Obama presents his first Medal of Honor
Awarded to soldier killed in Afghanistan while trying to save comrade
The Associated Press
updated 2:58 p.m. ET, Thurs., Sept . 17, 2009
President Barack Obama stands with Paul and Janet Monti Thursday as he posthumously awards their son, Army Sgt. 1st. Class Jared Monti, the Medal of Honor for his service in Afghanistan.
WASHINGTON - Presenting his first Medal of Honor, President Barack Obama on Thursday praised the sacrifice of a soldier who braved enemy fire while attempting to save a comrade during the war in Afghanistan.
Obama honored Sgt. 1st Class Jared Monti of Raynham, Mass., during an East Room ceremony. Standing with Monti’s parents, Janet and Paul, Obama said Monti personified the values of duty, honor, sacrifice and heroism.
Americans often toss around such words too freely, the president said.
“Do we really grasp the meanings of these values?” he asked.
The award came as the administration is wrestling with its next move in Afghanistan. Obama has held off sending more troops to the country where the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks were launched. He already has sent 17,000 additional combat troops to Afghanistan and is weighing sending even more to stabilize that nation.
Democrats, however, want specific benchmarks there before Obama goes forward with more combat troops for the region.
13-year veteran
Monti died during a firefight with the Taliban in Gowardesh, Afghanistan, in June 2006. The 30-year-old Monti showed “conspicuous gallantry,” the White House declared when announcing he would win the Medal of Honor for his role in a fight along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Monti’s 16-man patrol had been scouting ahead of a larger offensive against the Taliban. A helicopter deployed to resupply the patrol blew their cover; Taliban fighters converged, and Monti called for backup.
One of his men, Pvt. Brian Bradbury, was shot during the encounter. Monti, who enlisted at age 17, twice left cover and ran into the open under intense enemy fire to retrieve the wounded soldier.
Monti “did something no amount of training can instill,” Obama said. He quoted Monti as saying, “he is my soldier, I am going to get him.”
On Monti’s third attempt, he was struck by a grenade and died on the field.
Obama said the sacrifice of Monti and other brave members of the military should inspire all Americans to aspire to be better citizens.
Monti previously was awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, five Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals and three National Defense Service Medals.
The Medals of Honor awarded by Congress are the highest award for military valor, typically reserved for members of the military who risk their lives with gallantry beyond the call of duty.
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