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MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT EDWARD C. BYERS JR.

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MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT EDWARD C. BYERS JR.



ABOUT
                                Our Core Values
                    Our Core Attributes
                    Mission
                    Our Heritage
                    LEADERSHIP
                                Secretary of the Navy
                    Chief of Naval Operations
                                America's Warfighting Navy
                    Vice Chief of Naval Operations
                    Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
                    Chief of Naval Personnel
                    Senior Executives
                    Flag Officer Biographies
                    PRESS OFFICE
                                Press Briefings
                    Press Releases
                    Testimony
                    Speeches
                    Statements
                    News Stories
                    ALL HANDS
                    PAY & PERSONNEL
                                MyNavy HR
                    Contact MyNavy Career Center
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                    RESOURCES
                                Photo Gallery
                    Videos
                    Graphics Gallery
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                    TRANSLATE  American flag and medal in the background with black white Chief's potrait
Summary of Action
 Official Citation
 Biography
 ContactLatest PhotosPosing for the picture in his uniform, wearing medal of honor with american flag and navy flag in the backgroundJul 23 2020
                    Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr
                    
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                    Posing for the picture in his uniform
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        Edward C. Byers Jr. delivers remarks during his Hall of Heroes induction ceremonyJul 23 2020
                    160301-N-ED767-009
                    
                    Oscar Sosa
                    
                    160301-N-ED767-009
WASHINGTON (March 1, 2016) Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr. delivers remarks during his Hall of Heroes induction ceremony Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at the Pentagon Auditorium. Byers was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama for his actions during a hostage rescue operation in Afghanistan in December 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Oscar Sosa/Released) (U.S. Navy photo by Oscar Sosa/Released)
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        Edward C. Byers Jr. delivers remarks during his Hall of Heroes induction ceremonyJul 23 2020
                    160301-N-ED767-006
                    
                    Oscar Sosa
                    
                    160301-N-ED767-006
WASHINGTON (March 1, 2016) Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr. delivers remarks during his Hall of Heroes induction ceremony Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at the Pentagon Auditorium. Byers was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama for his actions during a hostage rescue operation in Afghanistan in December 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Oscar Sosa/Released) (U.S. Navy photo by Oscar Sosa/Released)
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        Edward C. Byers Jr., stands at attention during his Hall of Heroes induction ceremonyJul 23 2020
                    160301-N-ED767-001
                    
                    Oscar Sosa
                    
                    160301-N-ED767-001
WASHINGTON (March 1, 2016) Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr., stands at attention during his Hall of Heroes induction ceremony Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at the Pentagon Auditorium. Byers was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama for his actions during a hostage rescue operation in Afghanistan in December 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Oscar Sosa/Released)
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        Edward C. Byers Jr. speaks to media after receiving the Medal of Honor during a ceremonyJul 23 2020
                    160229-N-ED767-815
                    
                    Oscar Sosa
                    
                    160229-N-ED767-815
WASHINGTON (Feb. 29, 2016) Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr. speaks to media after receiving the Medal of Honor during a ceremony Monday, Feb. 29, 2016, at the White House. Byers received the Medal of Honor for his actions during a hostage rescue operation in Afghanistan in December 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Oscar Sosa/Released)
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        resident Barack Obama presents the Medal of Honor to Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (Jul 23 2020
                    160229-N-ED767-101
                    
                    Oscar Sosa
                    
                    160229-N-ED767-101
WASHINGTON (Feb. 29, 2016) President Barack Obama presents the Medal of Honor to Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr. during a ceremony Monday, Feb. 29, 2016 at the White House. Byers received the Medal of Honor for his actions during a hostage rescue operation in December 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Oscar Sosa/Released)
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        Photo of medal honor for Edward ByersJul 23 2020
                    160218-N-ED767-115
                    
                    Oscar Sosa
                    
                    160218-N-ED767-115
WASHINGTON (Feb. 18, 2016) The Medal of Honor will be awarded to Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr. by President Barack Obama during a White House ceremony Feb. 29. Byers is receiving the medal for his actions during a 2012 rescue operation in Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
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        Photo of medal honor for Edward ByersJul 23 2020
                    160218-N-ED767-116
                    
                    Oscar Sosa
                    
                    160218-N-ED767-116
WASHINGTON (Feb. 18, 2016) The Medal of Honor will be awarded to Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr. by President Barack Obama during a White House ceremony Feb. 29. Byers is receiving the medal for his actions during a 2012 rescue operation in Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
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        Photo of medal honor for Edward ByersJul 23 2020
                    160218-N-ED767-113
                    
