Medal of Honor recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt.
Medal of Honor recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts discusses resiliency with the Soldiers of Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, during an open discussio... More
President Barack Obama speaks at the White House during
President Barack Obama speaks at the White House during the ceremony awarding former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts the Medal of Honor, Washington, D.C., July 21, 2014. Pitts received the nation's highest military ... More
President Barack Obama, right, awards former Army Staff
President Barack Obama, right, awards former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts the Medal of Honor during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., July 21, 2014. (DoD News photo by EJ Hersom)
Sgt. Ryan Pitts holds a bracelet he wears that commemorates
Sgt. Ryan Pitts holds a bracelet he wears that commemorates the late Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Kahler, former platoon sergeant of 2nd platoon, which is taped over another bracelet (not visible) that commemorates t... More
Former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts speaks to the media
Former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts speaks to the media after he received the Medal of Honor, Washington, D.C., July 21, 2014. Pitts received the nation's highest military honor for his actions in 2008 in Wanat, ... More
Gold medal families stand at the request of President
Gold medal families stand at the request of President Barack Obama during a Medal of Honor ceremony for former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., July 21, 2014. ... More
Pictured here is Cpl. Matthew Phillips. Phillips was
Pictured here is Cpl. Matthew Phillips. Phillips was killed defending Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler in the vicinity of Wanat village, Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 13, 2008.
Pictured here is 1st Lt. Jonathan P. Brostrom. Brostrom
Pictured here is 1st Lt. Jonathan P. Brostrom. Brostrom was killed defending Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler in the vicinity of Wanat village, Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 13, 2008.
Cpl. Pruitt Rainey mans the turret while out on patrol
Cpl. Pruitt Rainey mans the turret while out on patrol in Afghanistan.
Pictured here in Nashua, N.H., in April 2014, are Ryan
Pictured here in Nashua, N.H., in April 2014, are Ryan Pitts and 1-year-old son Lucas.
President Barack Obama and former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan
President Barack Obama and former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts enter the East Room of the White House for a Medal of Honor ceremony Washington, D.C., July 21, 2014. Pitts became the 9th living recipient of the Me... More
Picture here is 2nd Platoon, Chosen Company, at Forward
Picture here is 2nd Platoon, Chosen Company, at Forward Operating Base Blessing, Nangalam, Afghanistan. Pictured are: (left to right/back row) Staff Sgt. Sam Miller, Pfc. Nick Murray, Cpl. Pruitt Rainey, Spc. L... More
First Lt. Jonathan Brostrom takes a break during a
First Lt. Jonathan Brostrom takes a break during a patrol northeast of Combat Outpost Bella, Afghanistan, near Observation Point Speedbump. The patrol was conducted to assess 2nd platoon's ability to conduct pa... More
Pictured here are then-Capt. Matthew Myer and 1st Sgt.
Pictured here are then-Capt. Matthew Myer and 1st Sgt. Scott Beeson in Parun, Nuristan, June 2007.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work, Secretary
Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work, Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh, former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts, wife Amy Pitts, U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raym... More
Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work shakes the
Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work shakes the hand of Medal of Honor Recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts during the Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony at the Pentagon, in Arlington, Va., Jul... More
Pictured here is Cpl. Jason D. Hovater. Hovater was
Pictured here is Cpl. Jason D. Hovater. Hovater was killed defending Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler in the vicinity of Wanat village, Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 13, 2008.
Medal of Honor Recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt.
Medal of Honor Recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts and his wife Amy Pitts look upon the Hall of Heroes Plaque during the Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony at the Pentagon, in Arlington, Va., July 2... More
Depicted here in an artist’s rendering is Cpl. Jason
Depicted here in an artist’s rendering is Cpl. Jason M. Bogar. Bogar was killed defending Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler in the vicinity of Wanat village, Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 13, 2008.
President Barack Obama, center, and former Army Staff
President Barack Obama, center, and former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts, left, stand at attention during a Medal of Honor ceremony for Pitts at the White House in Washington, D.C., July 21, 2014. (DoD News photo ... More
Pfc. Nathan Wright, Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Kahler,
Pfc. Nathan Wright, Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Kahler, and Pfc. Ian Eads pause for a photo before going out on patrol, at Forward Operating Base Blessing, Nangalam, Afghanistan, in the summer of 2007.
