Soldier killed in Niger ambush receives posthumous medal

The family of a U.S. soldier killed during a 2017 ambush in the African nation of Niger has received his Silver Star Medal in South Florida.

Maj. Gen. John Deedrick presented the award Friday evening to the family of Army Sgt. LaDavid Johnson during a ceremony at Miami Gardens City Hall. Johnson was one of four U.S. soldiers killed in the ambush and ensuing firefight.

They were on a mission to capture or kill a high-level Islamic State group leader in West Africa on Oct. 4, 2017, when they were attacked by more than 100 extremists.

Maj. Gen. John Deedrick, left, presents the Silver Star Medal to Myeshia Johnson, the widow of Sgt. LaDavid Johnson, during a ceremony, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Johnson was killed in action during operations in Niger in 2017. (AP PhotoLynne Sladky)

The Army has approved nine awards for valor, including four awarded posthumously to Johnson and the other soldiers killed.

The Silver Star Medal is the U.S. military's third-highest personal decoration for valor in combat.

Myeshia Johnson, the widow of Sgt. LaDavid Johnson, right, hugs a member of the military after a ceremony awarding the Silver Star Medal to LaDavid Johnson, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Johnson was killed in action during operations in Niger in 2017. (AP PhotoLynne Sladky)

Myeshia Johnson, the widow of Sgt. LaDavid Johnson, center, sits with her children LaDavid Jr., and Ahleesya, right, during a ceremony awarding the Silver Star Medal to LaDavid Johnson, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Johnson was killed in action during operations in Niger in 2017. (AP PhotoLynne Sladky)

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.

The 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods tied for 61st among the 74 players who finished. The top five advanced to regional qualifying.

Woods shot 40 on the front nine, opening bogey-double bogey. He followed a birdie on the par-3 fifth with another double bogey. He shot 41 on the back with three bogeys and a double bogey.

The U.S. Open will be played June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina.

Woods also struggled in February in a pre-qualifier for the PGA Tour's Cognizant Classic, taking a 12 on a hole and shooting a 16-over 86 at Lost Lake Golf Club in Hobe Sound.

Woods has played the 36-hole PNC Championship with his father the last four years in a scramble format.

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FILE - Charlie Woods tees off during the final round of the PNC Championship golf tournament Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods, failed to qualify for his first U.S. Open after shooting 9-over 81 on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.(AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski, File)