Army sergeant who held off Taliban attack receives Medal of Honor

Army sergeant who held off Taliban attack receives Medal of Honor

On Monday afternoon, President Obama awarded the Medal of Honor to Ryan Pitts, a former Army sergeant who held off Taliban fighters in northeastern Afghanistan.

Pitts held his ground during 2008's Battle of Wanat, even after being hit by grenade shrapnel in one arm and both of his legs. He will be the ninth living recipient of the Medal of Honor, America's highest award for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan.

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.