                    Oscar Sosa
                    
                    160218-N-ED767-113
WASHINGTON (Feb. 18, 2016) The Medal of Honor will be awarded to Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr. by President Barack Obama during a White House ceremony Feb. 29. Byers is receiving the medal for his actions during a 2012 rescue operation in Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
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        Photo of medal honor for Edward ByersJul 23 2020
                    160218-N-ED767-114
                    
                    Oscar Sosa
                    
                    160218-N-ED767-114
WASHINGTON (Feb. 18, 2016) The Medal of Honor will be awarded to Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr. by President Barack Obama during a White House ceremony Feb. 29. Byers is receiving the medal for his actions during a 2012 rescue operation in Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
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        Photo of medal honor for Edward ByersJul 23 2020
                    160218-N-ED767-110
                    
                    Oscar Sosa
                    
                    160218-N-ED767-110
WASHINGTON (Feb. 18, 2016) The Medal of Honor will be awarded to Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr. by President Barack Obama during a White House ceremony Feb. 29. Byers is receiving the medal for his actions during a 2012 rescue operation in Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
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        Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward C. Byers, Jr., poses for a portrait with american flag in the backgroundJul 23 2020
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                    Monica King
                    
                    160301-N-ZZ999-110
WASHINGTON (March 1, 2016) Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward C. Byers, Jr., poses for a portrait March 1, 2016 at the Pentagon. Byers was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama for his actions during a hostage rescue operation in Afghanistan in December 2012. (U.S. Army photo by Monica King/Released)
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        Byers' summary of actions in timeline showing what happensJul 23 2020
                    Byers' summary of action
                    
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                    Byers' summary of actions in timeline
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        Byers in action during his tourJul 23 2020
                    Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr
                    
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                    Byers in action during his tour
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        Byers in action during his tour, kneeling for the pictureJul 23 2020
                    Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr
                    
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                    Byers in action during his tour
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        Byers posing for the picture in his uniform and american flag in the backgroundJul 23 2020
                    160224-N-ZZ999-110
                    
                    U.S. Navy photo
                    
                    160224-N-ZZ999-11
WASHINGTON (Feb. 24, 2016) Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr. will be awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama during a White House ceremony Feb. 29. Byers is receiving the medal for his actions during a 2012 rescue operation in Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
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        Posing for the picture in his uniformJul 23 2020
                    Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr
                    
                    n/a
                    
                    Posing for the picture in his uniform
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        Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr sitting in his uniform and his medalJul 19 2020
                    Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr
                    
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                    Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr
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        Navy Logo Eagle AnchorJul 09 2020
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
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                Summary of Action

**Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr.: For actions during Operation Enduring Freedom on Dec. 8, 2012**

Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr., United States Navy, distinguished himself by heroic gallantry as an Assault Team Member attached to a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 8 December 2012.

**Specific accomplishment:**

Dr. Dilip Joseph is an American citizen, who was abducted with his driver and Afghan interpreter on 5 December 2012. Intelligence reports indicated that Dr. Joseph might be transported to another location as early as 9 December 2012. Dr. Joseph was being held in a small, single-room building.

The target compound was located in a remote area beside a mountain in the Qarghah’i District of Laghman Province, Afghanistan. Chief Byers was part of the rescue team that planned to make entry into the room of guards where the hostage was believed to be located. Success of the rescue operation relied upon surprise, speed, and aggressive action. Trading personal security for speed of action was inherent to the success of this rescue mission. Each assaulter in the rescue force volunteered for this operation with full appreciation for the risks they were to undertake.

With the approval of the Commander of all International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan, the rescue force launched from its forward operating base. The infiltration was an exhaustive patrol across unimproved trails and mountainous terrain. After nearly four hours of patrolling, the rescue force was positioned to make its assault on the target compound.

As the patrol closed to within 25 meters of the target building, a guard became aware of the rescue force. The forward-most assaulter shot at the guard and ran towards the door to make entry as the guard disappeared inside. Chief Byers was the second assaulter in a sprint towards the door. Six layers of blankets securely fastened to the ceiling and walls served as the Afghan door. While Chief Byers tried to rip down the blankets, the first assaulter pushed his way through the doorway and was immediately shot by enemy AK-47 fire. Chief Byers, fully aware of the hostile threat inside the room, boldly entered and immediately engaged a guard pointing an AK-47 towards him. As he was engaging that guard, another adult male darted towards the corner of the room. Chief Byers could not distinguish if the person may have been the hostage scrambling away or a guard attempting to arm himself with an AK-47 that lay in the corner. Chief Byers tackled the unknown male and seized control of him. While in hand-to-hand combat, Chief Byers maintained control of the unknown male with one hand, while adjusting the focus of his night vision goggles (NVGs) with his other. Once his NVGs were focused, he recognized that the male was not the hostage and engaged the struggling armed guard.

