Major Floren Herrera is West Point’s Nininger Award honoree for courage  

By Cheryl Quinio-Blodgett

In a landmark moment in military history, Philippine Army officer Maj. Floren Herrera became the first non-American to receive the prestigious Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms from the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) at West Point.

A 2013 West Point graduate, Herrera was honored for his courageous leadership during the 2017 Battle of Marawi, a grueling five-month conflict between Philippine government forces and Islamic State-linked militants that claimed thousands of lives.

The Association of Graduates, led by Chairman Robert A. McDonald (Class of 1975) and supported by Retired Major General Tom Ayres (Class of 1984) and Kathleen Schonsheck Hildreth of M1Solutions (Class of 1983), played a crucial role in recognizing Herrera’s heroism. Their efforts culminated in Herrera’s selection for the Alexander R. Nininger Award, named in honor of 2nd Lt. Alexander R. Nininger (Class of 1941), who fought and died in the Philippines during World War II while serving with the Philippine Scouts.

Desiree Gilman, whose husband is a West Point graduate, rallied members of the Filipino community, led by Consul General Senen Mangalile, Ambassador Mario De Leon, and former Consul General Sonny Busa to support Herrera. I was honored to be one of those invited to visit the hallowed grounds of West Point and witness this historic event.

Michael Lyons led a tour for Filipino guests, starting at Trophy Point. He explained the historical significance of the site from 1778 and pointed out the confiscated enemy mortars placed on the grounds. He also showed us the statue of Colonel Thayer, noting that his actual spurs were placed in the statue’s boots. Lyons shared a tradition: when students struggled academically, they would sneak down to the statue and spin the spurs for good luck. As we approached Washington Hall, he highlighted the names above the porticos—towns like Bataan, Corregidor, Luzon, Tacloban, and Leyte—where General Douglas MacArthur fought. Our group cheered upon seeing these Filipino towns and took photos.

The award ceremony, held in the historic Haig Room at Jefferson Hall, was filled with well-wishers congratulating Herrera and taking photos with him. Guests enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres before the formal event, which featured Herrera’s West Point photo on a giant screen, along with the evening’s agenda.

Consul General Mangalile praised Herrera’s bravery and highlighted the event’s significance during Filipino American History Month.

“Major Herrera embodies the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the United States,” he remarked. “His achievements highlight the shared history and values that continue to bind our nations.”

Former Consul General Sonny Busa presented Herrera with a commemorative U.S. Congressional Gold Medal Coin, a tribute honoring Filipino World War II veterans, despite Herrera not having served in that war.

Herrera reflected on his time as a West Point cadet, recalling the enduring friendships he formed, including one with his former roommate, whom he called his brother. He expressed regret that his family was unable to secure visas in time for the event but was grateful to have his West Point “brothers” present. He also fondly remembered the Filipino titas and titos who helped him adjust to life in America, amusingly recalling how he once forgot his passport on the way to the airport, prompting a last-minute return to West Point.

The formal Nininger Award ceremony took place in Washington Hall’s Cadet Mess, where Herrera was honored before an audience of over 4,500 cadets and distinguished guests. The immense room, with its high ceilings and walls adorned with military murals, was both awe-inspiring and humbling. The meal, served family-style, included steak, fish, asparagus, mashed potatoes shaped like cupcakes, and chocolate-covered cream puffs, along with pink lemonade and water.

In the grandeur of West Point’s storied hall, Lt. Gen. Steven Gilland (Class of 1990) and retired Col. Mark Bieger (Class of 1991) presented the award to Herrera, honoring his extraordinary bravery and leadership. As he bowed his head to receive the medal, I felt immense pride, as a Filipino, witnessing this momentous occasion.

Cadet Anna Caroline Robinson (Class of 2025) presented a ceremonial saber to Maj. Herrera, and the sight of all the cadets rising in unison gave me chills. After dinner, the cadets exited back to their dorms, and distinguished guests took turns taking photos with Maj. Herrera and the AOG board.

Portrait of Douglas MacArthur

The recognition of Maj. Herrera’s valor is intertwined with a broader story of international friendship and collaboration. Community leader Dr. Lestrino Baquiran proposed donating a painting of General Douglas MacArthur, created by Filipino artist Angelo Antonio Maristela, to West Point. The idea took a life of its own at a lunch hosted by Derek Gilman (West Point Class of 1983) and wife Desiree. Derek reached out to his classmate Michael Lyons who presented the idea to the West Point Association of Graduates (AOG).

Baquiran and artist Angelo Antonio Maristela unveiled the painting of MacArthur, a stunningly lifelike portrayal down to the details of the general’s facial hair. The piece was a masterful tribute to the military hero who famously declared, “I shall return.”