Ty Carter Awarded Highest Honor in the Land

On Monday, August 26th, President Obama awarded Army Staff Sergeant Ty M. Carter the nation’s highest military decoration- the Medal of Honor. Carter displayed true heroism during one of the most intense battles of the Afghanistan war, now referred to as the battle at Combat Outpost Keating, which took place on October 3rd, 2009. President Obama called Carter a “true American hero” for his actions during the ambush, which consisted of Carter, at one point, carrying Spc. Stephan L. Mace unarmed through a flurry of bullets.

Despite Carter’s heroic efforts, Spc. Stephan L. Mace later died from the wounds he incurred from the battle, which still understandably affects Carter to this day. Carter openly stated his fellow soldier’s death left him “shattered,” eventually receiving treatment for post traumatic stress disorder soon after. In this aspect, Carter is also considered a hero for his strength to get through the debilitating ordeal that many veterans have to face. He was commended by President Obama for speaking out against his struggle with post-traumatic stress (Carter prefers it without the “D” word), encouraging other soldiers to follow his lead. Obama said, “Let me say as clearly as I can… he is as tough as they come, and if he can find the courage to seek help, so can you.”

The Medal of Honor recipient says he is now doing much better thanks to the support of his family and friends. Carter additionally has earned several military decorations, including the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.

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