[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 2, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E258-E259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT SENIOR CHIEF SPECIAL WARFARE 
        OPERATOR (SEAL) EDWARD C. BYERS, JR., UNITED STATES NAVY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT E. LATTA

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2016

  Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize United States 
Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) and Ohio native, 
Edward Byers, as the recipient of the Medal of Honor for his brave and 
heroic actions during Operation Enduring Freedom on December 8-9, 2012.

[[Page E259]]

   The citation for the Medal of Honor states:
   ``For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life 
above and beyond the call of duty as Hostage Rescue Force Team Member 
in Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 8-9 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.''
   I extend my deepest thanks to Chief Byers on his service to our 
nation and upon his receiving our nation's highest military award, the 
Medal of Honor.

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