A former U.S. Army captain has received the nation's highest military honor for his bravery in one of the most deadly battles in Afghanistan.
President Barack Obama presented the Medal of Honor to William D. Swenson at a White House ceremony Tuesday.
Swenson was honored for his actions during a battle against the Taliban that claimed the lives of five Americans, 10 Afghan army troops, and an interpreter in September 2009 in Afghanistan's Ganjgal valley near the Pakistan border.
Swenson was a trainer with the Afghan National Security Forces in Kunar Province in eastern Afghanistan. He risked his life to recover bodies and help save fellow troops.
Another man who fought in the battle, Marine Corporal Dakota Meyer, was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2011.
Swenson retired from the military in February 2011. He also has a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal.
Swenson is the sixth living recipient to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan.
President Barack Obama presented the Medal of Honor to William D. Swenson at a White House ceremony Tuesday.
Swenson was honored for his actions during a battle against the Taliban that claimed the lives of five Americans, 10 Afghan army troops, and an interpreter in September 2009 in Afghanistan's Ganjgal valley near the Pakistan border.
Swenson was a trainer with the Afghan National Security Forces in Kunar Province in eastern Afghanistan. He risked his life to recover bodies and help save fellow troops.
Another man who fought in the battle, Marine Corporal Dakota Meyer, was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2011.
Swenson retired from the military in February 2011. He also has a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal.
Swenson is the sixth living recipient to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan.