By now other team members had entered the room and were calling to Dr. Joseph to identify himself. Chief Byers heard an unknown voice speak English from his right side. He immediately leaped across the room and selflessly flung his body on top of the American hostage, shielding him from the continued rounds being fired across the room. Almost simultaneously, Chief Byers identified an additional enemy fighter directly behind Dr. Joseph. While covering the hostage with his body, Chief Byers was able to pin the enemy combatant to the wall with his hand around the enemy’s throat. Unable to fire any effective rounds into the enemy, Chief Byers was able to restrain the combatant enough to enable his teammate to fire precision shots, eliminating the final threat within the room.

Chief Byers quickly talked to Dr. Joseph, confirming that he was able to move. He and his Team Leader stood Dr. Joseph up, calmed him, and let him know he was safe with American Forces. Once Dr. Joseph was moved to the helicopter-landing zone, Chief Byers, a certified paramedic and 18D medic, assisted with the rendering of medical aid to the urgent surgical assaulter. Chief Byers and others performed CPR during the 40-minute flight to Bagram Airfield where his teammate was declared deceased.

Chief Petty Officer Byers displayed superior gallantry, extraordinary heroism at grave personal risk, dedication to his teammates, and calm tactical leadership while liberating Dr. Dilip Joseph from captivity. He is unquestionably deserving of the Medal of Honor.Official Citation

CHIEF SPECIAL WARFARE OPERATOR (SEA, AIR, AND LAND)

EDWARD C. BYERS, JR.

UNITED STATES NAVY

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Hostage Rescue Force Team Member in Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 8 to 9 December 2012. As the rescue force approached the target building, an enemy sentry detected them and darted inside to alert his fellow captors. The sentry quickly reemerged, and the lead assaulter attempted to neutralize him. Chief Byers with his team sprinted to the door of the target building. As the primary breacher, Chief Byers stood in the doorway fully exposed to enemy fire while ripping down six layers of heavy blankets fastened to the inside ceiling and walls to clear a path for the rescue force. The first assaulter pushed his way through the blankets, and was mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire from within. Chief Byers, completely aware of the imminent threat, fearlessly rushed into the room and engaged an enemy guard aiming an AK-47 at him. He then tackled another adult male who had darted towards the corner of the room. During the ensuing hand-to-hand struggle, Chief Byers confirmed the man was not the hostage and engaged him. As other rescue team members called out to the hostage, Chief Byers heard a voice respond in English and raced toward it. He jumped atop the American hostage and shielded him from the high volume of fire within the small room. While covering the hostage with his body, Chief Byers immobilized another guard with his bare hands, and restrained the guard until a teammate could eliminate him. His bold and decisive actions under fire saved the lives of the hostage and several of his teammates. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of near certain death, Chief Petty Officer Byers reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.Biography

Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr.

SOCM Edward Byers was born in Toledo, Ohio in 1979. He grew up in Grand Rapids, Ohio. In 1997, he graduated from Otsego High School where he played varsity soccer. Byers joined the Navy in September 1998, and subsequently attended Boot Camp and Corpsman “A” School in Great Lakes, Illinois.

Byers spent four years as a Hospital Corpsman. In 1998, he was assigned to Great Lakes Naval Hospital. In 1999, he served with 2nd Battalion, 2nd marines in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard USS Austin (LPD 4). During deployment he earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) and Fleet Marine Force (FMF) warfare devices.

In 2002, Byers attended Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/S) training and graduated with Class 242. After graduation, he attended the Special Operations Combat Medic (SOCM) course. Byers was then assigned to an East Coast SEAL Team.

Byers has 11 overseas deployments with nine combat tours. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star with Valor (five awards), the Purple Heart (two awards), the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards, one with Valor), the Combat Action ribbon (two awards), and the Good Conduct Medal (five awards).

Byers was awarded the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama during a White House ceremony February 29, 2016 for his efforts during a hostage rescue while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012. He is only the 11th living service member to be awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery displayed in Afghanistan.

Byers hold a National Paramedics License and also studied Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis at Norwich University, where he will earn a Bachelor of Science in early 2016. Byers is married and has a daughter.
            Press Advisory

SEAL recounts actions leading to Medal of Honor
 Medal of Honor Awardee Inducted into Pentagon's Hall of Heroes
 President Obama Presents Medal of Honor to Navy SEAL for Rescuing Taliban Hostage
 Remarks by the President at Medal of Honor Presentation to Senior Chief Edward Byers, Jr., U.S. Navy**USN Medal Recipients**

Britt K. Slabinski
 May 2018
 Edward C. Byers Jr.
 February 2016
 Michael A. Monsoor
 April 2008
 Michael P. Murphy
 October 2007
 Prior Navy Medal Recipients
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