By Mike Mount
A former U.S. Army staff sergeant will receive the nation's highest award for combat valor for his actions in repelling an insurgent onslaught in Afghanistan in 2009. He is the fourth living recipient to receive the award for service in Iraq or Afghanistan.
President Obama said on Friday that Clinton Romesha will receive the Medal of Honor next month.
Romesha is being recognized for his courage while a section leader with Bravo Troop, 3-61 Cavalry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, at combat outpost Keating.
The Medal of Honor: What is it?
The assault on the outpost in the eastern province of Nuristan goes down as one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
According to the citation accompanying the award, Romesha and fellow soldiers awakened to an attack by an estimated 300 enemy fighters occupying the high ground on all four sides of their complex. They were firing rocket-propelled grenades, anti-aircraft guns and mortars.
Romesha moved uncovered under intense enemy fire multiple times to muster reinforcements and fire on attackers.
He took out an enemy machine gun team and, while engaging a second, was wounded by shrapnel when a generator he was using for cover was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade.
He fought on undeterred, exposing himself to "heavy enemy fire" while moving "confidently about the battlefield. Romesha engaged and destroyed "multiple enemy targets." He also directed air support to destroy more than 30 enemy fighters and saved other wounded troops.
"Staff Sergeant Romesha's heroic actions throughout the day long battle were critical in suppressing an enemy that had far greater numbers. His extraordinary efforts gave Bravo Troop the opportunity to regroup, reorganize and prepare for the counterattack that allowed the troop to account for its personnel and secure Combat Outpost Keating," according to the award citation.
Who deserves a Medal of Honor?
According to the book, "The Outpost" by Jake Tapper, which examines the events leading up to and on the deadly day, Romesha exhibited intense courage and determination as the outnumbered U.S. troops and Afghan allies battled an enemy force numbering in the hundreds.
Tapper says Romesha is the "son of a leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church in Cedarville, California."
His parents, according to the book "had hoped he would follow his father into the church leadership, and Romesha had in fact gone to seminary for four years during high school - from five till seven every morning - but ultimately it just wasn't for him."
"He didn't even go on a mission, a regular rite for young Mormon men. Romesha was better suited to this kind of mission, with guns and joes under his command," Tapper wrote.
The battle that started early on October 3 and lasted for 12 hours, according to CNN reporting. Eight American soldiers and more than 100 militants were killed and much of the outpost was destroyed. Twenty-two U.S. troops were wounded.
A U.S. military investigation said the outpost was an "attractive target" because protection improvements hadn't been made and intelligence assets had been diverted to assist other combat operations elsewhere.
It also said "intelligence assessments had become desensitized to reports of massing enemy formations by previous reports that had proved false."
The military says militants had been planning the attack for days, hiding mortars, rockets and heavy machine guns in the mountains.
Romesha left the Army in 2011 and now lives in Minot, North Dakota.
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Thank you for your service. Great job.
(Granddaughter (maternal) of WWII Army Air vet. Daughter of Korean War navy vet. Wife of Air Force vet. Aunt of 3 West Point grads/ cadets. Navy civilian.)
Mr. Romesha – my sincere thanks from me and my family for the choices you've made in a daunting situation, to defend our freedom.
Well deserved...yet the media identifying everyone addresses is certainly unnecessary...
Well who is the invading force in this situation? If somene invaded your homeland, what would you do? What would you do?
The Taliban were primarily people from other countries who took control of Afghanistan, nice try though. Maybe you should learn things.
I doubt you even know what languages are spoken there.
>still thinking that the taliban is some sort of uber terrorist group that can enslave entire countries
how does all that US neocon propaganda taste?
Neocon? Maybe you should dig a bit deeper into Yemen, Pakistan, Syria and Libya before running your smack about propaganda. Wake up, it comes from both sides of the aisle.
@John Morrison
good goy...
they speak pashtu etc.As much as I revere the sgt's actions and hats of,it' the international Bankers that are happy for this unwanted mess,war is good buisiness,invest your sons
defend it of course. But most narrow minded Americans dont see that
Taliban were trained by the Pakistani intelligence forces in Pakistan an they were the invading force from Pakistan in 1995. Narrow minded Americans always suck at knowing history and geography.
So in your mind the remnants of the Nazi SS fighting US occupation forces after WWII were the good guys?
who said anything about good guys? He's talking about foreign occupation
and yes, the Nazis had every right under a sovereign country to protect their country from foreign threats....so was Poland when Germany decided to invade, too
Well you Democrats in your great society districts shoot people who invade your turf wearing the wrong color, or are you an elitist lib who created this and just sit back and watch your work, while your life taking is confined to highways and roads.
from what i read he should get a silver star but im just a civilian what do i know
I think they meant *recent* MoH honorees. Sloppy writing.
"....will be just the fourth living recipient of the nation's highest award for combat valor for his actions in repelling an insurgent onslaught in Afghanistan in 2009."
misleading. there are several living recipients. hernandez. donlon. crandall. cavaiani. petry. giunta. and the list goes on. if you mean "fourth living recipient in the GWOT" or whatever, then say that.
I hate to disappoint you, but I'm a liberal, a Democrat, and I have nothing but praise for this fine young man's courage and willingness to serve. I hope he's making a good adjustment to civilian life, and wish him the very best in the future.
Sorry, but calling a veteran, someone who literally put his life on the line, a "welfare queen" or anything similar is vile.
poor souls still can't understand why people join the military in the first place
There a a myriad of reasons running from financial to patriotic. It sounds like you may be the one with a comprehension problem.
@John Morrison
and people who do it for financial reasons are welfare queens, because they know the handouts they will get will never be questions by the majority of people like you
I repeat: what have YOU ever DONE to EARN the right of citizenship. You owe your freedom and jaded life to those you insult. If you can't stand behind our troops, stand in front of them. Please do!
The soldier performed above and beyond and will be recognized for it. Can some of you just acknowledge that instead of trying to hammer home your own sick personal agenda? Just say Thank You to him for the freedoms you enjoy.
thanks for a 99-to-1 civilian/"terrorist" death ratio
I still don't understand why occupied countries continue to fight us
It in no way demeans the heroism of this soldier. But you know that dont you?
There are 79 living recipients of the MoH.
Journalistic Excellence.
Phhhffttt! He should have used "Kindness" to disarm the insurgents. -That is sarcasm people.
Figures, how the heck would CNN know anything about honor. I'm surprised our Comrade in Chief was even able to say the word without laughing.
That kindness that Democrats use to disarm their insurgents is known as a drive by.
sounds like a scene from "The Expendables 3"
May every libtard coward and hater in this thread rot in hell.
Even better, make these elitist libs live a week in the great society districts they created like in Chicago, a city more dangerous than Baghdad thanks to the work of the Democrats, their gangs, and their great society plan to counter the civil rights act.
Oooo!! You sound all butt hurt.
how about getting a brain, and see how the Obama military is duping you
Why would you want people to rot in hell because they disagree with you? An even better question is why are those soldiers in someone elses country? What would you do, hateful person, if invaders entered your home land and threatened your family and way of life?
americans can't relate to the golden rule
that's why ron paul got booed during the primary debate
When I read postings like yours, I feel even more thrilled that Barak Obama won a second term and revel in the anguish that so many like you feel that you could not make Obama a one term president.
Inspirational even for people like me.
SALUTE!
Hooah.
Semper fi
Remember all the hate and lies spewed about Mormons from Obama his media lapdogs, teachers, and pretty much every Democrat because Romney was Mormon.
To honor the actions this brave young man took to save his fellow soldiers, every good American should expose the truth and facts of what these National Socialists did in 2012. In fact they have been harming Americans for their skin color and or religious beliefs since the Democrat party was formed in the 1800s. The truth needs to be heard.
Could you refresh our memories and give an example?
What are you talking about? I didn't see anyone going after Romney for being a Mormon. For the most part the people that were against Romney being a Mormon were mainstream Christians. Also, I know you are not suggesting that white people are being victimized...
The kid grew up mormon but he rejected the flock so you can lump all that into MORE Obama blame if you like, but the truth is America is not ready for a fundamentalist mormon no or ever. We have the greatest leadership on this planet if you were open to see it. Hating Obama hasn't worked out for you and the rest of the non-evolved.
How is having a fundamentalist progressive in power any better? There is not such thing as political benevolence.
