President Obama on Monday awarded Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward Byers, a 36-year-old member of SEAL Team 6, with the Medal of Honor.
Byers was on the team that rescued a U.S. doctor in Afghanistan in 2012. Many of the details of that mission remain secret, but the White House said his actions helped save the life of the hostage and many of his teammates.
President Obama said SEALs like Byers need to be thanked publicly for the work they do to keep the country safe, as much of the work they do takes place in the shadows.
“The American people may not always see them,” Obama said. “We may not always hear of their success. But they are there in the thick of the fight, in the dark of night, achieving their mission. We thank God they’re there. We sleep more peacefully in our beds tonight because patriots like these stand ready to answer our nation’s call and protect our way of life, now and forever.”
Byers is the first living sailor to be awarded the Medal of Honor since 1998, and only five SEALS have ever been awarded it.
