Obama honours US soldier for heroism in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): President Barack Obama on Thursday honoured an American soldier with the highest US military award for his valor in Afghanistan.

At the White House, Obama presented Army Captain (R) Florent Groberg with the prestigious Medal of Honor for his heroic role in tackling suicide bombers in Asadabad on August 8, 2012.

“Captain Groberg’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty at the risk of his life on keeping with the highest traditions of the military service,” Obama said at the award-giving ceremony.

Obama said he met Groberg for the first time three years ago when he was still recouping from the attack in Afghanistan. Referring to the suicide attack, he said on that day Groberg grabbed the bomber by his vest and kept pushing him away.

“In those few seconds, he had the instincts and the courage to do what was needed. One of Flo’s comrades, Sergeant Andrew Mahoney, had joined in, too, and together they shoved the bomber again and again.

“And they pushed him so hard he fell to the ground onto his chest. And then the bomb detonated,” said the president, recalling that ball bearings, debris and dust exploded everywhere. Flo was thrown some 15 or 20 feet and knocked unconscious.

But moments later, the soldier woke up in the middle of the road in shock. His eardrum was blown out. His leg was broken and bleeding badly,the president added.

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