March 02, 2016 U.S. President Barack Obama recently awarded the Medal of Honor to U.S. Navy SEAL Edward Byers.
Edward was awarded the Medal for his role in rescuing an American civilian who was held hostage by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in 2012.
During the ceremony, which was held at the White House, president Obama said:
“The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest military decoration. And today’s ceremony is truly unique — a rare opportunity for the American people to get a glimpse of a special breed of warrior that so often serves in the shadows,”
Byers, who was part of a mission to rescue an American doctor kidnapped by Taliban insurgents in 2012, had reportedly moved swiftly as soon as they received intelligence on the whereabouts of the hostage.
Before awarding the medal to Byers, Obama closed his speech by reciting the SEAL ethos.
“In times of war or uncertainty, there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our nation’s call. A common man with uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America’s finest Special Operations forces to serve his country, the American people, and protect their way of life.” Senior Chief Edward Byers, Jr. is such a man,”
Byers is the 11th living U.S. service members to be awarded the Medal of Honor.