Trump honors WWII veteran Buddy Taggart at State of the Union

President Donald Trump on Tuesday honored an American World War II veteran who fought in the Philippines campaign and earned numerous medals for his service.

"So this will be a year to celebrate our country and the heroes who have kept it free," Trump said. "Men like Buddy Taggart. At age 17, Buddy volunteered to defend America in World War Two."

Trump made the remarks during the State of the Union address. He went on to highlight Taggart's service throughout the war, which took him to some of the most notorious battlefields in the Pacific.

"Serving in the Pacific under the Great General Douglas MacArthur, he fought bravely in the famous Battle of Manila, worked so hard he was badly wounded and almost killed by enemy machine guns in Luzon, and 81 years ago, this month, he liberated the largest internment camp in the Philippines, one of the largest anywhere in the world," he said. "But he earned many honors, including a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Came home, started a family, and tonight, he is in the gallery looking forward to July 4, 2026, his 100th birthday."

"So buddy, you're a brave man, and we salute you. Even in times of challenge, setback, and immense heartache, the spirit of 1776 has always shown through very brightly," Trump concluded.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.