Any religion or organization that denies personal liberty, self determination, and self preservation is counter to Freedom, The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
His bravery and dedication to this great nation is recognied no matter what his religious beliefs are. Mitt Ratney didn't lose the election because he was a mormon, but because of his disconnect and that of the right wing Republicans with the majority of the American people. The tally of the Electoral College was 330 to 200 in favor of this great president. The best the Republicans now can hope for is a seat in the House of Reps.
Uh, what hatred and lies? President Obama didn't even bring up Gov. Romney's religion.
I wish everyone could get over their personnel political opinions and just recognize that this young man did something that most of us could not. He did not decide to go to war, he just happened to be in the military and did his job above and beyond what is expected. We should all step back, forget our personnel opinions of war and celibrate that this young American did to save others in harms way.
This young man is Mormon, and fair-minded Americans must call the haters on their attacks on Mormons and their religion throughout the 2012 election. We shall never forget. We being those with morals and values from every religion and every background who will make the truth known about the National Socialists.
man you people think to too highly of yourselves... you couldn't possible think as a religious person you are going to be rewarded for doing nothing but complaining?
In other words you are with the group that will destroy the nation just to get what you want regardless of what the vast majority of Americans want. You all act like spoiled children. I'm surprised that you haven't thrown out any racist words yet.
Quit highjacking a thread to spout nonsense. Thank you.
no
he knowingly signed up to get a shot at becoming a welfare queen....that would never be questioned by the duped american public
You are beyond the pale – what have you ever done to EARN the right to be an American citizen? It's clear you don't have the guts to serve in the military, so YOU are the parasite, sucking off the sacrifices all veterans make. You make me puke you useless piece of excrement.
from a retired 13 Bravo Field Mechanized Infantry SgT and proud papa of MP daughter deploying to Afghanistan in march, I too thank you Staff SGt, job well done by you and all your battles. You all should be recognized for standing your ground, and I do hope to get all our troops out of that place before ever losing any more precious lives. Thanks always for my privileges afforded to me by all of you. "Facta Non Verba" and HooRah!!
What is a Field Mechanized Infantry SgT, or did you just make that up? A 13b is a cannon crewmen.
There are a lot of hateful jerks posting here.
maybe because we're sick of the military complex and how so many people are duped into believing that destabilizing countries that are no threat to us is considered "fighting for our freedoms"
So you think if we pulled all of our troops out of the middle east tomorrow they would leave us alone. Hey Peter pan say "hi" to Tinker Bell when you see her in Never Never Land. They will turn thier attention to our home land and cities. These people want us all dead. The hate they feel is brainwashed into them from an early age. You cant stop it or try and reason with them. The Vets I served with would rather fight them on thier streets rather than our own. Show up tomorrow with a bunch of food and flowers for them and see how long it takes them to cut your head off. You are the devil to them and deserve to die no matter what you think or believe.
AMEN BRO
God bless the USA. Why won't we ever be defeated? Because of men like this who will not let it happen. Our future is not defended by those in Washington but by one more soldier who will give it all he has for our freedom. As a vet, I salute you and as a citizen I know that you would also defend those who do not understand what it takes to let them have freedom like freedom of speech. God bless and may your life be a blessing to others as it already has.
Hats off to this young man. I wonder though... why would an outpost be located at a place where it was surrounded on 4 sides by higher ground? Perhaps unavoidable in this situation, but standard procedure for locating a camp adjacent to higher ground is to also secure the higher ground. Did they do that?
Presidential material, hope young men like this take on the mantle and lead our country
Sorry it won't happen because he's white.
What a breathtaking example of anti-Americanism. How can you look yourself in the mirror in the morning?
Poor white people. You all just have it so bad. One black president and your world is coming to an end. Something is wrong with the "rightwing" type. I bet you didn't have a problem with slavery or segregation. But let your taxes go back to "ronnireagan's" tax rate your world falls apart. You people are the biggest, most insensitive hypocrites around. I bet you consider yourself a patriot too. Truth is you are a racist who is scared of losing priviledge and you know it.
So it's racist for me to say it, but when the pundits, CNN, Time Magazine, HuffPo get on the airwaves and say the same exact thing it's considered innovative journalistic, progressivism? You're a hypocritical fool.
BTW – I'm not white you cowardly, unpatriotic moron. Yes I'm talking to you, Ellid and Mike.
I don't care what color you are! Stephen from Django was worse than his slave master. He identified with his slave master. Stochholm syndrome. If you are not white, that's actually worse.
@rocky. God doesn't start wars. People start wars.
Well done, Sergeant. I'm glad you're a LIVING MoH recipient.
Thank you for blowing up mudslimes that are no threat to us
Now you can enjoy a lavish early retirement on the taxpayer's dime.
Troll.
no....I'm an actual conservative, instead of a neocon
He wasn't in the Army long enough to earn a pension. No taxpayer's dime for him. Nice try.
What about "the mudslimes" that blew up the Marines and French paratroops in Lebanon, the embassies in Africa (including the recent Benghazi attack), the Twin Towers, etc.? If you extract your head from your ass and view the real world, you'd see the threat.
Well done
Thank you for your bravery and service.
This is the type of red-blooded young American male who will make some lucky American gal a good husband. I hope that, once he has had a chance to enjoy some time off, he gets busy producing some young Romeshas. We could used a lot more of them to restore our country.
What if he is gay?
Very inspirational.
Makes me sleep better at night knowing we have young men like him protecting us.
Protecting us? We are in *their* land. Please tell me why we are there and why we have any right to be there? Osama bin Laden is dead, and he was *not* in Afghanistan. This soldier is very brave - and a salute him for his bravery and service, but our president and lawmakers are putting our brave men into situations that bring unnecessary harm.
You must have slept through the whole day on 11 Sep 01. . . . .
Even President Obama called it "the good war".
He probably doesn't remember 9/11 because he wasn't born yet.
@chicagorich
I didn't know an entire country authorized the 9/11 attacks
Guilt by association and inaction. If the Afghan populace had supported Ahmed Shah Massoud and his Northern Alliance we never would have had to go.
You haven't read about the girl in Pakistan shot in the face by the Taliban because she likes Obama...
@Ryan – No, but an entire country DID refuse to hand over the man who was responsible for it. You fail.
@Veritas
I didn't know that Bin Laden was bugged with a GPS chip...that they knew where we was at all times
The Taliban forfeited their right to "their land" by being complicit in an attack upon the US. The US, in its usual magnanimity, will return the country to the Afghans when there is no chance they present a danger to the rest of us (probably before, thanks to cretins who don't have a clue, like you).
Sergeant Romesha..Blessings and Semper Fi..Let us not forget..Sergeant Bowe Bergdhal being held 'POW' in Afghanistan this day !!
"Semper fi"??? He's ex-Army, not Marine Corps.
and he's not a Sir, he's enlisted.
agathokles...did it occur to you that Bob might be an active, or former devil dog extending a Marine Corps courtesy to this young hero? And though he is enlisted, whenever the MoH is worn, or the ribbon is present (worn on his uniform) SSG Romesha is to be saluted just as commissioned officers are. Just like calling him "sir".
Thank you Sergeant! Way to go! we need more like you brother
yes, he is a brave boy, but was he the only one there?What about the group who was under his command. They toor deserve credit. Even so, he is not The Dessalines, Toussaint, Capois Lamor, of Haiti, who defeated the biggest tyrants this world evern known: spanish, british, French.
Do not take away the honor he deserves, this is a brave man.
What the hell are you talking about? A Haitian with a spear is nothing compared to what this brave person did.
The story left out the fact that S/Sgt. Romesha is 1/150th Haitian. Will this make the story more appealing to you,
a sshole?
1/150th Haitian??? Come on now you gotta be joking. There is no such thing, good sense of humor though.
Yes. He was the ONLY one. Wow....some people.......
You don't need to be Dessalines, Toussaint, Capois Lamor to deserve recognition. Also, the biggest tyrants the world has ever known are not exclusively Spanish, British and French.
@Haitiano – Do not downplay the Sergeant's act of valor. Just because he may have had people under his command or was in a group, doesn't mean that everyone is going to be a hero or get recognition. War doesn't work this way, welcome to reality. This is not grade school where everyone gets a certificate. Comparing the Haitian revolution to one combat engagement is like comparing an apple to an orange. Frankly I am not sure how you came up to that conclusion. Obvioulsy you have never been in the military.
Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran
Thank you, Sergeant, for keeping us safe, for your service, and especially, for your valor under fire. I'd be more than proud to have you as my son.
"Thank you Sargeant fom keeping us safe" LOL Are you joking? What kind of brainwashing have been you been exposed to? Keep us safe from what, a bunch of Afghani's who have never been to America, who dont speak english, who are living in poverty, who's land we were and are occupying? The Sargeants actions were very heroic but lets not lose sense of reality, we had no reason for being in Afghanistand what so ever!!!! The government LIED to us about WMD's in Iraq and they will continue to lie to us until we awaken from our coma's.
Walid,
Since nothing I type is going to change the pile of waste you call a mind, I'll just advise you to go crawl back into your hole.
Yes, thank him and the rest of the military for keeping the fight there and not on our own soil. Remember he didn't start the fight. He was just trying to keep himself and other troops from being slaughtered. I don't understand negative people like you who make it sound as if these young men who are doing what they are told to do by their superiors, are bad. My son just returned from Afghanistan, and I am very proud of him for doing something honorable for his country.
Well said, only Americans are brainwashed into believing you can be a hero killing poor people in their lands!
If it were to happen here in US, say killing 100 drug cartel guys or gangsters in such fashion, then yes.
Bravery, yes; honor, no.
There's no honor slaughtering people in their land. They r defending their home!
This level of ignorance is astonishing !!
I feel for you, being such an idiot. We went to Afghanistan for 2 main reasons: al-Qaeda and the Taliban. If the demented, barbaric Taliban had given over al-Qaeda, we never would have gone. We should stay until the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan are only able to be found in history books – they and their sick, fanatical skew on life are a threat to all human life on this planet.
Great job son, way to go !
By the way my grandfather and father are both Quakers and were in the Navy and Army, grandfather being wounded in action in the Pacific. They are both very quiet and peaceful men but brave when the time comes. I would have gone Navy except for physical limitations.
Some would claim this is contradictory, but in my mind there is nothing contradictory about their service defending their country and fellow warriors, and their faith.
Let's make sure we honor our men and women by keeping them out of harm's way as much as possible, instead of using them just because we can.
The article is a little misleading, he is the 4th living service member to get the award since the end of the Vietnam War but there are a number of people living still who have recieved the award.
That said, Semper Fi from a marine to an army trooper who has done himself, his service and those who came before him a great honor in upholding the great traditions of our armed forces.
Ooh-Rah Devil Dog!
Thank-you Clinton. I salute you sir. Your act of bravery if very much appreciated. I also salute every other man and woman who put their lives on the line in a foreign country. The reason they are there is beyond their control, keep the politics out of this please. Some join the military to fight for what they believe in, some go for other, personal reasons, do not take that from them.
right on mike, i couldn't agree more. leave the politics out of it for now. as Billy Joel said; "who was wrong and who was right, it didn't matter in the thick of the fight"
this guy was fighting for his brothers -in-arms, as well as to prevent his family from getting some very bad news.
Amen. This young man IS protecting us. Way to go son!!!!
This wonderful young man is a hero of whom every US citizen should be immensely proud.
It is shameful that some citizens do not understand that.
Ever since the second World War Americans have been killing ( murdering) their fellow human beings. Why ? I have NO idea why. Maybe because they CAN get away with it and not be hauled off to The Hague and tried as war criminals. ( which they ARE!!) Millions of Vietnam civilians were murdered over an eight year period because American politicians and bureaucrats said they wanted to stop the spread of Communism. Remember their 'catch phrase'..".the Domino Effect" ?
So, the American lost that war and did Communism spread ??? NO. All that killing, for what ?? Americans don't even know what Communism is. LBJ, NIXON AND G. BUSH are ALL war criminals.
While I do not disagree, I see a notable absence from that list.
I have some advice for you...
1. Open oven
2. Insert head
You forgot #3. and #4.....#3 Turn dial to 450. If head is not cooked enough #4 turn knob to broil
R Glover – You are a complete idiot....
I'm sorry, I wasn't going to comment on this, but Mr Gover sir, you yourself said "Americans don't even know what communism is....". You sir are correct. Thank the very next American GI you see for the truthfulness in what you yourself just said.
Absolutely Mike – Let's hope he gets it.
I really hate to say this, because all the anti-military crap being spouted here makes me sick, but....
Out of all the contributers to the fall of Communism, our enlisted military is near the bottom of that list. Economic pressures, R&D, internal conflict, glasnost, etc.... all political and economic, not the result of warfighting (or even the result of having numerically more or better trained soldiers... because we didn't)
The Soviets had more soldiers, and their Spetnatz was very well trained, but having plenty of nukes, better military equipment, and better trained & motivated soldiers contributed immensely to keeping Soviet hegemonic desires in check.
Gover,
You are a sick individual; enough said.
If that is your logic than every single western leader is a war criminal. So that makes autocratic leaders in the Middle East/Africa/Asia what? Superior war criminals?
When a soldier is asked to do a job and they stand in front of you it is not to deprive you it is to protect you. Be proud of him be glad he was there. NEVER put him beside a politician in your writings!
you are without a doubt, the most ignorant anti-american loser on the board. >90% of Americans disagree with the the Vietnam and Korean wars. Its not even an issue. Yet, you choose to create an artificial scenario that Americans are evil to fullfill your agenda of hate. Yet communist Mao killed 75,000,000 chinese and tibetians, and communist Stalin killed 6,000,000 russians and ukrainians. Yet, you choose to left that out of your argument. LOSER!
http://www.scaruffi.com/politics/dictat.html
so you are saying because other nations of killed more people that we should not even mention how many people we have killed until we reach that number? you need to frame your argument a little better.
i dont need to frame anything better
You are basically correct. Americans have killed millions of innocent foreign nationals over the last 40 years.
What is your point. Are you a Pacifist? If that is your point, then chew on this. Pacifism will not work unless there is 100% buy-in globally.....and since that is not EVER going to happen, I'm happy I live in the country that takes the fight to foreign lands as opposed to letting the fight come here.....so yeah, when you fight wars on foreign shores innocent lives will be lost. Sad, but nothing can be done to avoid that. U.S. forces go above and beyond to try to prevent the killing of innocents, which is more than can be said for the brutal regimes that govern many nations.
Why yes they have...in terms of national interest... and they have produced technologies and implemented policies and procedures to minimize civilian casualties quite often at the cost of increasing American casualties. We have rightly or wrongly often been asked by the world community to be the world's policeman. I would offer in spite of our flaws we do pursue a sound objective...althogh sometimes poorly executed. If you want to look at some real numbers...look at Hitler with in excess of 12 million or Stalin within excess of 27 million. Deal with it.
Yahoo, for the Monroe doctrine. Without 100% committment from all humans (never happen, it's called evil) 1: search your soul to make sure your right. 2. Don't push, but when pushed leave NO misunderstanding for onlookers as to what will happen. 3. When you're wrong admit and move on.
did not think i would be agreeing with you after i first read what you wrote. but after reflection, i cant argue with what you wrote. viet nam was a major mistake, people died for nothing. but for some reason killing muslims does not seem like a bad thing right now. my views may change in 30 years
Dude, do you like your "FREEDOM"? Well, Freedom isn't free. Take your pink puffy doll and go play in the sand box R.Grover
Do you really believe that Communism didn't spread into South and North Vietnam,and on into Laos?...Brush up on your history,child.
War has been going on since the beginning of time. Hitler was a war criminal killing masses for no reason. So should you let him run free? Everyone on earth should have the right that most of the superpowers have except China so what we do? Allow people to be depressed in third world countries where they get beat by the taliban? You are an idiot Gover. Go live a life where you wish someone from the outside would come and rescue you from evil. Is America right in every thing the do. Hell no but most of the time yes. Ask the South Koreans, etc. Mass destruction chemicals in Iraq, still looking and not a good thing. Just like there is police in the city to protect us you have to have global police as well and since the US is the king of the planet we have responsibilities to the rest. Sometimes we are wrong but most of the time we are not. You are still and idiot and maybe you should go and stay in a third world county like Haiti and then see the foreign aid coming in to feed the good people who have no money and no food and no clothes. Actually if you are in the US you should just leave!
@A Human, i would ignore the stupidty of the original poster. he is either a troll with no life or an absolute loser who has no concept of reality.
