War in Afghanistan
The War in Afghanistan, which began on October 7, 2001, was launched by the United States, the United Kingdom, and NATO allies in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks. It was the beginning of the War on Terrorism. The stated purpose of the invasion was to capture Osama bin Laden, destroy al-Qaeda, and remove the Taliban regime which had provided support and safe harbor to al-Qaeda. Since 2001, six American service-members have received the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan, three of them posthumously. Army Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti received his medal for attempting to rescue a wounded soldier at the cost of his own life. Navy Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy received his for actions against insurgent forces and for sacrificing his life to call for help when his team had been overwhelmed by a much larger enemy force. Army Staff Sergeant Robert James Miller's surviving family was presented with his medal on October 6, 2010. The fourth recipient, Salvatore Giunta received his for his actions in 2007 when he risked his life to save a wounded comrade. He is the first living recipient since the Vietnam War. A second living recipient, Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry, received the medal from President Obama during a July 12, 2011, ceremony. Marine Corps Corporal Dakota Meyer became the third living recipient awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Ganjgal.
Lavender background and * indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously
| Image | Name | Service | Rank | Place of action | Date of action | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giunta, SalvatoreSalvatore Giunta | Army | E-6 !Staff Sergeant | Korengal Valley, Kunar Province | 02007-10-25October 25, 2007 | 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team | For risking his life to save a wounded soldier from being captured. Was the first living recipient since the Vietnam War. | |
| Meyer, DakotaDakota Meyer | Marine Corps | E-5 !Sergeant | Ganjgal, Kunar Province | 02009-09-08September 8, 2009 | Embedded Training Team 2-8 | Defied order from superiors and rescued 23 Afghan Allies and 13 Americans in the heat of battle. | |
| Miller, Robert JamesRobert James Miller* | Army | E-6 !Staff Sergeant | Nari District, Kunar Province | 02008-01-25January 25, 2008 | 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group | Fatally shot while diverting gunfire from Taliban forces in Afghanistan so that his fellow soldiers could escape. | |
| Monti, Jared C.Jared C. Monti* | Army | E-7 !Sergeant First Class | Gowardesh, Nuristan Province | 02006-06-21June 21, 2006 | 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) | Killed while trying to rescue a wounded soldier from intense small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire | |
| Murphy, Michael P.Michael P. Murphy* | Navy | O-03 !Lieutenant | Near Asadabad, Kunar Province | 02005-06-28June 28, 2005 | SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 | Led a four-man reconnaissance team in a fight against superior numbers, exposed himself to hostile fire in order to call for help | |
| Petry, LeroyLeroy Petry | Army | E-7 !Sergeant First Class | Paktia Province | 02008-05-26May 26, 2008 | 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment | While shot through both legs, saved his fellow Rangers by picking up and throwing a live enemy grenade, thus amputating his hand. |
Read more about this topic: List Of Medal Of Honor Recipients
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