Army sergeant to receive Medal of Honor for heroism in Afghanistan

President Obama will award a U.S. Army sergeant the Medal of Honor this month for his heroism while fighting in Afghanistan, the White House said Monday. Staff Sgt. Ty M. Carter, who grew up in Spokane, Wash., and calls Antioch, Calif., home now, will receive the nation's highest medal for valor Aug. 26 in the nation's capital. He will be the fifth living recipient to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan or Iraq, the White House said. Carter is being recognized for his actions as a cavalry scout with Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, in Kamdesh District, Nuristan province on Oct. 3, 2009. Details of Carter's exploits were not revealed by the White House but the Medal of Honor goes only to members of the armed forces who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in hostilities. The recipient's conduct "must involve great personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life," the White House statement said. His previous honors include: the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, Navy Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon w/Numeral 2, Army Service Ribbon, Oversea Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge and Air Assault Badge. He also has received the Valorous Unit Award and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. The married father of three children enlisted in the Army in January 2008. He completed a second deployment to Afghanistan in October 2012 and is now stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state where he is assigned to the 7th Infantry Division.