Just to remind you, it was the communist North Vietnamese and Vietcong who murdered thousands of South Vietnamese while the U.S was trying to protect them! Obviously, you are not very educated and referring to U.S servicemember as "war criminals" is downright pathetic! What country are you from anyway...because chances are the U.S has troops there!
Let me enlighten you somewhat about a subject you obviously know little about, a subject you probably "learned" about on that font of truth, TELEVISION. The United States didn't "lose" in Vietnam, we quit and went home after selling-out our South Vietnamese allies. You can lay the blame for that primarily on biased media and gutless politicians, secondarily on well-heeled "revolutionaries" who had no clue about what the war was about and thought the "heroic Communist Vietnamese" were just too too. Actually, It's a case study why after the civilian/government types decide a war is necessary, they should step back and leave the job to professionals (I'd exclude those officers in the military who're out just to have "their ticket punched").
The North were fighting a long game to win; the US fought to maintain the status quo. Only those of us fighting there wanted to win, and could have with a combined drive up the coast towards Hanoi, and a Marine landing at Haiphong. Actually, the US almost won in spite of the politicos/media during the last bombing campaign of the North, but thank Kissenger for stopping it just days from the North capitulating to a meaningful ceasefire (a Korean fix).
Our pampered citizenry can't stomach a war that doesn't last 4 quarters with 1 possible overtime, just like most can't bear to watch movies over 2 hours long. You only get instant gratification with nukes.
W.W.J.D? Go Rambo all over your Afghan asses! This guy is super brave no doubt, but I've never been able to understand how Christians can ignore the passages in the Gospels about turning the other cheek to your enemies, or praying for those that persecute you... It's so random how faith and war collide in this world
Random? For thousands of years religion has been the one true mass murderer of innocent civilians. Clashing ideals between religious societies has and will be the the most widely used excuse to kill humans. If its in the name of god than it makes it all okay right? You cannot control self determination, it is not possible. You can install morals and ideals but if ones self determination believes one thing it doesn't matter how right or wrong the rest of the world thinks it is. Religion creates this sort of moral ambiguity that gives people an excuse to kill.
Name me one religion or organization, in the past 2000 years that wasn't established by an Atheist, Agnostic, or Apostate to do just what you claim?
The Progressives are imposing laws as our social doctrine of the day; not to some benevolent naive end either.
That's presentism (look it up). That phrase doesn't mean quite what you think it means. Read the wiki entry. Turning the other cheek is actually a symbol of defiance when placed in the correct historical and cultural context.
What people fail to understand about Christianity is the significant difference between selfishly demanding one's individual rights and acting violently as a private citizen outside the law versus acting as an obedient servant in a governement-authorized role, such as soldier or policeman, using force-under-control to save or protect others. The first is self-centered; the second is self-sacrificing, which is the heart of the Gospel.
So self preservation or concern for friends and family had nothing to do with this?
This soldier isn't some machine taking commands from a programmer.
W.W.J.J.R.D What would John J Rambo Do
It's not random. It take planning and money to move people to this country, learn how to fly, board planes, take them over, and fly them into building. Yeah sure now you say "our global policies, blah, blah, blah. Just like Pearl Harbor, our global policies. We've ruined the world. Opinions like yours are why we abondoned Chang in China... wait, making sense is never going to work.
Your silly so there.
I did the same thing once in a paintball war (everything except call in air strikes, shrapnel wound, kill people, etc..). Well done.
Minimizing the heroic deeds done by another just for laughs is disgusting. Others have committed suicide today – maybe you should too?
Pretty benign joke IMO....settle down Thumper.
Thank you for your courage and service..and for sparing a school
Thank you for your courage and service.
Yes this is a brave patriot who along with so many since WWII have been fighting for Globalist corporations not freedom. Obama has had 4 years to get out of Afganistan and has NOT done it. Pakastan harboured OBL and terrorist yet we allow them to sell their clothing here putting our vets out of work.
While I agree 100%, that does nothing to demean this soldiers bravery or heroism.
Yes you are absolutely correct excpt that his bravery was wasted.
As others have posted, his bravery was for the troops under his command. And "Why are we the world's police?" – because the world is full of truly evil people who threaten good people everywhere, but no one else has the balls or the will to oppose that evil.
Wasted? Tell that to his fellow soldiers who now walk this earth because of him.
His bravery wasn't wasted. He saved many American lives.
Wasted ? I don't think so. Come up higher and get a better look from the top.
And what have you ever done for anyone?
Agreed, what a waste of so many good young men.
It not us, who?
Whom should we trust more?
Whenever I read something like what you write, this portion from Tennyson's famous poem below comes to mind. It is very important to be able to decipher and separate political issues when thinking of the immense sacrifices of our soldiers. Often a simple note of Thanks is enough.
____________
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do & die,
Into the valley of Death
____________
I ad a very similar experience in Call of Duty. Man, it was intense. No medal for me thoug I guess, which is more political correctness. PS Preserve Our Republic and John Morrison are in dire need of electroshock therapy.
I doubt anyone cares what you did in a video game.
I'll bet those virtual bullets had you pee ing your pants, you miserable cre ep.
Maybe "call of Dudy" players need to be limited to small 10 round magazines? LOL
In my opinion, the highest honor awarded any American. Can't thank you enough, good man! It is people like you that show the world what it means to love your country.
Well said !!
What a mess...why do we keep fighting these war games? Wars should be fought to end them as quickly as possible. They should be so horrific that everyone wants peace. Instead we get this sanitized piecemeal daily news feed. 8 dead there, another 6 dead here. Oh but we killed 100 of the 'enemy', who cares? Do the moms of the 8 dead care there's 100 dead or would they rather see their kids home safe? If we're attacked, identify the enemy, go to Congress and get formal declaration of war and then send the troops in fully armed to unleash holy hell on the enemy, not with one hand tied behind their back. End it, quickly, otherwise it's not worth fighting for. This is 2013...9/11 was 2001...this is not the 30 years war. WWII was over in 3.5 years after we entered. Think about it..there's kids who were in Kindergaten when 9/11 happened who are now enlisting. Politicians playing with other peoples lives. This needs to end. We're being played.
I smell a hippy
better than the stench of a stupid redneck....go shoot yourself in a hunting accident...
Russ– are you this angry every day or just today?
Hi,bilbo Without war the world Bankers ie. federal reserve,bank of england,deutsche bank etc.or even the military war mashine manifactory would be out of buisiness.They love war they promote war where ever they can.They don't care where or who.It's money in their pockets.They love the new world order.Its like a crime follow the money and you will find the Warmongers
Please check the following as it may be a serious factual mistake. Wikipedia says there are currently 79 living recipients of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
Please learn to read. The first paragraph states he's "the fourth living recipient of the nation's highest award for combat valor for his actions in repelling an insurgent onslaught in Afghanistan in 2009." The relevant info being "in Afghanistan in 2009."
If you were a WWF wrestler, they'd call you, "The Highlighter", lol
LOL@ "The Highlighter"
I would not use Wikipedia to fact check anything. It is user maintained and moderated. If CNN uses Wikipedia to fact check then..... well, I REALLY hope they are smarter than that.
Very true.More Medal of Honor citations were awarded during the Vietnam War than all other wars combined.
Brave soldier. But "Sir?" Um, he's not an officer.
He would be addressed as "Sergeant". Correct.
If you get a medal of honor, it is typical that officers-even those with rank above you-salute you first. There are also tons of other perks that come with being awarded the medal
Afetr what he did, he has every right to be called "Sir", even more than most officers I've known.
Protocol dictates that a Medal of Honor recipient is accorded the honors of a 2-star general when he visits a military base. Besides that, I think this guy deserves a "sir" just for throwing it back in the face of the Taliban.
"Thank you, sir" is what the soldier says to the president upon receiving the medal.
I think it is weird that people get a metal for killing other people. If I killed my neighbor I would not get a metal. If I exploded my apartment building, killing everyone inside, I wouldn't get a metal. I am very glad that there are men and women in the world that defend the county I live in. But I feel like we treat war as a game when we give people metals for being good at killing other people.
Many times, it is not for killing the enemy, but being brave enough to defend the lives of their collegues.
You've got metal in your head....he got a medal.
Firstly "medal", secondly, if you stopped and bravely assisted in eliminating 100 terrorists from invading your city block, and saved your neighbors by single handedly destroying machine gun bunkers and calling in precision airstrikes while being wounded and under heavy fire...then yes, you would probably get a "medal".
