Swenson, Williams Call Medal of Honor a "Beautiful Burden" as Afghanistan War Nears 5-Year End Mark
Updated
Updated · KYMA · May 24
Swenson, Williams Call Medal of Honor a "Beautiful Burden" as Afghanistan War Nears 5-Year End Mark
3 articles · Updated · KYMA · May 24
Summary
William Swenson and Matthew Williams said on CBS's Face the Nation that receiving the Medal of Honor carries lifelong responsibility, describing it as both a burden and a privilege tied to continued service.
Swenson, awarded in 2013, said recipients are "ambassadors" for comrades whose stories were never fully told, especially those who did not return from Afghanistan.
Williams, who received the medal in 2019, said more than 50% of Medals of Honor were awarded posthumously, making it a heavy honor he can never feel he fully earned.
Ahead of the fifth anniversary of the Afghanistan war's end, both men defended their service while separating it from debate over the war's objectives and outcome.
Williams said the war still must be discussed so the U.S. can learn from mistakes, set clearer objectives in future conflicts and spare the next generation similar confusion.