Staff Sgt. Ty Michael Carter
If you want to know what a hero looks like, you need look no further than Army Staff Sergeant Ty Michael Carter. He will receive the Medal of Honor in August, becoming the fifth living recipient of the nation’s highest military honor (OEF/OIF).
“Carter will receive the nation’s highest award for valor Aug. 26, 2013, for his defense of Combat Outpost Keating, in a remote mountain valley of Nuristan province in western Afghanistan. During a battle which raged for more than six hours, Carter was instrumental in keeping the southern flank of the outpost from being overrun Oct. 3, 2009, by an enemy that outnumbered the Americans almost eight to one.
“The 54 members of B Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, were attacked by more than 400 enemy fighters with heavy automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades, known as RPGs, firing from high ground surrounding the outpost. The enemy infiltrated two areas of the combat outpost, known as a COP, killing eight U.S. Soldiers and injuring more than 25.” (army.mil)
The official narrative describes the day-long battle in detail, and can be read here.
Carter is the second Soldier to be honored for actions at Outpost Keating. Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha received the Medal of Honor earlier this year for heroism in the same battle.
If you want to see what a hero looks like, he looks like this:
(Staff Sergeant Carter’s official profile can be read here.)
