'An American we can be grateful for'

While the nation paused to honor its heroes in and out of uniform on Veterans Day, retired Army Capt. Florent A. Groberg prepared to receive the country’s highest honor – the Medal of Honor – earned for his courageous actions in Afghanistan on Aug. 8, 2012 when he tackled a suicide bomber armed with an explosive vest.

On Thursday, President Barack Obama presented the Medal of Honor to the Maryland native at the White House in front of his family members, other recipients and peers including Sgt. Andrew Mahoney, who was awarded a Silver Star for joining Groberg in confronting the attacker; Sgt. 1st Class Brian Brink, who was awarded a Bronze Star with Valor for pulling Groberg out of the middle of a road; Spec. Daniel Balderrama, a medic who helped to save Groberg’s leg; and Pfc. Benjamin Secor and Sgt. Eric Ochart, who also fought alongside Groberg that day.

Though Groberg and Obama first met during one of the president’s regularly scheduled visits to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the second encounter between them was unlike their first meeting when they laughed, joked and shared their enthusiasm over the Chicago Bears.

“A day after Veterans Day, we honor this American veteran, whose story – like so many of our vets and wounded warriors – speaks not only of gallantry on the battlefield, but resilience here at home,” Obama said.

Groberg is the 10th living servicemember to be recognized with America's highest valor award for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan. On Aug. 8, Groberg was at the head of a security detail, leading a group of American and Afghan soldiers and their commanders to a meeting with local Afghans. The group traveled a route that they traveled frequently over a narrow bridge. As they approached the bridge a pair of motorcycles sped toward them. Troops shouted and signaled at the bikers in an attempt to get them to stop. As they hopped off their bikes and fled, Groberg noticed a man in dark clothing walking backward. As he turned toward the captain, Groberg noticed an explosive device under the man’s clothing.

“At that moment, Flo did something extraordinary,” Obama said.

Letting his instincts take control, Groberg grabbed the bomber by his vest to push him away from the formation. Mahoney assisted Groberg and the men were able to push the bomber to the ground, detonated the vest and an additional bomb nearby.

“That’s precisely why we honor heroes like Flo,” Obama said. “Because on his very worst day, he managed to summon his very best. That's the nature of courage – not being unafraid, but confronting fear and danger and performing in a selfless fashion. He showed his guts, he showed his training; how he would put it all on the line for his teammates. That’s an American we can all be grateful for.”

The attack claimed the lives of four fellow servicemembers and Groberg spent years recovering, pushing through over 30 surgical procedures.

Groberg said he does not take receiving the Medal of Honor lightly, especially after the loss of his fellow comrades. Accepting the medal in humble fashion, he credited his brothers-in-arms, citing them as the ones that he felt truly deserved it.

“This medal belongs to them,” he said.