Edward Byers Jr. is a highly decorated United States Navy SEAL who was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States, for his exceptional valor and selflessness during a hostage rescue operation in Afghanistan. Byers was born on August 4, 1979, in Toledo, Ohio.

On December 8, 2012, Byers served as a senior chief petty officer (now a chief) in the U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six, a highly specialized counterterrorism unit. He participated in a nighttime mission to rescue an American aid worker, Dr. Dilip Joseph, who had been captured by Taliban insurgents in eastern Afghanistan.

During the operation, the SEAL team embarked on a daring assault into a remote compound where Dr. Joseph was held captive. As the team reached the target building, they encountered enemy fire and engaged in a fierce firefight. Byers fearlessly moved through the compound, neutralizing enemy threats and providing cover for his fellow SEALs.

In a critical moment, Byers heard a hostage, Dr. Joseph, crying out from inside a dark room. Without hesitation, Byers sprinted into the room and immediately engaged an enemy combatant who was standing over the captive, using him as a shield. Byers tackled the enemy to the ground, shielding Dr. Joseph from harm while simultaneously eliminating the threat.

While securing the hostage, Byers demonstrated incredible composure and comms discipline by using his body to shield Dr. Joseph from further gunfire. Despite the intense firefight and the presence of additional enemy combatants in close proximity, Byers continued to perform life-saving measures on the captive, ultimately ensuring his safety.

For his extraordinary heroism, selflessness, and quick thinking under fire, Chief Edward Byers Jr. was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama in a White House ceremony on February 29, 2016. Byers’ actions exemplify the highest standards of courage, dedication, and commitment to the safety of others. His unwavering bravery serves as an inspiration to his fellow SEALs and to all members of the United States Armed Forces.

Medal of Honor Citation

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.