Learn to spell "medal."
I think you meant "medal" and not "metal". There is a big difference between medal and medl.
Princess Die of Whales… Soldiers do not get metals for killing people; they get Medals for actions above and beyond the normal call of duty. In this case the SSG was in a combat zone not your neighborhood; ALL U.S. soldiers are trained in basic combat skills to include basic rifle marksmanship in an effort to protect the larger (United States) neighborhood you live in.
Wow you really are not a bright person and you are the type we protect so you can spew your ignorance. Next time you and all your friends are in a life and death situation stand up and tell the intruder to go ahead and kill you all because you do not believe in self defense.
If I defended my house from a bunch of street thugs that were trying to break in, I'd be in prison, not receiving a medal. And Lawdy, their mams, after faintin' and cryin' on TV, would sue me.
I think you meant "medal" and not "metal". There is a big difference between medal and metal.
Please dont reproduce. I hope your pathetic genes never gets passed on to the next generation.
I was listening to Heavy Medal music this morning on my iPod when the medal in my head started to vibrate. I lost my balance on the medal staircase I was climbing and fell, striking my head yet again on a piece of sharp medal that was sticking out from the ground. When I woke up, I realized I was dreaming that I was in a battle with zombies in my apartment building and had killed them all with a medal bar. The president was there and he gave me a metal. It was amazing. So now I'm just lying here, listening to heavy medal...
Uh, it's war, oh misinformed one. Obviously you've never been in combat. People who haven't DO have a right to an OPINION; I, as a combat-wounded, disabled Marine have a right TO NOT HAVE TO LISTEN TO UNINFORMED DRIVEL!
What a mess...why do keep fighting these war games? Wars should be fought to end them as quickly as possible. They should be so horrific that everyone wants peace. Instead we get this sanitized piecemeal daily news feed. 8 dead there, another 6 dead here. Oh but we killed 100 of the 'enemy', who cares? Do the moms of the 8 dead care there's 100 dead or would they rather see their kids home safe? If we're attacked, identify the enemy, go to Congress and get formal declaration of war and then send the troops in fully armed to unleach holy hell on the enemy, not with one hand tied behind their back. End it, quickly, otherwise it's not worth fighting for. This is 2013...9/11 was 2001...this is not the 30 years war. WWII was over in 3.5 years after we entered. Think about it..there's kids who were in Kindergaten when 9/11 happened who are now enlisting. Politicians playing with other peoples lives. This needs to end. We're being played.
THANK YOU.
The politicans that are involved in supporting war never send their own children to the frontline. There is incentive for them to support war because their children get to go to the best schools while other children die fighting for the crooked politicians.
I salute to you Sgt Romesha for your bravery. I hope you be safe always. Thanks for serving our country. I also salute to all men and women in uniform. May you all be safe.
Thank you sir for your service to our country.
Outstanding!!! Thank you!! S.SGT YOU ARE THE MAN!!! WHOOOO RAAAHHH!!!
Dolt.
I'm amazed at this young mans bravery. However, this report (and another on ABC) say "the fourth living recipient of the nation's highest award for combat valor." While many MOHs are awarded posthumously, there are more than 70 living recipients. He may be the fourth to receive it for actions in Afghanistan. This man deserves better reporting.
He will be the 4th living recipient of the MOH from the War in Afghanistan.
Hey CNN, he's in the 2nd Infantry Division NOT THE 4th!!!
Um, the lead is incorrect – there are at least 79 living recipients of the Medal of Honor, one of whom received his in World War II. Maybe they mean the fourth living recipient to have earned it in Afghanistan?
I think they are referring to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Perhaps now he will turn his attention on the domestic enemies of America in D.C.
Yes,he can.Perhaps he can start with enemies like yourself.
How is he the enemy? Do you even understand what the NDAA/Patriot Act is? Or what the Oath of Office is? If you are politically ignorant you should keep it to yourself.
Well said...
We are honoring a fine young man who served his country admirably. Why must you and your kind turn everything into some sort of ugly political diatribe?
"Thank you, sir"????? How very FOX News of you, CNN. You are a journalism outfit and are not supposed to take sides, no matter how brave this soldier's actions may be. Not all of your staff, and certainly not all of your readers support the US military, so please remain impartial. You are losing credibility.
I bet you would be all for it if someone you cared about was saved by Clinton Romesha's actions that day. So don't support the military, but you can support and recognize this brave man's actions that day and the lives he saved. Thank you CNN for running this article so very right of you.
JK:You should be the recipient of the "Medal of Dishonor"
Hey bibi, quit pretending to be a raghead when your quotes alone prove you to be american. Maybe you should go live there for real. We'd be glad to get rid of you.
How is it biased to celebrate the actions of a man who did great things while saving the lives of his unit ? You need to question your own motives for posting such garbage.
How very "MSNBC" of your to post such a comment. If you can't support the home team, then (by default) you support the Taliban, or in your words, the "freedom fighters."
You don't support the US Military? But we fought, bled, and many died, so you could exercise your rights and post that crap on THAT story. Interesting choice of venue to voice your opinion you spineless weasel. I hope I run into you boycotting a service members funeral so I can punch you in the mouth. SGT Hill, US Army, Disabled Veteran.
Go Sgt Hill! From: L/Cpl, USMC, wounded/disabled in combat with NVA at Phu Nham Dong (2), Quang Nam province, Republic of South Vietnam while serving with the illustrious 5th Marines. As Tony Montana said (in "Scarface"), "I ain't never killed nobody didn't have it coming to them." (read: people who were trying to kill me or my fellow Marines).
JK, it too this article to make you start losing respect for CNN? Have you been living under some rock over the last 10 years?
There's nothing wrong with CNN. When I want to know more about Honey Boo Boo, I turn here first.
Nobody is that stupid...troll
Him being only the fourth living recipient of the MOH is incorrect. There are currently 79 living MOH recipients.
You are correct. There are 79 living. He makes the 80th living. He is the 4th living Medal of Honor recipient from the War in Afghanistan. I guess that is what the CNN writer meant.
This could have been written better. I believe he is the forth living recipient for actions in Afghanistan. It says "for his actions in repelling an insurgent onslaught in Afghanistan in 2009."; but even the "in 2009" muddles things a bit.
True. I think he is the 4th living since Vietnam.
This soldier understood his duty and responsibility against aggressors.
When the criminals decide not to live and let live; all that is left to defend against them is to kill or be killed.
'Legal' gun owners don't go out looking for people to kill; we have the responsibility and motivation to protect our family, community, and liberty. A five to twenty minute wait for help to arrive is too many innocent lives lost.
How many murders are committed each year by 'legal' gun owners or by guns stolen from legal gun owners. Gun nuts are ruining America.
How distant your bleating is becoming. No changes, motion denied.
What part of 'legal' and 'home protection' do you not understand?
How many murders/robberies/rapes are prevented each year by legal gun owners? Progressives are ruining this country.
Progressives are regressive when it comes to personal liberty and self determination.
How about leaving this type of discussion elsewhere and not in response to an article about a hero getting his well-deserved recognition?
While I applaud this man and what he did, does anyone find it odd that Congress was only able to award CMHs to living people after Obama became president even though most of the action occured before he was?
Ben, President Obama was President in 2009.
There are no time statutes of limitations for receiving a MOH. Soldiers from World War 2 are still receiving them.
One comment in this report about staff sergeant Mike Mount ( BRAVERY ) was not thought out clearly in the after math of the children of Conn. an their being killed by military guns using 10 round mag's. Clearly a 10 round mag is what is used in military guns an properly so. This type of comment made was out of place when here in the United States gun control is now being talked about an what to do with all the killings of our children with such type of guns an the banning of these tools of war resulting in many deaths at a blink of an eye. I love my guns an I have no need for my guns to be able to fire so many rounds so quickly. Think clearly next time when we speak an chose our words carefully.
If you look at the FBI statistics, 323 people where murdered with rifles in 2011. More where murdered with blunt objects. The media, especially Piers Morgan, are pushing this propaganda that everyone with an AR-15 is walking around slaughtering innocent people. If they completely banned these weapons, it would not make any significant impact on gun related murders in this country. Just a false sense of security.
And of that less than 400 fatalities, only a subset of those rifles were hi capacity. So a fraction of an already minuscule percentage of violent crime. Way to get to the heart of the issue progs!
