Secretary of War, under whose direction the decision was made, announced on September 26th, 2025, at approximately 1:36 AM UTC that soldiers who fought at the Battle of Wounded Knee will retain their medals. The announcement, made via X, stated that the soldiers' place in history is settled and the decision is final. The statement, posted on the official Secretary of War X account, did not provide further details regarding the specific soldiers or the historical context of the decision. The Battle of Wounded Knee, which occurred in 1890, remains a significant and controversial event in American history. This development comes after former FBI Director James Comey declared his innocence and defiance on September 26th, 2025, during the preceding reporting window, stating, "We will not live on our knees" and "I'm innocent."
