Catholic leaders in western South Dakota reject decision to uphold Wounded Knee medals

Catholic leaders in western South Dakota have issued a statement rejecting the defense secretary’s decision to affirm Medals of Honor awarded for the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre, according to reporting by South Dakota Searchlight.

The statement, released Oct. 20 by the Most Rev. Scott Bullock, bishop of Rapid City, and the De Smet Jesuit Community of West River, said the massacre “was not a battle” and that “those who died at Wounded Knee are sacred.” The leaders said the acts committed “were grave evils and cannot be honored.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced last month that the medals would not be rescinded, calling the massacre a “battle.” The Defense Department has not released the review panel’s report or responded to requests for a copy, according to South Dakota Searchlight.