Washington, D.C. – Last week the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2315, To posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to each of Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, J. Christopher Stevens, and Sean Smith in recognition of their contributions to the Nation, which was led by Rep Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Rep Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Rep Davis (D-CA) and Rep Brian Mast (R-FL).  This bipartisan legislation will posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to US Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, Navy SEAL Glen Doherty, Navy SEAL Tyrone Woods and U.S. State Department officer Sean Smith to honor their lifetime commitment to the safety and security of the American people.

In view of the recent sixth year anniversary of the September 2012 terrorist attack on the U.S. Consulate and classified annex in Benghazi, Libya, it is important that Congress recognize those brave individuals who sacrificed their lives to defend America and its values.  For over 20 years, Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens served his country through his remarkable career in the Foreign Service.  From his first assignment as a Consular/Economic Officer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to his final assignment as U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Ambassador Stevens never failed to evidence his dedication to upholding America’s most cherished democratic ideals across the globe.  During their decades of service as elite Navy SEALs with tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other overseas wartime deployments, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods embodied the Navy SEAL motto: “The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday.”  In continued service to their Nation, they served as overseas security personnel to ensure the safety of American diplomatic officials.  Their bravery and leadership in defense of America’s diplomatic mission in Benghazi in 2012, and other dangerous diplomatic missions worldwide, will never be forgotten.  As a former ground radio maintenance specialist in the U.S. Air Force, Sean Smith served his country with such distinction that he received the Air Force Commendation Medal.  He maintained his commitment to serving the American people throughout his subsequent career with the U.S. State Department and across multiple deployments in Iraq, South Africa, and Libya.   

Amy Carnevale from K&L Gates Law Firm provided assistance with this legislation and is deserving of recognition for her diligent support.

The text of H.R. 2315 is available here.