Black and Jewish WWI Vets Finally Get Medal of Honor

Sgt. Henry Johnson, who was African American, and Sgt. William Shemin, who was Jewish, were American soldiers who fought for their nation during the height of World War I — a time when their country did not always honor the service of ethnic and religious minorities.

Both men saved the lives of comrades on the field of battle against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Both men were seriously wounded in battle.

And, for nearly 100 years, both men had been overlooked for the Medal of Honor.

The White House addressed the oversight on Tuesday when President Barack Obama posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to both men.





http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/black-jewish-wwi-vets-finally-get-medal-honor-n368391