President Donald Trump joked that he always wanted to receive America’s highest military award, shortly after bestowing the honor on a 100-year-old Korean War veteran during his State of the Union address on Tuesday. (See video below).

First lady Melania Trump presented retired Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams with the Medal of Honor in the final stretch of Trump’s speech.

“This brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves,” Trump said. “He was a legend long before tonight.”

The moment drew prolonged applause from those present, including Democrats such as Sens. Mark Kelly (Ariz.) and Elissa Slotkin (Mich.).

But Trump wasted no time taking advantage of the war hero’s special moment as soon as Williams took his seat to talk about himself.

“I’ve always wanted the Congressional Medal of Honor, but I’ve been informed that it can’t be given to me and I wouldn’t know why I would take it, but if you ever open that bill, one day I’ll be there with you,” Trump said.

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Chief Petty Officer Eric Slover, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot who was injured in the attack that led to the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro in January, also received the same award.

“That is our highest honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, and it is a very important thing, and it is an honor to be in the same room with you. Thank you both very much,” Trump said, referring to the two awardees.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover receives a Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday.
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover receives a Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday.

Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP

While Trump continued to refer to it as the Congressional Medal of Honor, the country’s highest military award is called the Medal of Honor even though it is presented “on behalf of the United States Congress,” The New York Times noted. The outlet also noted that Trump’s decision to award the honor during a political speech is highly unusual, as most presidents since the Vietnam War have presented awards at the White House.