A former Army soldier whose heroic actions were recorded through a helmet camera was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama on Tuesday, the Washington Post reported.
The president adorned the neck of William D. Swenson after he engaged in a dramatic battle with Taliban militants in Ganjgal valley near Pakistan's border in 2009. The fight killed five Americans, 10 Afghan soldiers, and one interpreter.
During the ceremony, Obama mentioned how although the award has been given the almost 3,500 American troops, this is the first time where the incident that led to the nation's highest honor was recorded on video for others to see. The video feature Swenson aiding a wounded soldier and placing him inside a helicopter as he kissed his head.
Swenson, 34, retired from the Army in 2011 and currently lives in Seattle. He has reportedly asked to rejoin the military and officials are seeking to grant his request.
During his service, Swenson was working as a trainer and mentor for the Afghan National Security Forces in Kunar Province when they were attacked on Sept. 8, 2009. Obama discussed how he dodged enemy gunfire without a helmet and risked his life to recover bodies and protect his fellow troops.
"Will Swenson was there for his brothers," Obama said.
Obama also referred to Swenson as a "pretty low key guy" who would rather explore a mountain trail than be placed in front of cameras at the White House. As partisan gridlock continues in Washington, the president also suggested that "our nation needs this ceremony today."
"In moments like this, Americans like Will remind us of what our country can be at its best, a nation of citizens who look out for one another, who meet our obligations to one another not just when it's easy, but also when it's hard - maybe especially when it's hard," Obama said. "And, Will, you're an example to everyone in this city and to our whole country of the professionalism and patriotism that we should strive for, whether we wear a uniform or not, not just on particular occasions but all the time."
