"You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor."...James Allen
Afghan War Vet Receives Medal of Honor
Today, former Army Capt. William D. Swenson was awarded the Medal of Honor. Swenson is the sixth living recipient to be awarded the honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan (the Medal of Honor has been awarded only 3,500 times in American history).
Capt. Swenson was involved in a battle Ganjgal valley near the Pakistan border four years ago. In that battle, four other Americans lost their lives. During the battle, Swenson helped a severely wounded soldier by helping him to an evac helicopter. He placed a kiss on the wounded soldier's forehead as he placed him inside the aircraft (that soldier later died from his wounds). His actions were captured on video from cameras on the helmets of the chopper pilots. During the battle, Swenson helped other injured soldiers and recovered the bodies of others while under heavy fire from the Taliban.
Retired Master Sgt. Nicholas Oresko, 96, Medal of Honor Recipient, Laid To Rest
Master Sgt. Oresko was the oldest living WWII veteran and Medal of Honor recipient was laid to rest on October 10, 2013, in Paramus, NJ.
On January 23, 1944, at the Battle of the Bulge, Sgt. Oresko continued to fight to protect his troops although he was wounded himself.
Master Sgt. Oresko was awarded the Medal of Honor on Oct. 30, 1945, by Pres. Truman. After his discharge, Oresko worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs for 32 years.
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