Florent Groberg is a former United States Army captain who was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States, for his extraordinary actions during a combat operation in Afghanistan. Groberg was born on May 8, 1983, in Poissy, France, and later became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
On August 8, 2012, while serving as a captain in the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division, Groberg was leading a personal security detachment in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. As part of a security detail, he was tasked with escorting a high-ranking U.S. military official and his team to a meeting with local leaders.
During the mission, while crossing a narrow bridge, Groberg noticed a suspicious individual walking backward toward the formation. Reacting swiftly and instinctively, he lunged toward the suspect, pushing him away from the formation. As he made contact, the suspect detonated a suicide vest concealed under his clothing, causing a powerful explosion.
The blast resulted in a chaotic scene, with debris flying through the air and multiple casualties. Groberg’s immediate and selfless actions saved the lives of many members of the formation, absorbing a significant portion of the blast’s impact. Despite sustaining severe injuries to his leg and arm, he continued to perform his duties, providing security and directing the evacuation of the wounded.
Throughout the engagement, Groberg demonstrated remarkable courage, resilience, and leadership. He coordinated with fellow soldiers to secure the area and facilitated medical treatment for the injured. His actions under fire undoubtedly prevented further loss of life and additional injuries.
For his extraordinary bravery and selflessness, Captain Florent Groberg was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama in a White House ceremony on November 12, 2015. Groberg’s actions exemplify the highest ideals of military service, reflecting the unwavering commitment to duty, honor, and the protection of his fellow soldiers. He serves as an inspiration to all members of the United States Army and the entire military community.
Medal of Honor Citation
Captain Florent A. Groberg distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Personal Security Detachment Commander for Task Force Mountain Warrior, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy in Asadbad, Kunar Province, Afghanistan on August 8, 2012. On that day, Captain Groberg was leading a dismounted movement consisting of several senior leaders to include two brigade commanders, two battalion commanders, two command sergeants major, and an Afghanistan National Army brigade commander. As they approached the Provincial Governor’s compound, Captain Groberg observed an individual walking close to the formation. When the individual made an abrupt turn towards the formation, he noticed an abnormal bulge underneath the individual’s clothing. Selflessly placing himself in front of one of the brigade commanders, Captain Groberg rushed forward, using his body to push the suspect away from the formation. Simultaneously, he ordered another member of the security detail to assist with removing the suspect. At this time, Captain Groberg confirmed the bulge was a suicide vest and with complete disregard for his life, Captain Groberg again with the assistance of the other member of the security detail, physically pushed the suicide bomber away from the formation. Upon falling, the suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest outside the perimeter of the formation, killing four members of the formation and wounding numerous others. The blast from the first suicide bomber caused the suicide vest of a previously unnoticed second suicide bomber to detonate prematurely with minimal impact on the formation. Captain Groberg’s immediate actions to push the first suicide bomber away from the formation significantly minimized the impact of the coordinated suicide bombers’ attack on the formation, saving the lives of his comrades and several senior leaders. Captain Groberg’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty at the risk of life are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect credit upon himself, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and the United States Army.