The strategy also emphasizes the department’s focus on the needs of the warfighter to contribute to future solutions.

Earlier this week, President Joe Biden granted clemency to about 2,000 U.S. veterans convicted of engaging in sexual acts that, under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, were considered an offense from 1951-2013. If you received a court-martial conviction under former Article 125 or Articles 80, 81 or 82 of the UCMJ, here are resources you may need to know to apply for a certificate of #pardon.

DoD leaders recently gave their thoughts on how the department can better publicize the plethora of opportunities there are to serve in the military or as a civilian. For instance, young people who aren’t eligible for military service have several other options, such as the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps. Also, public servants can help simply by spreading the word of what it’s like to give back to society.