In the graduating class of 2025 at the United States Military Academy at West Point, a young Chinese-American man’s noble qualities are inspiring his fellow cadets in a special way.
Seven years ago, this young man, while attending the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) in Florida, dreamed of joining the Army. However, at the age of 15, his life was tragically cut short while protecting his classmates. The Army posthumously awarded him the Medal of Honor, and the prestigious West Point Military Academy made an exception to honor him as a member of the class of 2025.
In February 2018, a mass shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. Peter Wang, a 15-year-old student, held open a door during the chaos, helping classmates, teachers, and staff escape.
Tragically, he became one of the 17 victims. At the time of the shooting, he was still wearing his gray JROTC uniform.
As the first shots rang out, Peter was playing chess in the common room. Realizing the panic in the hallway, he went straight to a safe exit—not to escape quickly himself, but to hold open the door, creating space for those behind him to go first.
Fellow students confirmed that Peter could have easily left, but he chose to stay behind to hold the door for others, ultimately being shot and killed by the approaching gunman. Many classmates later choked back tears, expressing that if it weren’t for his actions, more lives could have been lost.
The forensic pathologist Wendolyn Sneed, responsible for the autopsy and testifying at the gunman’s sentencing hearing, stated that Peter was struck by thirteen bullets: the first hit his foot, followed by two hits to his thigh, a bullet through his body, five shots to his arm, and the final four shots concentrated in his head.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Peter moved with his parents to Miami-Dade County, Florida, at a young age. He had two younger brothers, and his parents owned a restaurant in Pompano Beach.
A neighbor described Peter as polite and intelligent, with a dream of one day attending West Point to serve his country.
Peter’s parents were proud that he was a JROTC student. He had told his parents that JROTC helped instill good character and taught students about leadership and becoming better citizens.
On Saturday, May 24th, West Point Military Academy held its graduation ceremony for the class of 2025, with 1002 cadets graduating this year.
Retired Major General Robert Caslen, the Superintendent of West Point, stated, “The cadets of this class are currently preparing to receive their commissions as second lieutenants and may potentially lead soldiers into combat. Peter Wang exemplifies the qualities and attributes we seek in Naval Academy or West Point graduates.”
Caslen personally signed Peter’s acceptance letter seven years ago.
He added, “Individuals like Peter are exactly what we’re looking for—talented individuals who can lead America’s youth in battle. He demonstrated this capability at a young age, showing his excellence and earning him the distinction of an honorary member.”
In a statement in 2018, West Point Military Academy mentioned that they only grant acceptance letters in very rare circumstances, when a candidate’s actions exemplify the principles of “Duty, Honor, Country” the school upholds.
The school decided to posthumously grant Peter Wang his acceptance letter as a way of “acknowledging this brave young man in the most fitting manner.”
Former Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who is now the U.S. Secretary of State, in an interview with CBS News at the time, praised Peter for his courage and heroism in the face of tragedy.
He said, “Duty, Honor, Country are vital pillars for West Point cadets, and Peter Wang clearly embodied these principles.”
West Point Military Academy is renowned for training Army officers, including General George S. Patton, General Douglas MacArthur, President Ulysses S. Grant, President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Former Florida Governor Rick Scott, who is now a U.S. Senator, authorized a military funeral for Peter Wang conducted by the Florida National Guard.
Hundreds gathered in South Florida to pay their respects, with attendees spanning different age groups and backgrounds.
Peter’s casket was draped in the American flag, with Taps echoing through the air as the crowd saluted.
Among them were elderly veterans with weathered faces, current servicemen in uniform, and paramedics in formal attire. The youngest were JROTC cadets, dressed in the same gray uniform that Peter wore.
Peter’s classmate and fellow JROTC member Colton Haab said that while they were not official military personnel, Peter epitomized the spirit of a soldier, earning the admiration of all.