The word “hero” is often overused, but it wasn’t on Monday, when President Obama conferred the Medal of Honor on former Army Staff Sgt. Clint Romesha for acts above and beyond the call of duty in Afghanistan, when his small unit was attacked by more than 300 enemy combatants.
Under heavy fire, Romesha took out a machine gun team and engaged another before shrapnel from a rocket-propelled grenade exploded into his hip, arm and neck.
Ignoring his injuries, he led a five-man team back into battle, killed three Taliban fighters, helped direct an air counterattack that destroyed nearly three dozen enemy fighters and ensured that the wounded were treated and the bodies of fallen comrades recovered.
“I stand here with mixed emotions,” Romesha said. “Joy comes from recognition for us doing our jobs as soldiers . . . but is countered by the constant reminder of the loss of our battle buddies.”
Romesha opted to spend time with men from his unit rather than accept an invitation to attend the State of the Union in the First Lady’s box.
We respect the wishes of this good soldier and count this nation fortunate to have so many just like him serving in uniform.