VIDEO: U.S. Army Capt. Florent Groberg Talks About Incident Leading To Medal of Honor

By  //  November 23, 2015

 

ABOVE VIDEO: In his own words, retired U.S. Army Capt. Florent “Flo” Groberg talks about the August 2012 incident in Kunar Province, Afghanistan that led to President Barack Obama presenting the Medal of Honor today at The White House.

In his own words, retired U.S. Army Capt. Florent “Flo” Groberg talks about the August 2012 incident in Kunar Province, Afghanistan that led to President Barack Obama presenting the Medal of Honor recently at The White House.

As a result of his actions, Groberg sustained the loss of 45 to 50 percent of his left calf muscle with significant nerve damage, a blown ear drum and a mild traumatic brain injury. ‪

THE BATTLE

On the morning of Aug. 8, 2012, U.S. Army Capt. Florent Groberg served as a personal security detachment (PSD) commander for Task Force Mountain Warrior — responsible for the safety of 28 coalition and Afghan National Army (ANA) personnel, including several principals: two brigade commanders, two battalion commanders, the brigade command sergeant major, a battalion command sergeant major and an ANA battalion commander.

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President Barack Obama presents the Medal of Honor To U.S. Army Capt. Florent “Flo” Groberg at The White House. (U.S. Army image)

The patrol’s escort mission included moving on foot from Forward Operating Base Fiaz to the provincial governor’s compound in Asadabad, Kunar, Afghanistan for a weekly security meeting.

As the patrol advanced toward the governor’s compound, they reached the choke point along the route, a small bridge spanning a canal feeding the Kunar River.

The patrol halted near the bridge as two motorcycles approached from the opposite direction.

The motorcyclists began crossing the bridge, but stopped midway before dismounting and retreating in the opposite direction.

As the patrol observed the motorcyclists, Groberg also spotted a lone individual near the left side of the formation, walking backwards in the direction of the patrol. The individual did not cause immediate alarm as there were other local civilians in the area.

However, when the individual made an abrupt turn toward the formation, Groberg rushed the suspect and shoved him away from the patrol.

“Nothing can be accomplished without teamwork. I wouldn’t be here without the incredible acts of my team.” – Retired Capt. Florent Groberg

Groberg then immediately confirmed the individual was wearing a suicide vest, and with the help of Sgt. Andrew Mahoney, a fellow Soldier with the PSD, grabbed the suicide bomber, physically driving him away from the formation and down to the ground.

While on the ground, the bomber’s explosive vest detonated. The explosion caused a second suicide bomber, who remained hidden behind a small structure near the road, to detonate his vest prematurely. Most of the blast of the second bomber’s suicide vest went straight into a building, adjacent to the patrol.

Groberg’s actions disrupted both bombers from detonating as planned, saving the majority of lives he was charged with protecting.

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In his own words, retired U.S. Army Capt. Florent “Flo” Groberg talks about the August 2012 incident in Kunar Province, Afghanistan that led to President Barack Obama presenting the Medal of Honor recently at The White House. (U.S. Army image)