Monday February 11, 2013
What is it?
(Former) Staff Sgt. Clinton L. Romesha will receive the Medal of Honor “the nation’s highest award for valor” from President Barack Obama during a White House ceremony today. Romesha is the fifth Soldier to receive the Medal of Honor for service in Afghanistan, and the fourth living recipient for the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. Romesha is currently separated from the Army and lives with his family in North Dakota.
What has the Army done?
Romesha, a section leader with Bravo Troop, 3-61 Cavalry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, will receive the award for his actions at Combat Outpost Keating in Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, on Oct. 3, 2009.
At dawn, on the day of battle, approximately 400 enemy fighters occupied the high ground around COP Keating and initiated a sophisticated attack. After his unit made initial contact, Romesha moved under withering fire to survey the battlefield and seek reinforcements. He then returned to action with the support of an assistant gunner, destroyed an enemy machine gun team and began to engage a second machine gun team. At that time, a rocket-propelled grenade struck the generator that Romesha was using for cover, wounding him with shrapnel. Undeterred, Romesha again braved the exposed avenue to assemble Soldiers and then returned to the fight leading a five-man team.
During the course of the 13-hour battle that ensued, Romesha repeatedly put his life in danger to recover the bodies of the fallen, assist wounded, and coordinate air support. His heroic actions saved the lives of fellow Soldiers, allowed B Troop to reconsolidate, and enabled him to lead the counterattack that secured Combat Outpost Keating.
Why is this important to the Army?
Staff Sgt. Romesha’s actions embody the Army Values. In addition, his skills as a highly-trained professional enable him to defend the country, the Constitution and the American people, a tremendous responsibility that Soldiers carry.
Romesha is a Soldier for Life. Even after transitioning from the Army, Romesha’s sense of personal responsibility for his Soldiers, demonstrated throughout his Army career, translates into his current job where he monitors safety and mitigates risk by correcting worksite procedures.
What is planned for the future?
In addition to today’s White House ceremony, Army senior leaders will recognize Staff Sgt. Romesha, his family and friends during a Pentagon ceremony scheduled for February 12. Staff Sgt. Romesha will receive his official picture, citation and Medal of Honor flag during the ceremony. The ceremony will also feature the unveiling of his Hall of Heroes plaque.
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