Daniel Penny Honored for Subway Heroism, Attorneys Recognized for Defense

Daniel Penny Receives Semper Fidelis Award for Subway Heroism

Daniel Penny, acquitted in the 2023 killing of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway, was honored with the Semper Fidelis achievement award by the Marine Corps League at an Iwo Jima Day event in Boston, Massachusetts.

The award recognized Penny's bravery in defending passengers on the train, embodying the Marines' spirit of selfless service and sacrifice. Prosecutors had initially sought a manslaughter charge against Penny, but ultimately accepted a lesser charge to avoid a hung jury.

Penny's defense attorneys, Thomas Kenniff and Steve Raiser, were also presented with appreciation plaques for their successful defense of Penny. Brig. General Enoch "Woody" Woodhouse, a Tuskegee Airman, commended Penny, saying, "I'm proud of you, son."

The Marine Corps League highlighted Penny and his attorneys as "worthy and inspirational recipients," recognizing their courage and dedication. The ceremony, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, may be the last due to the dwindling number of surviving Marines.

The Battle of Iwo Jima was one of the bloodiest in American history, claiming 7,000 lives and leaving 20,000 Marines wounded. The win pushed the Allies ahead in their mission to end World War II. The ceremony honored veterans of past wars, including an Iwo Jima veteran and a retired Tuskegee Airman.

Penny, Raiser, and Kenniff accepted the awards and were photographed together following the ceremony. This event served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Marines throughout history and the importance of recognizing acts of heroism.