Edward Byers

Last updated

Edward Byers
Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward C. Byers, Jr., poses for his official portrait. (25302793012).jpg
Official portrait of Byers in March 1, 2016
Born (1979-08-04) August 4, 1979 (age 45)
Toledo, Ohio, United States
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branch United States Navy
Years of service1998–2019
Rank Command master chief petty officer
Unit DEVGRU
Battles/wars War in Afghanistan
Iraq War
Awards Medal of Honor
Bronze Star Medal with Valor device (5)
Purple Heart (2)
Meritorious Service Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor device
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor device (3)

Edward C. Byers Jr. (born August 4, 1979) is a retired United States Navy SEAL who received the Medal of Honor on February 29, 2016, for the rescue of a civilian in Afghanistan in 2012. Byers retired after 21 years of service on September 19, 2019, at the Washington Navy Yard.

Contents

Early life and education

Born in Toledo, Ohio, growing up in Grand Rapids, Byers graduated from Otsego High School in Tontogany, Ohio, in 1997. [1] He is a Roman Catholic. [2] His father is a World War II Navy veteran. [3] While in his youth, he was a scout in the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the rank of first class. [4]

Byers enlisted in the United States Navy in September 1998 and went on to serve as a hospital corpsman. Byers first served at Great Lakes Naval Hospital and was later attached to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, in 1999 and deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard USS Austin (LPD-4). [5] He attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in 2002 and graduated with BUD/S Class 242. Following SEAL Qualification Training (SQT), he received the Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) 5326 as a Combatant Swimmer (SEAL), entitled to wear the Special Warfare insignia. [6] In 2003, Byers attended the Special Operations Combat Medic course. [7] He was assigned to his first SEAL team in May 2004. [8]

Byers served 11 overseas deployments, including nine combat tours, deploying multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan. [9] [10] Over the course of those deployments Byers received four Bronze Star Medals with a valor device, and two Purple Hearts. [8] [11] [12]

In December 2014, General Martin Dempsey "strongly recommended" Byers for the Medal of Honor. [13] On February 29, 2016, President Barack Obama presented the Medal of Honor to Byers during a ceremony at the White House. [14] Byers is the sixth SEAL to receive the Medal of Honor. [3] Byers was assigned to Naval Special Warfare Development Group, also known as SEAL Team Six, when he was presented the Medal of Honor. [15] Byers is the first member of the unit to receive the Medal of Honor for an action as a unit member. [10] [16] The next month, Byers requested to return to his SEAL team. [17]

In November 2017, Byers was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. [12] [18] In August 2017, Byers joined fellow Medal of Honor recipient Hershel W. Williams at the launching ceremony for a ship named after Williams. [19] In May 2018, Byers was selected for promotion to master chief petty officer; [20] during that same month Byers was in attendance when Master Chief Special Warfare Operator Britt Slabinski was presented with his Medal of Honor. [21] By July 2018, Byers had received his promotion to master chief. [22]

Medal of Honor action

Byers receiving the Medal of Honor from U.S. President Barack Obama, 2016. Edward C. Byers Jr. is presented with the Medal of Honor. (25292148271).jpg
Byers receiving the Medal of Honor from U.S. President Barack Obama, 2016.
Byers in Afghanistan. An undated file photo of Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr. (25183252541).jpg
Byers in Afghanistan.

On December 5, 2012, American physician Dr. Dilip Joseph, who had been working with an aid organization, was captured by the Taliban along with two Afghans while returning to their base in Kabul. [23] The U.S. military gathered intelligence on where Dr. Joseph was being held. The commanders were concerned that the hostages might be moved to a new hideout or killed as early as December 9, 2012. [5] [10]

On the night of December 8, 2012, Byers and his unit were inserted by helicopter in Qarghah'i District of Laghman Province, eastern Afghanistan. They hiked more than four hours over difficult terrain to reach the compound where the Taliban were holding the hostages. Despite the darkness, an armed guard spotted the SEALs within roughly 75 feet (23 m) of the compound and raised an alarm. Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas D. Checque sprinted forward, killed the guard and entered the compound, with Byers just steps behind. [9]

Once inside the compound, Checque was shot by a Taliban fighter from within the single room where the hostages were held. Undeterred, Byers burst into the room, shooting dead an armed Taliban fighter. Byers tackled and straddled another insurgent who was scrambling to the corner of the room to get a rifle. Byers adjusted his night vision goggles to see whether he was the American hostage. When Joseph called out to Byers, Byers killed the insurgent he was straddling and then hurled himself on top of Joseph to protect him from harm. At the same time, Byers pinned another militant to the wall with a hand to the throat until another SEAL shot him. [10]

Byers, the unit's medic, attempted to resuscitate Checque on the ground and during a 40-minute flight to Bagram Airfield without success. Checque was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions. [9] [10] [24]

An Infographic depicting the December 2012 Rescue Operation. An infographic depicting a December 2012 rescue operation. (24758518603).jpg
An Infographic depicting the December 2012 Rescue Operation.

