Matthew La Porte Airman's Medal Ceremony

April 9, 2015 - The entirety of the Corps of Cadets marched from Upper Quad to the Westview cemetery for a medal ceremony honoring Matthew La Porte. La Porte's mother Barbara, his father Joseph and his sister Priscilla were given the Airman's medal on his behalf for his bravery on April 16, 2007. On the day of his death, La Porte barricaded a door and charged Seung-Hui Cho in an attempt to stop his killing rampage.

A cadet waves the third battalion flag prior to the beginning of the march, April 9, 2015.
A member of the Highty Tighties walks into formation prior to the beginning of the march, April 9, 2015.
A cadet salutes the American flag while walking to his battalion prior to the march to the Westview cemetery, April 9, 2015.
Members of the second battalion stand at attention just before the beginning of the march to the Westview cemetery, April 9, 2015.
The second battalion marches in order on their way to the Westview cemetery, April 9, 2015.
Members of the first battalion cross into the entrance of the Westview cemetery near the conclusion of the march, April 9, 2015.
Major General Randall Fulhart stands with the La Porte family as the Corps of Cadets exits the Westview cemetery.
The headstone of Matthew La Porte is pictured after the ceremony to award him the Airman's Medal concluded, April 9, 2015.
A family looks over the grave of Matthew La Porte, a cadet who died on April 16, 2007 attempting to stop Seung-Hui Cho on his killing rampage, April 9, 2015.
A man looks over the grave of Matthew La Porte, a cadet who died on April 16, 2007 attempting to stop Seung-Hui Cho on his killing rampage, April 9, 2015.
The Corps of Cadets marches to Westview Cemetery on April 9, 2015 to the ceremony honoring Matthew Joseph La Porte, who lost his life on April 16, 2007.
The Corps of Cadets marches to Westview Cemetery on April 9, 2015 to the ceremony honoring Matthew Joseph La Porte, who lost his life on April 16, 2007.
All members of the Corps of Cadets march to Westview Cemetery on April 9, 2015 for the ceremony where the U.S. Air Force posthumously honored Matthew Joseph La Porte with the presentation of the Airman’s Medal.
The Corps arrives at Westview Cemetery for the presentation of the Airman's Medal on April 9, 2015.
The Corps arrives at Westview Cemetery for the presentation of the Airman's Medal on April 9, 2015.
The Corps arrives at Westview Cemetery for the presentation of the Airman's Medal on April 9, 2015.
Matthew La Porte's family awaits the presentation of the Airman's Medal with Major General Fullhart.
Matthew La Porte's mother, Barbara, is presented with the Airman's Medal.
The La Porte family stands after receiving the medal, honoring Matthew La Porte for his heroic act.
Barbara La Porte speaks at her son's ceremony after being presented with the Airman's Medal.
Major General Fullhart stands with Barbara La Porte as the Corps of Cadets prepares to march back to Upper Quad after the ceremony on April 9, 2015.
The Corps of Cadets starts their march back to Upper Quad after the ceremony on April 9, 2015.
Members of the Corps of Cadets march in line towards the medal ceremony for Matthew La Porte.
The Highty Tighties march in unison from Upper Quad, April 9, 2015.
The first Battalion marches towards the cemetery behind a Blacksburg Police Department escort.
The 3rd Battalion makes its way towards the Westview cemetery.
The third battalion prepares to turn into the Westview cemetery near the end of the march to the medal ceremony for Matthew La Porte.
Cadets stand in formation as the medal ceremony for fallen cadet Matthew La Porte commences.
The second battalion stands at attention during the medal ceremony for Matthew La Porte.
The third battalion stands in formation as they watch the medal ceremony for Matthew La Porte.
Matt La Porte
Military attendees stand shoulder to shoulder while observing the medal ceremony for Matthew La Porte.
Major General Randall Fulhart stands with Barbara La Porte with the Airman's Medal.
Major General Randall Fulhart presents the Airman's Medal to Barbara LA Porte.
Barbara La Porte holds the Airman's Medal during the ceremony honoring her son Matthew La Porte.
The entirety of the Corps of Cadets stands at attention during the medal ceremony for Matthew La Porte.
The La Porte family stands with the Airman's Medal during the ceremony honoring their son and brother Matthew La Porte.
Distinguished members of the Corps of Cadets and the La Porte family watch as Barbara La Porte delivers a speech about her son Matthew who died on April 16, 2007.
Barbara La Porte delivers a speech about her son Matthew who died on April 16, 2007.
Joseph La Porte listens to his wife Barbara deliver a speech about their son Matthew who died in the April 16, 2007 massacre.
The Corps of Cadets surrounds the podium where Barbara La Porte speaks about her son Matthew who died during the massacre on April 16, 2007.
Priscilla La Porte listens as her mother Barbara delivers a speech honoring her brother Matthew.
Matt La Porte
The Corps of Cadets begins to march out of the Westview cemetery after the conclusion of the ceremony for the presentation of the Airman's Medal to Matthew La Porte.
Major General Randall Fulhart and the La Porte family watch as the Corps of Cadets marches out of the Westview cemetery.
Major General Randall Fulhart presents the Airman's Medal to the La Porte family.
The La Porte family pose with the Airman's Medal that they received on behalf of their son Matthew who passed away during the massacre on April 16, 2007.
The La Porte family and Major General Randall Fulhart watch as the Corps of Cadets exits the Westview cemetery.
The Corps of Cadets march through Westview Cemetery to honor Matthew La Porte.
The Corps of Cadets march through Westview Cemetery to honor Matthew La Porte.