Former Marine Daniel Penny honored for actions on New York subway: ‘Service and sacrifice’

Daniel Penny, the man at the center of a highly publicized manslaughter trial, found himself in the spotlight once again on Wednesday. This time, however, it was not in a courtroom but at a ceremony honoring his actions. Penny was presented with the Semper Fidelis Achievement Award by the Marine Corps League during an Iwo Jima Day event in Boston, Massachusetts. The award is a testament to his actions on a New York City subway in 2023, where he intervened in a situation that ultimately led to the death of Jordan Neely. Penny was acquitted of the manslaughter charge last year, after prosecutors requested the court to dismiss the main charge to avoid a hung jury. He was ultimately found not guilty of the lesser charge.

The ceremony brought together a group of distinguished individuals, including Penny’s defense attorneys, Thomas Kenniff and Steve Raiser, who also received appreciation plaques for their role in his defense. The Marine Corps League honored Penny for embodying the “Esprit De Corps of the Marines,” defined by selfless service and sacrifice. According to a statement provided by Raiser, Penny’s actions on that NYC train demonstrated a willingness to risk his life to protect others, a quality the league deemed worthy of recognition. Raiser also praised Penny’s legal team, stating that they had defended him against a prosecution that “never should have been sought.” The statement highlighted the league’s admiration for Penny’s courage and his attorneys’ dedication to justice.

The event took place outside the Massachusetts State House, where Brig. Gen. Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse, one of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, greeted Penny with a heartfelt message. Taking Penny’s hand, Woodhouse looked him in the eye and said, “I’m proud of you, son.” Kenniff, who was present at the ceremony, described the moment as unforgettable, a sentiment shared by all who witnessed it. The Marine Corps League’s John M. MacGillivray emphasized the significance of the award, noting that it is bestowed upon “worthy and inspirational recipients.” He expressed the league’s belief that Penny and his attorneys deserved such recognition, hoping they would accept the honor. Raiser, in his statement, reflected on the humility of being recognized alongside veterans of prior wars, including an Iwo Jima veteran and a retired general who served as one of the Tuskegee Airmen.

The ceremony also marked a poignant moment in history, as it commemorated the 80th anniversary of the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima. Organizers noted that this year’s event may be the last due to the dwindling number of Marine survivors still living. The battle, one of the bloodiest in American history, claimed 7,000 lives and left 20,000 Marines wounded. It was a pivotal moment in World War II, as the Allied victory on Iwo Jima provided a crucial strategic advantage in the push to end the war. MacGillivray highlighted the heroism of the Marines who fought in that battle, noting that more Medals of Honor were awarded for heroism in Iwo Jima than in any other battle, with a total of 27. He expressed the hope that Penny’s participation, along with that of his attorneys, would contribute to making the ceremony a success and a fitting tribute to the Marines who served.

The presentation of the Semper Fidelis Achievement Award to Daniel Penny and the appreciation plaques to his attorneys served as a reminder of the enduring spirit of service and sacrifice that defines the Marine Corps. Penny’s actions on that subway train, while contentious and widely debated, were recognized by the league as an act of courage and selflessness. The ceremony also served as a moment of reflection on the broader context of service, sacrifice, and the legacy of those who have served in the armed forces. As the number of surviving veterans from World War II continues to decline, events like this serve as a reminder of the importance of honoring their contributions and preserving their stories for future generations.

In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, Raiser expressed the group’s gratitude for being part of the ceremony, emphasizing the honor of being recognized alongside such distinguished individuals. The three—Penny, Kenniff, and Raiser—accepted their awards and were photographed together, creating a lasting memory of the occasion. The event was a poignant blend of tribute, reflection, and celebration, marking both the courage of those who served in the past and the actions of individuals like Penny, who embody the values of service and sacrifice in their own way. As the Marine Corps League looks to the future, it is clear that the legacy of Iwo Jima and the values it represents will continue to inspire and guide generations to come.