The Medal of Honor is the highest award that can be received by military personnel. It is awarded to those who go far beyond their call of duty.
There have been thousands of Medals of Honor awarded over the years since it was introduced. To talk about each and every soldier or officer who has won this prestigious award would take a very long time.
In today’s post, I am going to just review the winners of the Army Medal of Honor from the War in Afghanistan. I am not discounting winners from the other branches of the military, but this website is primarily geared toward the Army, so I am keeping this post Army-only related.
Let’s look at Army Medal of Honor recipients from the War in Afghanistan:
Sergeant 1st Class Jared Monti (9/20/1975-6/21/2006) From Raynham, Massachusetts
Jared served with the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. His patrol was attacked by a large number of insurgents in Northeastern Afghanistan. One of Monti’s soldiers was wounded and Monti attempted to save him not once and not twice, but 3 times. On the 3rd attempt, Monti was hit with an enemy RPG.
For his bravery and devotion, Monti’s parents were given his Medal of Honor from President Barak Obama.
Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta (1/21/1985) From Hiawatha, Iowa
Salvatore served with the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. It was a planned ambush that insurgents near what was known as the Valley of Death. The enemy had Salvatore’s patrol in an L-shaped ambush. Soldiers were being hit by bullets right and left. Salvatore was hit in his vest. One of Salvatore’s friends, Sergeant Joshua Brennan was hit terribly and 2 insurgents had him as a prisoner. Seeing the enemy taking the Sergeant, Salvatore gave chase killing one and the other dropped Brennan and ran. Brennan died from his injuries, but for all that he did to try and save Brennan, Salvatore was awarded the MOH.
Salvatore received the Medal of Honor from President Barak Obama in an emotional ceremony. He has since written and published a book titled “Living With Honor.”
Sergeant Kyle White (1987) From Seattle, Washington
Kyle served with the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. It was during the Battle of Aranas when Kyle repeatedly administered life-saving measures on fellow soldiers while also radioing for air support.
Kyle also suffered a brain injury from an RPG blast and has dealt with bouts of PTSD since.
President Obama gave Kyle the MOH and the next day, this soldier was inducted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes.
Staff Sergeant Robert Miller (10/14/1983-1/25/2008) From Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Robert served with the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group. It was his 2nd tour, and Robert was the lead of Coalition and Afghan Security Forces. This group was attacked by the Taliban, and Robert held them off so all his soldiers could get cover. In doing so, Robert was killed.
President Obama posthumously presented Robert with the Medal of Honor.
Master Sergeant Leroy Petry (7/29/1979) From Santa Fe, New Mexico
While serving with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Leroy was assigned with his platoon to locate a target of high value. When leaving the helicopter, they were immediately under fire. They managed to get into the target building, but Petry was shot through both legs. As a fellow soldier assessed his and another soldier’s wounds, a grenade landed very close to them. Petry grabbed the grenade to throw it back but it exploded as it left his grip blowing his hand off, but also saving the lives of his teammates.
Petry reenlisted in the Army even after this.
Wow, now that is a true Army warrior!
Staff Sergeant Ryan Pitts (1985) From Nashua, Massachusetts
Ryan served with the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. During the Battle of Wanat, Ryan was a Forward Observer. A massive enemy force attacked their position, and Ryan was wounded severely, but he kept fighting with grenades and his rifle. Because of his courage, the enemy could not overrun their position.
Other posts you may enjoy:
- A Brief History of the Congressional Medal of Honor
- Military Units Who Have Been Honored With The Congressional Gold Medal
- The Army Good Conduct Medal: Everything You Need to Know About It
Major William Swenson (11/2/1978) From Seattle, Washington
Serving with the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, William performed life saving feats at the Battle of Ganjgal. He went into what was a kill zone several times to remove dead and wounded soldiers, and when told by the Taliban to surrender, William responded by throwing a grenade.
After being awarded the MOH by President Obama, William left Army service for a short time, but he soon reenlisted and is still serving.
Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha (8/17/1981) From Lake City, California
Clinton served with the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division during the Battle of Kamdesh. This was his 4th deployment. A force of 200+ Taliban enemies attacked, and despite being wounded, Clinton fought and led his fellow soldiers in a 12 hour battle.
Clinton played down the award when given to him by President Obama.He said other soldiers were more seriously wounded than he was.
Clinton currently works in the North Dakota oil fields.
Staff Sergeant Ty Carter (1/1980) From Spokane, Washington
Ty also served with the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and was in the midst of the Battle of Kamdesh. Like his fellow soldier, Clinton Romesha, Ty helped the wounded to safety and fought bravely against enemy forces for 12 long hours.
Ty suffered from PTSD, and he now helps other soldiers who suffer from it.
Captain Florent Groberg (5/8/1983) From Poissy, France
Florent served with the 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. In an amazing feat of courage, Florent tackled a suicide bomber who detonated his bomb. The blast sent Florent flying, but he lived through the attack. Florent’s actions caused a 2nd bomber to detonate prematurely. The Captain’s quick thinking saved many lives.
President Obama visited Florent at Walter Reed hospital where he was recovering from his injuries.
Final Thoughts
These are the soldiers who have received the MOH from the War in Afghanistan. While these are all Army soldiers, I must also mention other service members who received the MOH from actions in Afghanistan:
Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward Byers – U.S. Navy
Corporal Kyle Carpenter – U.S. Marines
Sergeant Dakota Myer – U.S. Marines
Lieutenant Michael Murphy – U.S. Navy
It is the courage of soldiers like these that make it so we can live in the greatest country in the world.
I give a big thanks to these soldiers and to God for making them.
Leave your comments below. Thank you.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
Suggested Resources
Our Books & Training Courses
Recommended Reading List
Earn Extra Money
Lose Weight Today!