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Battle Survivor Receives Medal Of Honor

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Nine American soldiers died in the Battle of Wanat in 2008. But according to his commanding officers, more men would have been killed if not for the actions of Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts on that day in Afghanistan.

Pitts fought back while badly wounded when hundreds of Taliban fighters attacked Operation Topside, which the soldiers were building in Waygal Valley.

Pitts' actions, they say, turned the tide of the battle and today at the White House, President Obama will drape the Medal of Honor around his neck.

Pitts, who was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, now lives in Nashua, New Hampshire. He is the ninth living recipient of the nation's highest military honor. Seven men have been honored posthumously.

Guest

  • Ryan Pitts, retired Army sergeant who will receive the Medal of Honor for his bravery in the War in Afghanistan.

This segment aired on July 21, 2014.

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