Former Army Staff Sgt. Clinton L. Romesha became the fourth living service member who served in Iraq or Afghanistan to receive the nation’s highest award for military valor – the Medal of Honor – for bravery he displayed during an Oct. 3, 2009, firefight. President Obama presented Romesha with the award during a Feb. 12 ceremony in the East Room of the White House. According to official records, Romesha and 52 comrades at Combat Outpost Keating in Kamdesh district, Nuristan province, Afghanistan, came under fire by some 300 Taliban attackers. He was attached to Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, at the time. Despite being wounded, Romesha fought throughout the day alongside comrades to protect wounded comrades and prevent the bodies of slain soldiers from falling into enemy hands. “When I called Clint to tell him that he would receive this medal, he said he was honored, but he also said, ‘It wasn’t just me out there. It was a team effort,’” the Obama said during the ceremony. “And so today we also honor this American team, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice.” The firefight resulted in soldiers receiving 37 Army Commendation Medals, 27 Purple Hearts, 18 Bronze Stars, and nine Silver Stars, in addition to Romesha’s awards.