Herrera became the first Filipino West Point graduate to be honored with the Nininger Award, emphasizing the importance of leading from the front Article

For the first time in its 19-year history, the Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms was presented to an international graduate of the U.S. Military Academy. A graduate of the class of 2013, Maj. Floren P. Herrera of the Philippine Army, humbly accepted the award during a ceremony at the Cadet Mess Hall on October 10, 2024.

Herrera’s heroic actions and leadership during the Battle of Marawi against 1,000 foreign militants and local terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) led to him being nominated and selected as this year’s honoree.

From June 12 to October 16, 2017, as the executive officer of the 2nd Scout Ranger Company, 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, Philippine Army, Herrera maneuvered his platoon around a 50-meter-long open area to tactically seize and pave a building the path to a successful ambush against enemy forces. His efforts resulted in a significant number of enemy casualties and saved the lives of his troops who were in the enemy’s killing zone. As a result of his bravery and leadership, Herrera received the Distinguished Conduct Star, the Philippines’ second highest award for heroism and equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross.

Prior to Thursday’s awards ceremony, Herrera had the opportunity to sit down with current cadets belonging to the academy’s Asian Pacific Cadet Club (APAC), including Filipino exchange cadets Rafael Munoz, Class of 2025, and Renzo Almodovar, Class of 2026, where he discussed his actions and provided insight and advice on how to become successful military officers.

“I will receive the (Nininger) award,” he said. “But I present this award in memory of the men in my unit who died on Marawi. I’m happy for the recognition, but I’m not just here for myself, I’m here for the memory of these guys – I get it for them.”

Although he credits the success of the battle to the members of his unit, he recognized that his time at the academy played a crucial role in his development as an officer in the Philippine Army.

“What we hear at West Point is leadership from the front,” Herrera explained. “This was exactly what I expected when I returned to the Philippines (after graduating) because the Scout Rangers are quite similar to the 75th Ranger Regiment here. We conduct special operations operations, so one of the expectations for officers in this unit is that they must be able to lead from the front, particularly in combat.

“West Point prepares you to be a platoon leader. You have the tools to lead your troops. No matter the situation, whether you are tired, angry or whatever, make sure you are composed in your decision making,” Herrera added. “Leading from the front, making decisions, trusting your people and encouraging teamwork – these are the most important things as a leader.”

Herrera’s parting words to the APAC cadets were to commit to the West Point Leader Development System in developing their leadership skills.

“The cadets need to maximize their training here because when I was a cadet I maximized it,” Herrera said. “I made sure to always look to the future…I always assessed myself for my readiness to lead troops and everything I felt I needed to be successful. I had to make sure I learned it here while I was still at West Point.”

In addition to the Nininger Award and the Distinguished Conduct Star, Herrera was also awarded the Filipino Gold Star Medal, the U.S. Army’s equivalent of the Silver Star Medal, and the Wounded Personnel Medal, the U.S. Purple Heart.

His courage and tactical expertise are reminiscent of Nininger, USMA Class of 1941, who fought in the Philippines with the 57th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts during World War II. Nininger voluntarily joined another company because his unit was not yet involved in the fight against the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. Nininger was posthumously awarded the first World War II Medal of Honor on January 12, 1942 for his actions near Abucay, Bataan.

After speaking with APAC, Herrera was honored to receive the Nininger Award in front of USMA leadership and the US Corps of Cadets. His sentiment was true throughout the day. “To make a lasting difference, I want to share two key points: leading from the front and empowering your team,” Herrera told the crowd. “Through hard work, humility and discipline, you will seize the opportunity to learn from your superiors and your subordinates. Your commitment to leading by example will soon place you at the forefront of your troops.”

Herrera also reiterated that he would accept the award in memory of his fallen comrades. Reflecting on her life and the life of Alexander Nininger, Herrera said: “We must ensure that the sacrifices of those who gave their lives are not wasted… Therefore, given the rapidly evolving security landscape that ours Nation continues to face challenges, we must remain steadfast. As instruments of change, they advanced everything they fought for: for duty, for honor, and for country.”

The Alexander R. Nininger Award, presented by the West Point Association of Graduates, is funded by an endowment from E. Doug Kenna, USMA Class of 1945, and his wife, Jean, to represent the ideals of West Point through a presentation to the Corps of cadets an example of heroism in the profession of arms.