You may have no need for a 10 (?) round magazine, or a 30 round one (which is what the timid want to ban) – I do. As I have other insurance which I hope I don't have to use, my semi-automatic rifle with 30 round magazines is insurance against home invasion. I was trained by the USMC to be proficient in various types of weaponry, the least of which is my rifle. I do not hunt (after hunting NVA/VC in Vietnam it seems so trite), I shoot targets, I have no desire to shoot kids (raised two), but I do want to be able to defend myself with weaponry superior or at least equal to some home-invading criminal.
Good thing he wasn't limited to a 10 round mag.
Idiotic remark.
Just how many home invasions have just one intruder?
Try going to a Paint Ball range to see what your survival chances and accuracy are under pressure.
Being naive is idiotic.
How so?
Why "idiotic"? Truth hurts?
Great point. Because soldiers in a foreign war are the same thing as civilians in a public school. Imbecile.
It was a great point because the 2nd Amendment was crafted precisely so that civilians could fight back against soldiers on the battlefield. Imbecile.
You do not seem yo be able to learn Jeff. Long road ahead for you.
You should be ashamed for bringing the gun's debate on the hommage to a brave soldier.
Those that don't cower to be slaughter in their own homes should get some respect.
This soldier protected his military family. There is a genuine comparison.
Try your chance on a paintball range with just 5-10 paint-balls.
Disagree: it is germane to the arguments posted. Combat infantry are highly trained, and are not hunting down kids or film gormandizers – they're protecting family and community, and a 10 round magazine just don't get it.
Theatre of War, not elementary school, foolish idiotic comment
Naive and clueless.
Preserve Our Republic sees life as a battle.. let him.
I wish cowards like you can be exposed for all of humanity to see. You mock the deaths of children in Conn by your low IQ statement. I hope you never breed. I hope your pathetic genes die with you. I hope you die.
(i am referring to the original poster, Carlos)
LMAO on that 10 round mag statement. LOVE IT!!
I don't think he is mocking anything.
The part about his church background seemed odd. The quote from the book, "had hoped he would follow his father into the church leadership" makes it sound like church leadership is a career choice, which it isn't. More generally, I didn't understand why they devoted part of article to pointing out he rejected his parents' religious beliefs. Doesn't seem relevant to the story.
I noticed that too.
Attending a seminary or divinity school to become a minister is a choice, though eventually a congregation or religious leader needs to choose you to lead, unless you start your own.
In the LDS church, church leadership IS a career choice. The higher authorities get paid, some up to $500,000 a year or more.
Also, Seminary to an LDS teen is not classes leading to a ministry. It's simply an early morning class teaching the LDS beliefs. It has nothing to do with the Seminary of the other beliefs.
The seminary that is mentioned in this article is the LDS youth seminary that many LDS kids attend when they are in high school. It has nothing to do with training for being a church leader.
It's not relevant to the story. But it is relevant to the progressive narrative in the media that maligns and derides religion.
Great job, Staff Sergeant..Question: Why would your command allow your post be surrounded by "higher ground" on all four sides? Yea, though I walk through the valley..
I wondered that as well...
I didn't read the book, but it sounds like "General Whats-his-face wants an outpost here. You will send him daily reports. No, it doesn't matter you're over 20 mins from air support, and we can't give you artillery support because you may kill a non-Taliban goat. But we will give you a Lieutenant."
Anyone know the rank of the CO at the outpost?
First we start calling human beings "enemy targets". Then the Newton shootings happen and we act surprised.
Apparently, you don't understand what "war" means. The idiots who shoot up schools and movie theaters because Mommy didn't give them enough attention or the mentally unstable folks who we (as a society) don't commit to facilities because it isn't "politically correct" are the problem. I have several weapons, and am retired military – I have not shot up one school, grocery store, or movie theater. However, I have used weapons during times of war – I know what the difference is.
idiotic comment
The Taliban should not be categorized as human beings.The should be labled as deranged religious fanatics.
I wonder how much hours of study were dedicated for selection of this man... some of variables must've been *race* *age* *looks* *city of birth* *parents* and of course timing is vital-
The man's actions were submitted by another soldier who was a witness to the action. His looks, race, etc have nothing to do with the submission. It then follows a chain of command all the way to congress where it is approved. It
can take years for an approval.By the way, the writer of the article is ignorant. There are around 100 living recipients.
It takes two witnesses for a MOH, not one. then there are the screenings required to verify the actions then another review. BTW Since you seem to think race and religion are involved in the selection you are WRONG. In TX where there is a MOH weekend to honor these men, there is at least one black. There is at least one Hispanic who is a recipient. I suggest you go to DC and take a tour of the Pentagon. Pay attention to the Hall of Heroes.
Its a pity that 'passing by' didnt just pass by the article and not write he stupid comment for all the world to see.
Man this guys actions were heroic
I just wish they had been meaningful, instead this happened over a god-forsaken outpost in the middle of a third world country that we are occupying for god knows what reason. no one in this war should get a Medal of Honor because no one is fighting over anything important
his fellow troops lives is important
In just a few words, you have said all that really matters.
Amen!
Then complain to Congress and the President for us being in Afghanistan. Don't denigrate this man's service and heroism for following the orders of the President and the officers appointed over him. He didn't send himself there for fun. He absolutely deserves this award, no questions asked.
Thomas~Thanks for your comments! The real point to all of this is honoring a man who indeed, like many others past, present, and future, must bear arms to fight for freedom, which you pointed out and others chose not to agree with. What this young man did truly is heroic, and I imagine he only thought at the time of protecting his fellow soldiers and carrying out orders in spite of his own wounds. I think we all can agree that our world is a troubled place, yet many also would agree that living in peace is our aim. So why criticize–Thomas, you did not do this–others for standing in front of the line to fight for peace. Yes, that's an oxymoron, but isn't life itself? I simply wish that more focus would be made on the positive actions in our world rather than the negative! So in closing, all I have to say is God Bless! We all can be supportive and send out a BIG SHOUT of SUPPORT to our men and women in the armed forces. Thanks!
Pretty sure he didn't denigrate anything.
We do chose what we fight for. We choose who we fight for and that includes you. The only way a military works is if you have people willing to give it all and trust in others. This man was tasked with defending his fellow soldiers and stepped up to the plate. And if you don't understand why staying until the contry is stabalized then you need to brush up on your Middle East tribal warfare history.
I meant to say we do (not) chose what we fight for.
I agree!!!
I disagree with you most emphatically. Afghanistan was in 2001 the haven of al-Qaeda and their nutjob protectors the Taliban. For America, strategically speaking, there was no choice: we had to eliminate both as a threat to Western civilization.
My problem with "the war on terror" has nothing to do with how our fighting troops have performed. My problem was that the politicos who led us into that war obviously didn't read anything about the Vietnam war because they immediately and continuously have repeated the same mistakes that were committed during that war, not to mention committing some ridiculous new ones. They tried to wage war initially by proxy by sending advisers to the Northern alliance, which after the assassination of Ahmed Shah Massoud was a dumb play. They tried to buy a local army of assorted "warlords" and came up with mixed results, including having OBL bribing his way to Pakistan. When troops were sent, it was not enough, and included allies reluctant to send their troops into combat. Before the war's issues were decided (WWII mindset – capture towns and roads rather than destroy the enemy or their will to fight, forgetting that the last resort is guerrilla warfare), they invade Iraq, repeating similar mistakes, and weakening both efforts.
Now they're going to rely on the Afghan National Army. Did anyone study the military forces of the former South Vietnam? Although they did have some very good units (Rangers, Marines, and some Army), generally you had under-trained, under-equipped, men who couldn't buy their way out being led by corrupt officers who either ripped-off the pay of their men or put in for pay for dead men. We "negotiated" with the North (read sold-out the South and our unreturned P.O.W.s). Now they want to negotiate with the Taliban (after telling them "hold on a little, we're leaving) using the "honest brokerage" of Pakistan and leave our investment in our security to the hands of the Afghan National Army, being led by the corrupt.....anybody see a pattern here?
We should have sent in sizable numbers of Soldiers, Marines, and Air Force right at the start. And unlike the laughable "winning hearts-and-minds" strategy (they're never going to love us, but they could fear us) we should have hit hard, giving neutral or Taliban-supporting villages the choice: "Support us and live, or oppose us and die" (with sufficient troops we could have cleared AND held areas of control). Iraq could have waited until Afghanistan was pacified.
