Navy SEAL receives Medal of Honor for hostage rescue

Source: CNN

(CNN) - Navy SEAL Edward Byers received the Medal of Honor on Monday morning for his role in rescuing an American civilian being held hostage by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan.

President Barack Obama awarded Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Byers the nation's highest medal for valor in combat, while pointing out that only five other SEALs had received the honor ever before.

"Ed is defined by a deep sense of humility, he doesn't seek the spotlight, in fact he shuns it. He's the consummate quiet professional," Obama said during the White House ceremony. "Today's ceremony is truly unique -- a rare opportunity for the American people to get a glimpse of a special breed of warrior that so often serves in the shadows."

The White House had previously highlighted Byers' "courageous actions" and "selfless service" during the December 2012 operation. Obama described the encounter as involving "hand-to-hand combat" with multiple adversaries.

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Read more: http://edition.cnn.com/2016/02/29/politics/medal-of-honor-navy-seal-edward-byers/