The 2009 battle at Afghanistan's Combat Outpost Keating left eight American soldiers dead, but it also highlighted the exemplary bravery of U.S. troops. One servicemember, Staff Sgt. Clint Romesha, has already earned the Medal of Honors for his actions that day, and the White House recently added another name to the list. Army Staff Sgt. Ty Carter will be given the distinction, Stars and Stripes reports.
One look at Carter's actions during the day-long battle, and it's clear why he's being given the Medal of Honor. Carter braved heavy enemy fire multiple times, such was when he made several runs to get his fellow soldiers supplies and bring wounded troops to safety. He also called for reinforcements, acted as a sniper while other serivcemembers tended to injured troops and survived enemy fire to make sure a blaze did not spread. His colleagues are not surprised he was chosen.
"In my heart I knew deep down inside that it was going to happen eventually, because knowing what he [Carter] went through and knowing the extraordinary circumstances that he and everyone else had faced, there was no way that something like this could be passed up. I couldn't be prouder," said retired 1st Sgt. Jonathan G. Hill, Carter's platoon Sergeant.
Carter becomes the fifth living Medal of Honor recipient from the war in Afghanistan. Additionally, nine troops have earned the Silver Star, according to Stripes.