AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais


The President of the United States just awarded a former Army captain, Will Swenson, the nation's highest award for gallantry during a ceremony at the White House.

Swenson, who has since left the Army, was recognized for his heroism during the 2009 Battle of Ganjgal, near the Pakistani border.

During a complex ambush, during which his outfit sustained major causalties, Swenson endured tremendous danger to evacuate his men.

"The enemy called for Capt. Swenson to surrender. He responded by throwing a hand grenade," the president said.