Citation

NavyMedalofHonor.jpg

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. [25]

Awards and decorations

United States Navy Special Warfare insignia.png
Medal of Honor ribbon.svg
Bronze Star Medal ribbon with "V" device, 1st award.svg 1 golden star.svg 1 golden star.svg 1 golden star.svg 1 golden star.svg
1 golden star.svg
Purple Heart ribbon.svg
Meritorious Service Medal ribbon.svg
Joint Service Commendation ribbon.svg "V" device, brass.svg Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal ribbon with "V" device, 1st award.svg 1 golden star.svg 1 golden star.svg Combat Action Ribbon.svg 1 golden star.svg 1 golden star.svg
United States Navy Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Joint Meritorious Unit Award (USMC and USN frame).svg
Navy Unit Commendation ribbon.svg
Battle Effectiveness Award ribbon, 1st award.svg United States Navy Good Conduct Medal ribbon.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Fleet Marine Force Ribbon.svg
National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg Afghanistan Campaign ribbon.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Iraq Campaign Medal ribbon.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg Global War on Terrorism Service ribbon.svg Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg Silver-service-star-3d.svg Bronze-service-star-3d-vector.svg
NATO Medal ISAF ribbon bar.svg United States Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon with expert device.svg United States Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon with expert device.svg
U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia-redone.png
Badge Special Warfare Insignia
1st row Medal of Honor
2nd row Bronze Star Medal w/ Combat "V" device and four Gold 5/16 inch award stars Purple Heart with one 5/16 inch award star Meritorious Service Medal
3rd row Joint Service Commendation Medal w/ Combat "V" device Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/ Combat "V" device and two 5/16 inch award stars (one award for Combat Valor) Combat Action Ribbon w/ two 5/16 inch award stars
4th row Presidential Unit Citation with two bronze 3/16 service stars Joint Meritorious Unit Award with one bronze oak leaf cluster Navy Unit Commendation
5th row Battle "E" award Navy Good Conduct Medal with four bronze 3/16 service stars Fleet Marine Force Ribbon
6th row National Defense Service Medal Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three 3/16 service stars Iraq Campaign Medal with two 3/16 service stars
7th row Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 1 silver and 2 bronze 3/16 service stars
8th row NATO Medal (ISAF) Navy Rifle Marksmanship Medal Navy Pistol Marksmanship Medal Naval Parachutist Badge

While deployed with the 26th MEU, he earned the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Insignia.png Surface Warfare Enlisted badge and the Fleet Marine Force Enlisted Warfare Specialist Device.svg Fleet Marine Force Enlisted Warfare Specialist device. [5]

Personal life

Byers is a licensed paramedic and attended Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, finishing his education to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in strategic studies and defense analysis. [11] [26] Byers graduated from Norwich University and is documented as being part of the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies Class of 2016. [27] In February 2017, as a guest of Bob Latta, Byers attended joint session of congress. [28] In May 2017, Byers was an "honored guest" at a SEAL Family Foundation fundraiser in Rancho Santa Fe, California; [29] later that year, he was inducted into the Ohio Military Veterans Hall of Fame. [18] In 2018, Byers announced the creation of a new award, named after himself, at Otsego High School. [30]

In 2021, Byers earned a Master of Business Administration at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. [31] [32]

Byers is married to Madison and they have one daughter, Hannah. [10] [33]

In October 2024, Byers joined 15 other Medal of Honor recipients in publicly endorsing Donald Trump for president. [34]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States Navy SEALs</span> U.S. Navy special operations force

