Daniel Penny Receives Semper Fidelis Award for Heroic Actions on New York Subway

Daniel Penny, a former Marine who gained national attention during a high-profile manslaughter trial, received the Semper Fidelis achievement award on Wednesday. The Marine Corps League honored him at an Iwo Jima Day event held in Boston, Massachusetts.

Last year, Penny was acquitted in the 2023 death of Jordan Neely, which occurred on a New York City subway train. The prosecution resolved to dismiss the principal manslaughter charge to prevent a hung jury. Ultimately, the jury found Penny not guilty of the lesser charges associated with his actions.

Penny’s defense lawyers, Thomas Kenniff and Steve Raiser, attended the ceremony with him, and both received appreciation plaques. According to a statement from Raiser, their representation was vital in defending Penny against what they described as an unwarranted prosecution.

Recognition for Selfless Service

The Marine Corps League presented Penny with the award for exemplifying the Esprit De Corps of the Marines, a quality defined by selfless service and sacrifice. Raiser stated that Penny risked his life to protect the passengers on that New York subway train.

The support from his legal team played a crucial role during the trial. Raiser noted that they fiercely defended Penny from allegations that they believed should never have been pursued.

Words of Honor from a Tuskegee Airman

Outside the Massachusetts State House, Brigadier General Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse, a notable member of the Tuskegee Airmen, shook Penny’s hand and expressed his pride in him. Kenniff conveyed that this gesture was a significant and memorable moment for all in attendance.

Honoring Inspirational Figures

The ceremony included remarks from John M. MacGillivray of the Marine Corps League, who indicated that the award is given to individuals deemed worthy and inspirational. MacGillivray stated that it was fitting for Daniel Penny, along with his attorneys, to receive this honor.

Throughout the event, Raiser shared feelings of humility and honor standing alongside numerous veterans, including a veteran of Iwo Jima and a retired general. The collective presence of these distinguished figures lent significant weight to the ceremony.

A Possible Lasting Commemoration

Organizers noted that this year’s event marked the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. However, they also conveyed that it might be one of the final ceremonies due to the diminishing number of surviving Marines from that historic conflict.

The Battle of Iwo Jima is known as one of the bloodiest battles in American military history, resulting in approximately 7,000 U.S. service members’ deaths and 20,000 Marines injured. It played a pivotal role in the Allied strategy to win World War II and helped turn the tide of the conflict.

Heroism Recognized

According to MacGillivray, Iwo Jima witnessed the highest number of Medals of Honor awarded for bravery. A total of 27 Medals were given for heroism displayed during this critical engagement, illustrating the valor displayed by U.S. forces.

MacGillivray emphasized the significance of honoring Penny and his team in the context of a potentially historic last ceremony. Their participation was seen as vital for the success of this special event.

Contributions to this report were made by Michael Ruiz from Fox News Digital.