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Obama awards Medal of Honor to Kentucky Marine
Obama awards Medal of Honor to Kentucky Marine - latimes.com
On Wednesday, they shared a beer. On Thursday, President Obama presented the Medal of Honor to Dakota Meyer, credited with saving three dozen lives during operations in Afghanistan in 2009.
Speaking from the East Room of the White House, Obama said that it was fitting that the solemn ceremony came just after the nation marked the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that led to the war in Afghanistan.
Meyer, Obama said, represents "the best of a generation that has served with distinction through a decade of war."
"You did your duty above and beyond, and you kept the faith with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps you love," Obama said.
He also called him "one of the most down-to-earth guys that you will ever meet." When White House staff attempted to reach Meyer to arrange for the president to inform him of the honor, they were told he needed to wait for his lunch break.
"I do appreciate, Dakota, you taking my call," Obama joked.
This week, in a call to arrange final details of Thursday's ceremony, Meyer asked whether he could share a beer with his commander in chief. They did so outside the Oval Office on Wednesday.
Meyer is the third living recipient, and first Marine, to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Born in Columbia, Ky., on June 26, 1988, Meyer attended public schools and graduated from Green County High School. In 2006, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and did his basic training at Parris Island Recruit Training Depot, the White House said.
Obama awards Medal of Honor to Kentucky Marine - latimes.com