Edward C Byers Jr
Edward C Byers Jr was born on the 4th of August, 1979 in Toledo, Ohio, and his father had served in the Navy during World War 2. While growing up, Edward was in the Boy Scouts and he went on to graduate from Otsego High School in Tontogany, Ohio. In September of 1998, Edward enlisted in the US Navy and became a hospital corpsman, first at Great Lakes Naval Hospital and then later with 2nd Battalion 2nd Marine. He deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Austin and in 2002, Edward began Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training. He graduated with class 242 and went on to attend the Special Operations Combat Medic course in 2003. By May of 2004, Edward was assigned to his first SEAL team.
To say that Edward was just a member of the service or just another Navy SEAL, although correct, would be such a minor acknowledgement to his service. Being a part of 11 overseas deployments, which include 9 combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, has made him the most decorated living Navy SEALs in US history. Five Bronze Stars, one with Valor, two Purple Hearts, a Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, and two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, one with Valor, are just a few of Edward’s accolades. On the 29th of February, 2016, President Obama presented the Medal of Honor to Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Byers for his actions on the 5th of December, 2012. The citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Hostage Rescue Force Team Member in Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 8 to 9 December 2012. As the rescue force approached the target building, an enemy sentry detected them and darted inside to alert his fellow captors. The sentry quickly reemerged, and the lead assaulter attempted to neutralize him. Chief Byers with his team sprinted to the door of the target building. As the primary breacher, Chief Byers stood in the doorway fully exposed to enemy fire while ripping down six layers of heavy blankets fastened to the inside ceiling and walls to clear a path for the rescue force. The first assaulter pushed his way through the blankets, and was mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire from within. Chief Byers, completely aware of the imminent threat, fearlessly rushed into the room and engaged an enemy guard aiming an AK-47 at him. He then tackled another adult male who had darted towards the corner of the room. During the ensuing hand-to-hand struggle, Chief Byers confirmed the man was not the hostage and engaged him. As other rescue team members called out to the hostage, Chief Byers heard a voice respond in English and raced toward it. He jumped atop the American hostage and shielded him from the high volume of fire within the small room. While covering the hostage with his body, Chief Byers immobilized another guard with his bare hands, and restrained the guard until a teammate could eliminate him. His bold and decisive actions under fire saved the lives of the hostage and several of his teammates. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of near certain death, Chief Petty Officer Byers reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Edward C Byers Jr is the sixth Navy SEAL to have received the Medal of Honor and only one of eight living Navy Medal of Honor recipients. He is also one of two Medal of Honor recipients to still be actively serving in the US military.