The United States Navy Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) Teams, commonly known as Navy SEALs, are the U.S. Navy's primary special operations force and a component of the Naval Special Warfare Command. Among the SEALs' main functions are conducting small-unit special operation missions in maritime, jungle, urban, arctic, mountainous, and desert environments. SEALs are typically ordered to capture or kill high-level targets, or to gather intelligence behind enemy lines. SEAL team personnel are hand-selected, highly trained, and possess a high degree of proficiency in unconventional warfare (UW), direct action (DA), and special reconnaissance (SR), among other tasks like sabotage, demolition, intelligence gathering, and hydrographic reconnaissance, training, and advising friendly militaries or other forces. All active SEALs are members of the U.S. Navy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thomas R. Norris</span> United States Navy Medal of Honor recipient (born 1944)

Thomas Rolland Norris is a retired United States Navy SEAL and Distinguished Eagle Scout, who received the Medal of Honor for his ground rescue with the assistance of Petty Officer Third Class Nguyen Van Kiet of two downed aircrew members in Quảng Trị province during the Vietnam War on April 10–13, 1972. At the time of the action, Lieutenant Norris was a SEAL Advisor with the Strategic Technical Directorate Assistance Team. Norris was one of three SEALs to receive the Medal of Honor for actions during the Vietnam War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marcus Luttrell</span> U.S. Navy SEAL and author (born 1975)

Marcus Luttrell is a retired United States Navy SEAL who received the Navy Cross and Purple Heart for his actions in June 2005 against Taliban fighters during Operation Red Wings in which he was the lone survivor. Luttrell became an SO1 by the end of his eight-year career in the United States Navy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael P. Murphy</span> United States Navy Medal of Honor recipient (1976–2005)

Michael Patrick Murphy was a United States Navy SEAL officer who was awarded the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the War in Afghanistan. He was the first member of the United States Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War. His other posthumous awards include the Silver Star Medal and the Purple Heart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark E. Mitchell</span>

Mark Edward Mitchell was the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict for the United States Department of Defense for several months during 2019. A retired colonel, Mitchell was the first member of the United States Army to be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross during the War in Afghanistan and was the first to receive the award since the Vietnam War. He received the award in 2003 for his actions during the Battle of Qala-i-Jangi, which took place in late November to early December 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Death of Linda Norgrove</span> 2010 aid worker kidnapping in Afghanistan

On 26 September 2010, British aid worker Linda Norgrove and three Afghan colleagues were kidnapped by members of the Taliban in the Kunar Province of eastern Afghanistan. She was working in the country as regional director for Development Alternatives Incorporated, a contractor for US and other government agencies. The group were taken to the nearby Dewegal Valley area. United States and Afghan forces began a search of the area, placing roadblocks to prevent the group from being moved east into Pakistan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dakota Meyer</span> U.S. Marine Medal of Honor recipient

Dakota Louis Meyer is a retired United States Marine. A veteran of the War in Afghanistan, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Ganjgal on September 8, 2009, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Meyer is the second-youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, the third living recipient for either the Iraq War or the War in Afghanistan, and the first living United States Marine in 38 years to be honored.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SEAL Team Six</span> One of the United States two secretive tier-one counter-terrorism and Special Mission Units

The Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG), abbreviated as DEVGRU and commonly known as SEAL Team Six, is the United States Navy component of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). The unit is often referred to within JSOC as Task Force Blue. DEVGRU is administratively supported by Naval Special Warfare Command and operationally commanded by JSOC. Most information concerning DEVGRU is designated as classified, and details of its activities are not usually commented on by either the United States Department of Defense or the White House. Despite the official name changes and increase in size, "SEAL Team Six" remains the unit's widely recognized moniker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leroy Petry</span> United States Army Medal of Honor recipient

Leroy Arthur Petry is a retired United States Army soldier. He received the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in Afghanistan in 2008 during Operation Enduring Freedom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 Afghanistan Boeing Chinook shootdown</span> Attack on a U.S. military helicopter in Tangi Valley, Maidan Wardak Province

On 6 August 2011, a U.S. CH-47D Chinook military helicopter operating with the call sign Extortion 17 was shot down while transporting a Quick Reaction Force attempting to reinforce a Joint Special Operations Command unit of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the Tangi Valley in Maidan Wardak province, southwest of Kabul, Afghanistan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 in Afghanistan</span>

Events from the year 2012 in Afghanistan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clinton Romesha</span> United States Army Medal of Honor recipient

Clinton LaVor Romesha is a retired United States Army soldier who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Kamdesh in 2009 during the War in Afghanistan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">William Owens (Navy SEAL)</span> United States Navy SEAL senior chief petty officer (1980–2017)

