Reflections on Heroism and Sacrifice in the Battle of Marawi

In this episode, John Spencer is joined by Major Floren Herrera of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and recipient of the prestigious Nininger Award for Valor at Arms, Major Herrera led troops during the 2017 Battle of Marawi—one of the most intense urban battles in recent Philippine military history. He shares the story of his journey from cadet to Scout Ranger, the experience of rejoining his unit in the middle of the battle, and how he applied leadership lessons under fire in the dense, high-stakes urban terrain of Marawi. His insights offer a rare and powerful look into combat leadership in one of the defining urban battles of the twenty-first century.