God save America from politicians and media-types with their own agendas.
Thank you, and I'm so glad you're alive to be honored. President Obama, please bring the rest of the young men and women in Afghanistan home.
You have lived the dream of every Soldier and Marine; Great job and keep the hard work.
I think I know what you're trying to say, but I would put it this way: It was a nightmare from which many soldiers were able to awaken due to Mr. Romesha's heroic actions.
Thank you for being a true American hero. We appreciate your sacrifice. I wish you the very best. Thank you gain.
When you want to degrade America's young adults, think of this young man and his actions. SSG is what, 25-26 years old?
CNN.... FYI... Enlisted personnel (Staff Sgts) don't like to be called "sir"...as they always say, "I work for a living." (contrary to officers that are addressed as 'sir' )
True enough. Interestingly, if he were still in the military and wearing the Medal of Honor, officers would be required to salute him.
If he were still in, and presumably otherwise suited, he'd be a likely OCS nominee.
He is no longer in the military, so the term "sir" is accurate. I think that's why the headline is so stated.
Thank you for your service to your country, a proud nation thanks you and may you and yours enjoy peace, health and happiness. Congradulations.
Thank You, Sir.
Brainwashed fool!
Duhhh. Watching TV today loser?
Please post drivel on foxnews or write on toilet paper and flush.
This is a perfe dt example of a brave young soldier having to go to extremes to protect himself and his troops be cause of leaders that aren't capable of leading a BOY SCOUT TROOP. What leader sets up a fir e base surrounded by moun tains? I wonder if they ever heard of DIen BIen PHu?
Or Firebase Base Ripcord,the battle for Dak To,Lima Site 85,or Lang Vei Special Forces Camp?...All historical events during the SEA conflict worthy of reading.
Typo error...Correction, Firebase Ripcord.
Thank you sir, and I hope your return home is peacefull
Why do people make posts without reading the article? Thank you Sergeant Romesha for your brave service.
An exemplary soldier and an exemplary man! Thank you Sgt. Romesha.
Good job. Jack Mormon done well. Bring him home with the rest of the troops. We have no business over there.
He is home. Read the article !
Well done Sergent ! May you have a long and happy life.
Sounds to me like he went well beyond the call of duty and deserves the Medal of Honor as much as any one.
Wow, this is real life, and you're talking about a bunch of video games. (lol jk)
Congratulations Sgt. Romesha, you have made your family and country proud. Carry this medal proudly in honor of your fallen comrades from that fateful day.
I highly recommend reading Jake Tapper's book "The Outpost" it is an amazingly detailed story about the 5 year history of Combat Outpost Keating and the events leading up to this epic battle. When 50 guys are attacked from higher ground on all sides by 300+ Taliban, all hell breaks loose and the heroic actions of Sgt Romesha and his buddys were the only thing that salved them from being overrun. Tapper spent 2 years researching the book and interviewed hundreds of people to get firsthand accounts of the war in Afghanistan. It will give you a real appreciation of the sacrifices our soldiers make everyday in defense of our freedoms.
Are you saying that the "surrounded by higher ground" situation had been allowed to continue for FIVE years? When I read this article, I was appalled at the apparent total disregard of military tactisc 101. I wondered what on earth could have prompted even a temporary lapse of that type. Without further details, I assumed there was some sort of short term tactical reason. But FIVE YEARS? The flip side of this brave young man's CMH should be a raft of courts martial for those responsible for establishing and maintaining the outpost under this huge disadvantage.
Truly a hero for America. A hero for humanity.
I wouldn't say Humanity. I mean, the Taliban that was trying to kill him is also part of Humanity. So are Iranians, Cubans, North Koreans, Russians, Chinese, Venezuelans, etc... None of them would call this man a hero.
Goergie climb back into your hole.
Sergeant Romesha – America is proud of its heros.
maybe humanity isn't the right word but dry up goergie and stop your crying...this sargeant is a true american hero and deserves every award we can bestow on him for protecting this country
Stupid ass liberal STFU U aint got the right 2 shine this mans shoes
Your a FI and to think your put the taliban as part of humanity, a group of people who seek to destroy humanity, by killing women and children on a regular basis with their suicide attacks, I said it already your one stupid mf. If your on North American soil, take the next boat off or better yet start swimming A H.
Anyone who fights the Taliban are heroes to humanity because the Taliban are enemies of humanity.
Gorky – put a uniform on and stand watch before say something stupid again.
the taliban is definitely part of humanity. they are enemies of a specific type of civilization, though. they see things a different way, have goals that we do not share, frame the world in a way that is abhorrent to us, but they are still our brothers and sisters on this earth. to deny that is to deny yourself a true understanding of not only your species, but yourself.
I agree with you 99%: I have a feeling that any Russian combat veterans from their Afghanistan war would, if knowing the events, would have respect. I've respect for Russian grunts (combat infantry for the uninformed) who had to fight there, well some anyway. Now the others you mentioned.......none. China's "communist" party and their army/security services are today's Nazis; Korea's, Iran's, and Venezuela's are thugs led by truly evil, twisted people.
In these times we are fortunate to have fighting men & women who carry-on the honorable tradition of American military. It is also very good that many recognize this and give them the thanks and respect they are due. My war was Vietnam: things were a lot different when we came home.
In such instances such as this it would be nice if American’s would release the helmet camera video as well…not that this turns into, yet, another general ready to retire and simply passing out these accolade’s to relatives as personal “gifts” at tax payers expense.
Damn Blinky, you can't even troll correctly. Lol. Loser.
Wow! Really?
Idiot !
You done us proud, soldier.
I am confused. There are 79 living MOH recipients. Does the reference to being the 4th living recipient refer to that particular mission, or to soldier in Afghanistan, or what? Color me stupid...
i did a little research. he's the 4th soldier fighting in Afghanistan to receive it. (in case anyone else is wondering lol.)
Should say 4th living MoH recipient since the Vietnam War.
CNN did not intend for that to be taken as a factual statement.
He's the 4th soldier to receive it serving in Afganistan while still alive. 3 received it posthumously. So 7 have received it in total.
Steadfast & Loyal ( 4th Infanyrt motto ) Well Done !!
Congrats on the award.
Im proud to be a Mormon.
I think you read this with blinders on. this man was not currently a mormon. He did not go on a mission which means he was a "jack mormon" and no longer accepted in your church according to your rules. He obviously didnt accept the faith so stop trying to make this seem like he was a religious hero. He was a hero but not for your church, he was a hero for the good people of the human race.
Did you just severely burn a man? Tell that poor guy to apply some water to that burn.
Just because a Mormon doesn't go on a mission doesn't mean that he's no longer of the church...
Your comments are the perfect example of "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Get educated about this and stop sounding ignorant before you go posting about stuff you clearly don't know enough about.
@rocky...as an active Mormon serving on Active Duty with the Air Force in the Middle East, I feel compelled to address your inaccurate comment. Young men in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are certainly encouraged to serve a two-year mission; however, that decision is very personal, and a decision to decline missionary service in no way limits their ability to fully participate in the Church or its programs. That said, while I don't know Clinton Romesha or feel any more proud to be a Latter-day Saint based on his heroic deeds, I'm definitely humbled to serve with uniformed personnel like him who are willing to face the unthinkable and routinely do so with honor.
God bless you brother!
Cpl USMC
Tioga, ND
A true hero that didn't back down from an extremely difficult situation and succeeded. Not a common trait in anyone these days.
You got that right
I disagree. I believe you have only to look at most of our troops to find such. The ones signing up every day know what is coming yet they still sign up. They are all heros in my book.
I agree completely, but not everyone volunteers to defend our country
Unfortunately, after a year or so, the accolades will die down, and this poor man will have to get a job, and "Medal of Honor" winner may not impress employers. I was in the army and put it on my resume, and I don't think it helped me
get a job at all; nobody in America really cares that much, unless you just HAPPEN to appeal to an employer who
is big on the military. Unfortunately, I work for a liberal IT organization, and the bosses are mostly techie white males
or women managers who really couldn't give a rat's ass about veterans. Hopefully this guy's heroism will help him land a decent job.
Apply at Target online for a Group Leader position in your area. Good money to start and they like veterans. You won't be doing retail but warehouse work. In charge of 20-30 employees.