William Ryan Owens was a decorated United States Navy SEAL senior chief petty officer. He died in the Yakla raid in Yemen, making him the first American to die in combat under the Trump administration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John A. Chapman</span> United States Air Force Medal of Honor recipient

John Allan Chapman was a combat controller in the United States Air Force who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on August 22, 2018, for his actions in the Battle of Takur Ghar during the War in Afghanistan. He is the first airman to receive the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. He was inducted into the Hall of Heroes on August 23, 2018, and posthumously promoted to Master Sergeant on the following day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Britt K. Slabinski</span> United States Navy Medal of Honor recipient (born 1969)

Britt Kelly Slabinski is a retired United States Navy SEAL who received the Medal of Honor on May 24, 2018, for his actions during the Battle of Takur Ghar. He also participated in the highly publicized rescue mission to recover Army PFC Jessica Lynch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Danny Dietz</span> US Navy SEAL and recipient of the Navy Cross (1980–2005)

Danny Phillip Dietz Jr. was a Navy SEAL who was awarded the U.S. Navy's second-highest decoration, the Navy Cross, along with the Purple Heart, for his actions during the War in Afghanistan.

References

  1. ↑ Lemon, Zack (February 3, 2017). "Hometown hero talks of war, service, community". The Blade. Toledo, Ohio. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
    Guyton, Lissa (February 29, 2016). "Otsego students watch as 1997 graduate is given the military's highest honor". WTVG. Toledo, Ohio. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
    Miller, Tim (February 29, 2016). "Toledo-born Edward Byers Jr. awarded Medal of Honor". WTOL. Toledo, Ohio. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  2. ↑ "Navy SEAL must step out of the shadows to receive Medal of Honor" Archived March 1, 2016, at the Wayback Machine , pilotonline.com; accessed March 1, 2016.
    "Catholic Navy SEAL given Medal of Honor for heroic action in Afghanistan". Catholic Philly. Philadelphia. Catholic News Service. March 2, 2016. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  3. 1 2 Smith, Jerry (October 28, 2016). "Medal of Honor recipient: Delaware veterans embody spirit of medal". The News Journal. Delaware. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
    Gunty, Christopher (May 18, 2016). "Role of faithful addressed at National Catholic Prayer Breakfast". Catholic Review. Archived from the original on February 25, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
  4. ↑ Sparling, Gretchen (March 3, 2016). "Medal of Honor recipient got his start in Scouting". Bryan on Scouting. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
    Malcolm, Andrew (March 1, 2016). "America's Newest Hero, Edward Byers: Shielding a hostage while killing a guard". Investor's Business Daily. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
  5. 1 2 3 "Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL)Edward C. Byers Jr., USN". Navy.mil. Retrieved March 2, 2016.
  6. ↑ Kaur, Jaspreet (February 29, 2016). "Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor Recipient Accepts $50,000 Donation". KNSD. San Diego. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  7. ↑ Bourne, Jenny (February 29, 2016). "San Diego-based U.S. Navy SEAL awarded the Medal of Honor". KUSI. San Diego. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  8. 1 2 Heintz, Melissa (February 29, 2016). "U.S. Navy SEAL awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan". VAntage Point. United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved April 23, 2018. Byers has served in 11 overseas deployments, nine combat tours and has received two Purple Hearts and five Bronze Star Medals with Valor device.
  9. 1 2 3 "Navy SEAL, to receive Medal of Honor Monday, tells his story". Stars and Stripes. February 26, 2016.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "A SEAL Team 6 member must step out of the shadows to receive the Medal of Honor". Washington Post. February 28, 2016.
  11. 1 2 Gibbons-Neff, Thomas; Lamothe, Dan; Tate, Julie (February 2, 2016). "Navy SEAL to receive Medal of Honor for 2012 hostage rescue". Washington Post. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  12. 1 2 "Class of 2017". Department of Veterans Services. State of Ohio. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  13. ↑ Myers, Meghann (February 2, 2016). "Navy SEAL to receive Medal of Honor for U.S. civilian rescue in Afghanistan". Navy Times. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
