Obama Presents Afghan War Veteran With Medal Of Honor

Associated PressPublished: October 15, 2013

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 15: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) applauds former U.S. Army Captain William Swenson after giving him the Medal of Honor during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House October 15, 2013 in Washington, DC. Honored for his actions in the 2009 Battle of Ganjgal Valley in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan, Swenson is the sixth living veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to receive the Medal of Honor, awarded to a person who 'distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.' (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says a former Army captain who survived one of the Afghan war's deadliest firefights is a reminder that Americans look out for one another even when it's difficult.

Obama commented at a White House ceremony before placing America's highest military honor, the Medal of Honor, around William D. Swenson's neck. He says Swenson is an example of what Americans can be at their best.

The Seattle native was recognized for bravery in battle against Taliban insurgents in the Ganjgal valley near the Pakistan border in 2009.

The fight claimed five Americans, 10 Afghan army troops and an interpreter.

Swenson was a trainer and mentor embedded with the Afghan National Security Forces in Afghanistan's Kunar Province. He risked his life to recover bodies and help save fellow troops.

Filed Under: medal of honor

Categories: AP News, National News