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Navy SEAL Receives Medal of Honor at White House Ceremony

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WASHINGTON -- A member of America's famed Navy SEALS has been awarded the nation's highest military honor.

Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward Byers, Jr. received the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama during a moving ceremony at the White House Monday.

He's the first active duty member of the Navy to receive the award in 40 years.

"Today's ceremony is truly unique, a rare opportunity for the American people to get a glimpse of a special breed of warrior who so often serves in the shadows," Obama said.

"Byers would probably rather be holding his breath under dark, frigid water than receiving an honor in front of TV cameras," the president continued.

Navy SEAL Ed Byers received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the rescue of Dr. Dilip Joseph, who was kidnapped by the Taliban in December 2012. Dr. Joseph talked about his captivity and his rescue on The 700 Club. Watch below:

 

Byers participated in the rescue of Dr. Dilip Joseph, who was abducted by the Taliban in Afghanistan while working with the Christian relief group Morning Star Development.

After a difficult four-hour hike through the mountains, Byers and his team arrived at the location where Joseph was being held.

Hostage rescues are "no-fail missions," Byers said. Success means returning the hostage home alive.

The president recounted how the SEAL team rushed into the building. Byers ripped down layers of blankets, exposing himself to enemy fire. His teammate, Nicolas Checque, pushed in and was shot. Byers moved in next and took out an enemy guard who was pointing an assault rifle at him.

Byers saw another man moving towards a weapons cache and detained him. He heard a man speak English a few feet away, shot the man he had detained, and jumped on the doctor to shield him with his body.

While shielding the doctor he pinned a third fighter to the wall by his throat using his bare hands.

Once Joseph was secure and the threat eliminated, Byers realized that his teammate, Checque, had been killed. Although Byers was awarded the Medal of Honor, he said it's in honor of Checque and others who have paid the ultimate price.

Speaking to the press after the ceremony, Byers also thanked his wife and daughter for their support and strength that allows him to do what he does. Before every mission Byers said he prays for protection.

He added that he loves being a SEAL and plans to keep doing his job.

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About The Author

Jennifer
Wishon

As Senior Washington Correspondent for CBN News, Jennifer covers the intersection of faith and politics - often producing longer format stories that dive deep into the most pressing issues facing Americans today. A 20-year veteran journalist, Jennifer has spent most of her career covering politics, most recently at the White House as CBN's chief White House Correspondent covering the Obama and Trump administrations. She's also covered Capitol Hill along with a slew of major national stories from the 2008 financial crisis to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic and every election in between. Jennifer