    Vanden Brook, Tom; Korte, Gregory (February 3, 2016). "Dramatic Taliban hostage rescue earns Navy SEAL the Medal of Honor". USA Today. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Remarks by the President at Medal of Honor Presentation to Senior Chief Edward Byers, Jr., U.S. Navy". The White House: Office of the Press Secretary. February 29, 2016. Retrieved March 7, 2016.
  15. ↑ Dozier, Kimberly (February 29, 2016). "Is This a Hero SEAL's Final Mission?". Daily Beast. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
    ""Consummate, quiet professional:" Navy SEAL receives Medal of Honor at White House ceremony". WITI. Milwaukee. CNN Wire Service. February 29, 2016. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  16. ↑ Wentzel, Alyssa (February 29, 2016). "Navy SEAL receives Medal of Honor from President Obama". The Daily Campus. Southern Methodist University. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
    White, Matt (March 3, 2016). "It's rare, but latest Medal of Honor recipient wants to go back to war". Stars and Stripes. Washington Post. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  17. ↑ White, Matt (March 3, 2016). "The latest Medal of Honor recipient wants to go back to war. Why that's a rarity". Washington Post. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  18. 1 2 Reitzel, Rick (November 9, 2017). "Medal of Honor recipient inducted into Ohio Military Veterans Hall of Fame with 19 others". WCMH-TV. Columbus, Ohio. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  19. ↑ "NASSCO News Means New Jobs for Seafarers" (PDF). Seafarers LOG. Camp Springs, Maryland. September 2016. ISSN   1086-4636 . Retrieved April 23, 2018.
    "Navy Launches USNS Hershel 'Woody' Williams". The Flagship. Norfolk, Virginia. August 24, 2017. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  20. ↑ CNO WASHINGTON DC (May 9, 2018). "FY-19 NAVY ACTIVE-DUTY E9 SELECTION BOARD RESULTS". Bureau of Personnel. United States Navy. Archived from the original on May 27, 2018. Retrieved May 26, 2018.
    "US Navy master chief petty officer FY-19 promotion list". Stars & Stripes. May 9, 2018. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
  21. ↑ Seck, Hope Hodge; Cox, Matthew (May 24, 2018). "'Outmanned, Outgunned and Fighting': Navy SEAL Britt Slabinski Receives Medal of Honor". Task & Purpose. Grid North. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
  22. ↑ Henry, Marcus (July 6, 2018). "Master Chief Petty Officer Edward C. Byers, Jr. Byers' citation placed on the Medal of Honor wall". Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River. Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  23. ↑ "Former hostage recalls Taliban "morality"". cbs news. October 15, 2014.
  24. ↑ Davison, Phil (January 1, 2013). "Nicolas Checque: Soldier whose death raised awkward questions". Independent. United Kingdom. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
    Myers, Meghann (April 9, 2016). "This Navy SEAL died on a secret mission. And his family fears they'll never get closure". Navy Times. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  25. ↑ Navy Production Directorate: Defense Media Activity. "Medal of Honor: Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward C. Byers Jr., USN" . Retrieved May 7, 2016.
  26. ↑ "President Obama to Award the Medal of Honor". whitehouse.gov . February 2, 2016. Retrieved February 4, 2016– via National Archives.
    "Testing His Mettle". Norwich Reach. Norwich University. Archived from the original on April 23, 2018. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  27. ↑ "Guide to the Biographical Files Collection, B, circa 1840s-2010s, Bulk: 1900s-1990s". Norwich University Archives. Norwich University.
  28. ↑ "Medal of Honor recipient Byers Jr. to join Latta at presidential address to Congress". Sentinel-Tribune. Bowling Green, Ohio. February 28, 2017. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Sixth Annual Fundraiser for SEAL Family Foundation". Los Angeles Times. May 3, 2017. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  30. ↑ Thomas-Baird, Marie (May 23, 2019). "Otsego awards first Byers award". Sentinel-Tribune. Bowling Green, Ohio. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  31. ↑ "Education". Pat Tillman Foundation. 2019. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  32. ↑ "Navy SEAL Veteran and Wharton Graduate Exemplifies Grit, Gallantry, and Gratitude". 2022. p. Wharton Alumni. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
  33. ↑ Grant, April (March 1, 2016). "Medal of Honor Awardee Inducted into Pentagon's Hall of Heroes". Navy Office of Information. United States Navy. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
    Rogers, Debbie (February 3, 2017). "Byers recalls his roots, faith in describing his SEAL journey". Sentinel-Tribune. Bowling Green, Ohio. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  34. ↑ Singman, Brooke (October 12, 2024). "'We believe in Donald Trump': More than a dozen Medal of Honor recipients endorse former president". Fox News . Retrieved October 12, 2024.

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.