Afghanistan veteran who saved comrade gets Medal of Honor from Obama

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has presented the Medal of Honor to former Army Sgt. Kyle White for heroism during an ambush in Afghanistan in 2007.

White saved a comrade’s life and helped ensure that other wounded survivors of the attack were evacuated.

Obama says White motivates Americans to be the best they can be. He says, quote, “You make us proud.”

White is only the seventh living recipient of the top U.S. military award for valour for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan.

The Army says White was knocked unconscious soon after the ambush began. When he came to, most of his platoon had slid for cover down a cliff. He stayed above to protect a fellow soldier, help direct mortar fire at attackers and mark a landing zone for a medical evacuation helicopter.