U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reinstated Lieutenant Colonel Kennie Kelly, an officer who was discharged from the U.S. Army under the Biden administration for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.

Kelly, a decorated officer with the U.S. Army & Africa command, was separated from service after he declined to comply with the military’s vaccine mandate. His case became one of many high-profile examples of service members facing discharge for vaccine refusal during the height of the Biden-era policy.

In a statement, the Department of Defense confirmed that Secretary Hegseth has personally approved Kelly’s reinstatement, describing it as part of a broader effort to correct what the current administration calls “unjust punishments” imposed by previous COVID-19 vaccine policies.

Hegseth has been vocal about reversing the effects of the mandate, which led to the discharge of thousands of service members. The Trump administration has prioritized restoring careers of those affected, offering reinstatement where possible and addressing back pay and benefits.

Lieutenant Colonel Kelly expressed gratitude for the decision, calling it a “victory for individual liberty and medical freedom” within the armed forces. He is expected to return to active duty in the coming weeks.

This move aligns with other recent actions by the Trump administration to review and overturn policies from the prior administration regarding military readiness, vaccine mandates, and personnel decisions.

The reinstatement has been praised by conservative groups and vaccine-skeptical organizations, while drawing criticism from others who argue it undermines public health standards in the military.