You are wrong, having a medal of honor on your record grants you a higher status for the rest of your life, including special treatment and money
you put it on your resume? Sincere apologies but that sounds like you did not deserve it and fraudulently put it on your resume. I presume that there is a database of MOH recipients, perhaps they checked the list and saw that you were not on it.
This is why good grammar is important, even on the internet. He probably meant that he was in the army and had put that on his resume, not that he was a MOH recipient.
I agree. The poster meant to say that he put on his resume that he is a veteran of war and was not able to find work. THe poster accidentally misled the reader with his improper sentence structure.
Well done S/Sgt is right, MOH will rightfully land him a job wherever he likes. Check the Big 4, all hire veterans for consulting positions routinely..
a veteran with a medal of honor will find work. good work.
It's too bad it's so hard to meet these guys. I would do anything to buy this man a meal or drink or shake his hand. True hero.
Me also.
Me, too. I guess I'll have to settle for "regular" members of the military to express my thanks.
Bravo zulu, Staff Sergeant Romesha!
Staff Sergeant Romesha deserves the nation's highest honor and praise. He did what he was trained to do, and saved his fellow soldiers doing it.
I just saw Zero Dark Thirty. Obama-maniacs should probably stay away, since the movie strongly implies that Navy Seals killed bin Laden in spite of Obama, not because of him. In fact this movie is practically a paid advertisement in favor of enhanced interrogations. The only scence showing our illustrious leader is when he is shown on TV cancelling the enhanced interrogation program, to the consternation of CIA agents who pronounce that there job of catching terrorists just got a lot harder.
take your agenda elsewhere, crackpot. have some respect for the war hero being honored.
Thank you for your brave service SSGT Romesha.
It is a movie, not a history book.
Funny, I saw the same movie and there was nothing in it to suggest your anti-Obama, anti-American, traitorous claim. Why don't you just move overseas and sign up with the Taliban now?
Why hasnt a marine gotten one yet?
Dakota Meyer. Research first, then ask questions.
Idiot !
How many MOH did Bush give to living Service personnel? NONE! Great job Mr. President.
the president just gives them in the ceremony. the nomination through approval is all done through the military chain. how ironic you try to act like obama is the soldier's president
Some people just like to give credit without doing the research to understand how awards are submitted.
Regardless of the details this man earned what he got don't dilute that with political BS
obama won re-election, we know. no one liked the last administration, we know. get over bush and move on. s
You're an embarrassment to all Democrats.
Clearly you lack any understanding of the rigor of the process of how MOH's are earned.
Dear Staff Sgt Romesha,
As a daughter of WWII Navy veteran and a wife of Vietnam Navy veteran, and a sister of Air Force veteran, I thank you deeply from my heart for your service and the responsibility you took on to protect your men. You are a good man. Thank You!
Sunshine, You got it right ! Thank you !
Thank you, Mr. Roshema.
"A former U.S. Army staff sergeant will be just the fourth living recipient of the nation's highest award for combat valor for his actions in repelling an insurgent onslaught in Afghanistan in 2009."
Somebody can't count. There are currently 79 living recipients of the Medal of Honor. I have no idea where they got the "fourth" thing from.
The 4th person to be alive when presented it, in other words not posthumously......
There are 79 living recipients of the Medal Of Honor, so in other words, all 79 people were alive when they received their awards!
Looks like somebody cant read.
Looks like that just might be you!
I feel so privileged to live in a country that honors her heroes and those who sacrifice to keep us safe! God bless you S/Sgt Romesha! ... and may God shade His grace on these United States of America.
Question: [and I think Gadflie is right,] there are 79 LIVING RECIPIENTS, so if the latest recipient is only the fourth living... how do you explain these 79 living recipients?
god had absolutely nothing to do with it. Im sure if you ask this man who didnt continue his religious education, he would say the same. This man fought for the country, please stop saying people did it for GOD as that in itself is what causes most wars.
4th living recipient of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Fourth living from the afghan war.
The fourth thing, as you put it, comes from the fact that he is the fourth recipient of the award for valor while serving in Afghanistan in 2009. The other Medal of Honor recipients of course served in other wars.
And someone needs to learn how to read. The statement refers to those living servicemen who served in the current wars.
Is the entire country this illiterate, or do all the i d i o t s simply just gather here on the internet?
They just gather here. Even an act of valour gives them a reason to post dumb, anti- Obama, nit-picking crap.
Nowhere in my reply/query did I say that he did it for God.
Nevertheless, you have a right to believe in God or not believe in Him, whatever you hold Him to be, and I respect your right to do so. Respect and honor mine too.
Nowhere in the article does it state that he is the fourth living recipient for the Afghan wars, the article clearly states QUOTE will be just the fourth living recipient of the nation's highest award for combat valor UNQUOTE and then gives the reason for his honor being QUOTE his actions in repelling an insurgent onslaught in Afghanistan in 2009 UNQUOTE.
He is the fourth living person to receive the medal of honor for service in the war in Afghanistan.
It's funny just how the right-wing news media never talks about the valiant things the Russians did when they were in Afghanistan back in the 1980's. I guess that they just don't want us to know anything about that! Another effort to make NATO look good. Just more right-wing propaganda.
Well said, Portland tony. I totally agree and I remember how the right-wing media bashed the Russians when they were in Afghanistan back in the 1980's. We must not let the right-wing media do our thinking for us or otherwise, we'll turn into human robots or right-wing Tea Partiers!
may because russia was our enemy? I don't think there's much about the valient nazi's either. comment is totally wierd?
I sure am happy this solider killed the enemy. Remember, our enemy is your enemy. We have taught you stu-pud Americans to hate towel head. The more of them we have you kill the easier it is for us to take over the Middle East.
Any one of you fake John Waynes out there who want to be like this mormon joe will get your turn when we start the next war with Iran. Then all you John Wayne wanna-bes can kill all the Persian you can get into your sight.
We're planning a big war this time and the Persian are a bit tougher than those nasty Afhgans or Arabs, so there will be a lot of killing to be done. Oh . . . we won't mind when a few hundred thousand Americans get killed protecting our right to be the only smart people in the Middle East to have nukes. That's why we have you stupid Americans around . . .to do all the fighting and dying.
Yeah, all you John Wayne dopes will get a chance to me like this mormon slave whose getting all this attention for killing our enemies. Remember our enemies are your enemies. We just love stupid americans to die for us.
Have you ever seen an israeli idf brave solider fighting with you stupid dopes in any of the wars we have started in the Middle East where you make you fight and die for us?????
Nope and you will never see it. That's why we have dopes like you stupid americans to do our dirty work.
Yippppeeeeeee . . . .we own you dumb american dopes.
About time! I was wondering when I'd see some as*h**e from the Revolutionary Guard's disinformation bureau mimic the Chinazis' propaganda bureau in making ridiculous, laughable commentary. Instead of trying to be cute, you should contemplate the fighting spirit of American soldiers and Marines. I wish Israel would give our timid politicos the kick in the behind to eliminate Iran's ability to aspire to world disruption. When the restraints are let slip, Iran is due to pay some serious payback for the American lives it and its proxies have taken. But oh, your speedboats & homemade rockets just make me tremble....with fall-on-the-floor laughter. Maybe you should send your insane mullahs on a suicide mission to a closed McDonalds.
You sound more like a hateful Tea Partier than a marine. Iran is not our enemy any more than Italy is. On the other hand, we did send in the C.I.A. back in 1953 to overthrow that country's legitimate government and install the horrific Reza Pahlavi as their hated Shah and today we're trying to starve the Iranians into submission. Talk about international bullying, this is it in a nutshell! This is quite repulsive indeed!
Sir, I greatly appreciate your service. Thank you. Sickens me to read what some of America's slimiest, dumbest cowards have said in reply to the honorable Army Staff Sgt and the Medal of Honor. You, 5th Marine, are slandered and verbally abused in this chat room. Please know these fools for what they are: terrorists and un-Americans with envy complex for your uniform, honesty, and honor. Again, thank you.
Have you always been so stupid or has it come on just recently?
hahaha...I can't wait to see that!
You have to love uneducated and illiterate trolls. They always add entertainment to the conversation. Just don't feed them.
Whoops...someone forgot their meds!
thank you, master
you truly are my greatest ally
Well done, S/Sgt. In Naval terms "Bravo Zulu"