A Western New York native is set to make history.
For the first time ever, a living Iraq war veteran will receive the Medal of Honor. Staff Sergeant and WBEN radio host David Bellavia will become one of seven Operation Iraqi Freedom Medals of Honor recipients.
Bellavia earned a Silver Star during the Second Battle of Fallujah.
According to the radio show, he's also earned a Bronze Star, three Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.
Bellavia discussed the honor on his show on WBEN radio last week.
"And took what was probably four to one against our unit, and absolutely wiped them off. I mean made them wish they were never born. One of the proudest days I've had in uniform. The Second Battle of Fallujah was our generation’s Normandy Beach, that in the sense that we had the Marines next to us. We had Corps men from the Navy. We had the Airforce dropping bombs. We had everything in our generation. America was flexing its muscle against Zarqawi's thugs," he said.
The previous awards have all been given posthumously.
The White House confirmed the news on Monday.