Peter Wang, Teen Junior Rotc Cadet at Parkland Ting, honored as West Point 2025 Graduate

Washington – The cadets who complete the US Military Academy in West Point on Saturday studied strategy, ethics and art of leadership for four years. They march past the statues of battlefield giants, remember the teachings of Antetam and Afghanistan and are equipped in stories about courage from the long arc in American military history.

But among the lessons in service and the victim for the 2025 class, there are inspired in their ranks – one that cannot be found in the footnotes of war colleagues or the annals of the medal of honor. It is the story of a teenager who never wore a uniform that he had put on as Junior Rotc -Kadett in Florida – a boy who had dreamed of being a soldier, but before he could achieve it, he had sacrificed his life as a hero.

Peter Wang, a member of this year's West Point class, was only 15 years old when he was killed in the 17 killed in which 2018 mass shootings At the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. He was found dead in a hallway on the third floor and wore his army-jrotc uniform.

When the noises of shots echoed through the corridors, Peter was in the study hall and over a chess board. When the panic spread through the corridors, he went to the exit – not to flee, but to keep the door open and to facilitate his classmates behind him.

Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, a US Senator of the State of Florida at the time of the shootout [his] Bravery and heroism on this terrible day. The obligation, honor and country are important pillars of West Point cadets, and it is clear that Peter embodies these principles. ”

It was shot 13 times, first in the foot, then twice in the thigh. A round tore through his upper body. His arms recorded five more balls. According to Wendolyn Sneed, the medical examiner who carried out the autopsy and testified in the condemnation of the shooter, the last shots – a total of four – were in the head.

Governor Rick Scott from Florida, now a US senator, authorized the National Guard of Florida, Peter with a military funeral. Hundreds gathered in Südflorida to show their respect, with the participants in generations and backgrounds.

Junior Rotc cadets by Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and other schools in South Florida were in uniform, together with military veterans and residents. The meeting reflected the deep influence that Peter had on both his colleagues and the broader community.

An American flag was draped over Peter's coffin when “taps” echoed through the air and increased from all corners of the crowd. Among them were veterans with lined faces, uniformed service members and first aiders in clothing clothing. But it was the youngest among them -a case -fallen junior -rotc -cadet in crispy uniforms -who stood still.

For his actions, Peter posthumously was the medal of heroism from the US Army, the highest award for the Army -Jrotc and Rotc cadets, whose performance “included the acceptance of dangers and extraordinary responsibilities”. The Junior Rotc cadets Alaina Petty and Martin Duque, who were also killed during the shootout, also received the medal.

West Point granted Peter Peter Ehrendienst to the 2025 class, which is now preparing to lead her commission into battle as a second lieutenant and potentially soldiers.

“Peter has demonstrated the characteristics and properties that we are looking for by graduates of the Naval Academy or West Point,” said Lieutenant General Robert Caslen, West Point superintendent, who authorized Wangs entry into the 2025 class. “Individuals like Peter are exactly the men and women who want to lead the youth of America.