Skip to navigation » Skip to content »

Obama visits wounded US soldiers at Walter Reed

President Barack Obama salutes as boards Marine One helicopter prior to his AP – President Barack Obama salutes as boards Marine One helicopter prior to his departure at Rock Creek Park …

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama spent nearly two hours visiting wounded U.S. soldiers Friday afternoon.

The president met with 19 soldiers being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, as well as the families of three soldiers in intensive care, and hospital staff. He also awarded two Purple Hearts.

The president's visit came a day after an Army psychiatrist who once trained at Walter Reed hospital allegedly killed 13 people at Fort Hood. The White House says the hospital visit was planned before the shootings.

Friday's visit was Obama's first to Walter Reed since taking office, though he visited as a presidential candidate.

(This version CORRECTS to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.)