William Swenson, Afghan war veteran, awarded Medal of Honor by President Obama (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-35277_162-57607565/william-swenson-afghan-war-veteran-awarded-medal-of-honor-by-president-obama/)
QuoteA former Army captain received the nation's highest military honor from President Barack Obama for his bravery in one of the most deadly firefights in Afghanistan.
William D. Swenson was awarded the Medal of Honor Tuesday for his actions in a lengthy battle against the Taliban in the Ganjgal valley near the Pakistan border on Sept. 8, 2009, which claimed the lives of five Americans, 10 Afghan army troops and an interpreter.
At the time, Swenson was an embedded trainer and mentor with the Afghan National Security Forces in Kunar Province in eastern Afghanistan. He risked his life to recover bodies and help save fellow troops.
"Will Swenson was there for his brothers," Mr. Obama said. "We thank God he was there for us all."
Video footage of the casevac birds in action, with Swenson coming and going