On June 22, 2026, Rep. Jim Baird (IN‑04) attended a White House ceremony where President Donald Trump presented Major Nicholas Dockery with the Medal of Honor. The award recognized Dockery’s extraordinary bravery during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Baird had authored the Nicholas Dockery Medal of Honor Act, which President Trump signed into law on March 26, 2026. Dockery, an Indiana native, is the only Army officer and one of just two U.S. officers to earn two Silver Stars for gallantry in the post‑9/11 era, underscoring the rarity of his combat record.
Speaking at the event, Baird praised Dockery’s self‑less actions, saying the officer exemplifies the highest standards of the nation’s armed forces. The ceremony highlights ongoing efforts to honor distinguished service members, and additional background on Dockery’s career is available through linked resources.
