Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joins a bipartisan group of 46 of her Senate colleagues in cosponsoring a bill to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, former Navy SEAL Glen Doherty, former Navy SEAL Tyrone Woods, and Sean Smith. Tyrone Woods was a resident of Henderson who, along with his three colleagues, was tragically killed during the September 2012 terrorist attack on the U.S. Consulate and classified annex in Benghazi, Libya. This bill recognizes the lifetime commitment of these men to the safety and security of the American people, and honors their sacrifice. After the medal has been awarded, it would be given to the Central Intelligence Agency Museum.
“The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to Americans who have lived up to our nation’s highest ideals of service and selflessness, and Ambassador Stevens, Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods and Sean Smith all deserve this honor for their service to our country and bravery in the face of the terror in Benghazi. All four men spent their entire careers keeping Americans safe, and their bravery on September 11, 2012 inspires us all. I’m especially proud to honor the memory of Tyrone Woods, a Nevadan who gave his life to protect his fellow Americans during their darkest hour.”
BACKGROUND:
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award in the U.S. It is awarded to those who have lived their lives in commitment to the ideals of this country and those whose actions have had an impact on American history that is likely to be recognized for years to come.
This Congressional Gold Medal would collectively honor:
- Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, who served his country throughout 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 was well known for his dedication to upholding our most cherished democratic ideals across the globe.
- Glenn Doherty, who served as an elite Navy SEAL and overseas security personnel. He served multiple tours of duty overseas and dedicated his career to serving his country.
- Tyrone Woods, a committed career Navy SEAL and overseas security personnel who worked to ensure the safety of Americans and American diplomatic officials. He was a resident of Henderson, Nevada.
- Sean Smith, who was a former ground radio maintenance specialist in the U.S. Air Force and a recipient of 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.
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