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Printed Materials - [Program for] the Presentation of the Medal of Honor, 02/29/2016
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301425478
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Printed Materials - [Program for] the Presentation of the Medal of Honor, 02/29/2016
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Records of the Calligraphy Office. (Obama Administration)
General Files
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Barack Obama Presidential Library
MATURAL AND LITTERS SCRIPTA MANET RECORDS
Systematic Scanning Cover Sheet
1985
Per Folder
Collection:
Calligraphy Office, White House
Series:
General Files
Container Number: Legal Hollinger
71889
Folder ID: 51749
Folder Title: Printed Materials - [Program for] the Presentation of
the Medal of Honor, 02/29/2016 [3 copies]
Systematic File Name: t068887811-051749-71889
THE PRESIDENT
welcomes you to
THE WHITE HOUSE
on the occasion of the presentation of the
MEDAL OF HONOR
to
CHIEF SPECIAL WARFARE OPERATOR
(SEA, AIR, AND LAND)
EDWARD C. BYERS, JR.
UNITED STATES NAVY
Monday, February 29, 2016
The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes
pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to
PROGRAM
CHIEF SPECIAL WARFARE OPERATOR
(SEA, AIR, AND LAND)
EDWARD C. BYERS, JR.
UNITED STATES NAVY
Invocation
for service as set forth in the following
CAPT Michael J. Parisi
CITATION:
Chaplain Corps, U.S. Navy
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as a Hostage Rescue Force Team Member
in Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 8-9
December 2012. As the rescue force approached the target building,
Remarks by
an enemy sentry detected them and darted inside to alert his fellow
The President
captors. The sentry quickly reemerged, and the lead assaulter attempted
to neutralize him. Chief Byers with his team sprinted to the door of
the target building. As the primary breacher, Chief Byers stood in the
doorway fully exposed to enemy fire while ripping down six layers of
heavy blankets fastened to the inside ceiling and walls to clear a path
Presentation of the
for the rescue force. The first assaulter pushed his way through the
MEDAL OF HONOR
blankets, and was mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire from
within. Chief Byers, completely aware of the imminent threat, fearlessly
rushed into the room and engaged an enemy guard aiming an AK- 47
at him. He then tackled another adult male who had darted towards
Benediction
the corner of the room. During the ensuing hand-to-hand struggle,
Chief Byers confirmed the man was not the hostage and engaged him.
CAPT Michael J. Parisi
As other rescue team members called out to the hostage, Chief Byers
Chaplain Corps, U.S. Navy
heard a voice respond in English and raced toward it. He jumped
atop the American hostage and shielded him from the high volume
of fire within the small room. While covering the hostage with his
body, Chief Byers immobilized another guard with his bare hands,
and restrained the guard until a teammate could eliminate him. His
bold and decisive actions under fire saved the lives of the hostage and
several of his teammates. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting
spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of near certain
death, Chief Petty Officer Byers reflected great credit upon himself
and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
CRITERIA FOR AWARD
The Medal of Honor is awarded by the President in
the name of Congress to a person who, while a member
of the Armed Forces, distinguishes himself or herself
conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while
engaged in an action against an enemy of the United
States; while engaged in military operations involving
conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving
with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict
against an opposing armed force in which the United
States is not a belligerent party. The deed performed
must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so
conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above
his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life.
Incontestable proof of the performance of service is exacted
and each recommendation for award of this decoration
is considered on the standard of extraordinary merit.