Many, many people have been awarded the Medal of Honor for jumping on a grenade, but what then First Lieutenant Groberg did was extraordinary.
Citation to Accompany the Award
of
The Medal of Honor
To
Captain Florent A. Groberg
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March Third, 1863, has awarded, in the name of Congress, the Medal of Honor to Captain Florent A. Groberg, United States Army. Captain Florent A. Groberg distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a personal security detachment (PSD) Commander for Task Force Mountain Warrior, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Asadabad, Kunar Province, Afghanistan
On
August 8th, 2012.
On that day, Captain Groberg was leading a dismounted movement consisting of several senior leaders to include two Brigade Commanders, two Battalion Commanders, two Command Sergeants Major and an Afghanistan National Army Brigade Commander. As they approached the Provincial Governor’s compound, Captain Groberg observed an individual walking close to the formation. When the individual made an abrupt turn towards the formation, he noticed an abnormal bulge under the individual’s clothing. Selflessly placing himself in front of one of the Brigade Commanders, Captain Groberg rushed forward using his body to push the suspect away from the formation. Simultaneously, he ordered another member of the security detail to assist with removing the suspect. At this time, Captain Groberg confirmed the bulge was a suicide vest and with complete disregard for his life Captain Groberg began with the assistance of the other member of the security detail, physically push the suicide bomber away from the formation. Upon falling, the suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest outside the perimeter of the formation killing four members of the formation and wounding numerous others. The blast from the first suicide bomb caused the suicide vest of a previously unnoticed second suicide bomber to detonate prematurely with minimal impact on the formation. Captain Groberg’s immediate actions to push the first suicide bomber away from the formation significantly minimized the impact of the coordinated suicide bombers attack on the formation saving the lives of his comrades and several senior leaders.
Captain Groberg’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of Duty at risk of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and the United States Army.
Think about that a minute. Captain Groberg essentially jumped on a suicide vest and survived. He was severely wounded in the leg and was subsequently medically retired. In additon, the “other member of the security detail” was Sergeant Andrew Mahoney. Mahoney was awarded the Silver Star, the second highest award for this action. Many have felt the Mahoney should have also been awarded the Medal of Honor. While Mahoney performed above and beyond the call of Duty, it was Groberg’s quick thinking and decisive action that initiated the event.
READ ABOUT MORE ACTS OF VALOR THAT YOU PROBABLY HAVEN’T HEARD ABOUT HERE.
