Posted on 03/03/2016 4:39:16 PM PST by Coleus
President Barack Obama presents the Medal of Honor to Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward Byers, U.S. Navy SEAL, in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 29, 2016. Senior Chief Byers receives the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as part of a team that rescued an American civilian being held hostage in Afghanistan on December 8-9, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
On Monday, Navy Senior Chief Edward C. Byers Jr. was awarded the Medal of Honor in a White House ceremony.
The 36-year-old SEAL received the U.S. Military’s highest honor for his role in the successful December 2012 rescue of an American civilian who had been taken hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
He also gave first aid and offered prayers for a fellow SEAL, who was fatally wounded during the rescue operation.
Byers also has two Purple Hearts for wounds suffered in combat and five Bronze Stars with V device for heroism. He is believed to be first service member to receive the Medal of Honor while part of the highly secretive SEAL Team 6, according to the Washington Post.
What’s more – Byers is a Roman Catholic with a special devotion to St. Michael the Archangel.
From the Washington Post:
“My entire career in combat operations, I’ve always wore a St. Michael the Archangel patch on my back,” he said. “And I got that off of a guy in my first Iraq tour. That patch is really special to me because every single mission I’ve ever done, I’ve always said a prayer to St. Michael to protect and watch over us, and I think those prayers are a good aspect and a big aspect of what helps sustain me through all those times away from home, and away from my wife, and away from my daughter and friends and family.”
Military Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio issued a statement praising Byers:
“SEAL Senior Chief Edward Byers has demonstrated true heroism both in rescuing a fellow citizen and in praying for his deceased comrade. His actions will continue to inspire all of those who love our Country and serve it so selflessly. It is obvious that his patriotism and prayer are motivated by his strong Catholic faith. May his story strengthen all of us in our conviction to do what is right and just. It is an honor to join the chorus of those who are praising this Seal and all of his fellows.”
thank you.
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