Minot Man Awarded Medal of Honor | Video

Nicole DesRosier | 2/11/2013

President Obama honored a Minot man and former Army Staff Sergeant during a ceremony held today at the White House. Clinton Romesha, 31, received the Medal of Honor today for "conspicuous gallantry" beyond the call of duty.

Romesha was recognized for his actions during a deadly attack on his unit at a remote Afghanistan outpost on October 3, 2009. That morning, Romesha and his fellow soldiers were attacked by an estimated 300 enemy fighters. Despite being injured, he orchestrated a successful plan to secure and reinforce key points during the day-long battle.

"When I called Clint to tell him that he would receive this medal he said he was honored but he also said, `It wasn`t just me out there, it was a team effort.` And so today we also honor this American team, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice," President Obama said.

"I am grateful that some of the heroes of Combat Outpost Keating are here today with us. And, anyone of them would tell you we were not going to be beat that day. I want them to know how proud I am of them. They trusted in me, noncommissioned officer, to be their leader, and I thank them so much for that loyalty. I accept this tremendous honor on behalf of all soldiers who have served with me that day. This award is for the eight soldiers that didn`t make it and for the rest of the team that fought valiantly and magnificently that day," Romesha said.

Romesha is only the fourth living person to receive the nation`s highest military honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan.

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