On Monday, Army Staff Sgt. Ty Carter received the Medal of Honor at the White House for his service in Afghanistan, recognized for sprinting into enemy fire to save an injured comrade.
In the spirit of honoring military heroism, The Huffington Post chose to highlight the service of heroes among us: living Medal of Honor recipients who served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Army Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha
Romesha received the Medal of Honor on February 11, 2013 for his service in Afghanistan. He was serving as a section leader during an attack by 300 enemy fighters in Kamdesh. Under heavy fire during the 12-hour battle, Romesha helped three wounded soldiers reach aid and recovered American casualties.
"Staff Sergeant Romesha’s discipline and extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty reflect great credit upon himself," said President Barack Obama.
Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer
Meyer received the Medal of Honor on September 15, 2011 for his service in Afghanistan. After hearing a Taliban ambush occurring a mile away over radio, he went against orders and headed into the firestorm, ultimately saving 36 lives.
"In Sergeant Dakota Meyer, we see the best of a generation that has served through a decade of war," said Obama.
Army Staff Sgt. Leroy Petry
Petry received the Medal of Honor on July 12, 2011 for his service in Afghanistan. Serving as the senior noncommissioned officer during a mission to capture a high-level target, Petry attempted to toss away a live grenade to spare himself and his comrades. It exploded as he was throwing it and severed his hand.
"This is the stuff of which heroes are made. This is the strength, the devotion that makes our troops the pride of every American," Obama said.
Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta
Giunta received the Medal of Honor on November 16, 2010 for his service in Afghanistan. He was the first living recipient of the medal from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. During an ambush, Giunta charged into enemy fire in an attempt to save a comrade.
"Staff Sergeant Giunta, repeatedly and without hesitation, you charged forward through extreme enemy fire, embodying the warrior ethos that says, 'I will never leave a fallen comrade,'" said Obama.
Army Staff Sgt. Ty Carter
Carter received the Medal of Honor on August 26, 2013 for his service in Afghanistan. He ran into a firefight to save an injured soldier, restock on ammunition and render first aid to his comrade.
"Look at this man. Look at this soldier. Look at this warrior. He's as tough as they come, and if he can find the courage and the strength to not only seek help but also to speak out about it, to take care of himself and to stay strong, then so can you," Obama said.
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