Pictured here in Nashua, N.H., in April 2014, are Ryan
Pictured here in Nashua, N.H., in April 2014, are Ryan Pitts, Amy Pitts, and 1-year-old son Lucas.
Former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts speaks to the media
Former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts speaks to the media after he received the Medal of Honor, Washington, D.C., July 21, 2014. Pitts received the nation's highest military honor for his actions in 2008 in Wanat, ... More
President Barack Obama, center, and former Army Staff
President Barack Obama, center, and former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts, left, stand at attention during a Medal of Honor ceremony for Pitts at the White House in Washington, D.C., July 21, 2014. (DoD News photo ... More
Pictured here, Cpl. Gunnar W. Zwilling pulls security
Pictured here, Cpl. Gunnar W. Zwilling pulls security while on patrol outside of Forward Operating Base Blessing, Nangalam, Afghanistan.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work, U.S. Army
Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work, U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III, listen to Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh speak at the Hall of Heroe... More
This photo depicts the southern battle position within
This photo depicts the southern battle position within OP Topside, established as a casualty collection point because it was the area most secure from enemy fire.
Medal of Honor Recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt.
Medal of Honor Recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts was inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon, in Arlington, Va., July 22, 2014. Pitts was awarded with the medal for his courageous action... More
President Barack Obama speaks at the White House during
President Barack Obama speaks at the White House during the ceremony awarding former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts the Medal of Honor, Washington, D.C., July 21, 2014. Pitts received the nation's highest military ... More
Medal of Honor Recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt.
Medal of Honor Recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts makes his remarks during the Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony at the Pentagon, in Arlington, Va., July 22, 2014. Pitts was awarded with the meda... More
Pictured here is Cpl. Pruitt A. Rainey. Rainey was
Pictured here is Cpl. Pruitt A. Rainey. Rainey was killed defending Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler in the vicinity of Wanat village, Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 13, 2008.
Medal of Honor Recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt.
Medal of Honor Recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts applaud and thanked the family members of his fallen comrades for saving his life during the Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony at the Pentagon, in... More
Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work, Secretary
Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work, Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh, former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts, wife Amy Pitts, U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raym... More
This photo is taken from the northern fighting position
This photo is taken from the northern fighting position of OP Topside, facing to the north and northeast. Depicted here is the “dead space,” where the enemy attacked just below the terraces, approximately 5 met... More
Medal of Honor Recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt.
Medal of Honor Recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts makes his remarks during the Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony at the Pentagon, in Arlington, Va., July 22, 2014. Pitts was awarded with the medal... More
Pictured here is Cpl. Gunnar Zwilling. Zwilling was
Pictured here is Cpl. Gunnar Zwilling. Zwilling was killed defending Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler in the vicinity of Wanat village, Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 13, 2008.
Pictured here is Sgt. Israel Garcia. Garcia was killed
Pictured here is Sgt. Israel Garcia. Garcia was killed defending Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler in the vicinity of Wanat village, Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 13, 2008.
Members of 2nd Platoon, Chosen Company, unpack supplies
Members of 2nd Platoon, Chosen Company, unpack supplies brought in by helicopter at Combat Outpost Bella, Afghanistan, in spring 2008. COP Bella was inaccessible by vehicle, warranting all supplies and reinforc... More
Cpl. Jason M. Bogar interacts with Afghan children
Cpl. Jason M. Bogar interacts with Afghan children during a community engagement mission in spring 2008.
(Left to right) Spc. William Hewitt, Cpl. Jonathan
(Left to right) Spc. William Hewitt, Cpl. Jonathan R. Ayers and Spc. Chris McKaig pull security at Observation Post 1, near Combat Outpost Bella, Afghanistan, spring 2008.
Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh,(right to left)
Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh,(right to left) Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III, U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno and Mrs. Amy Pitts watch as Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Wo... More
Pictured here is Spc. Sergio S. Abad. Abad was killed
Pictured here is Spc. Sergio S. Abad. Abad was killed defending Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler in the vicinity of Wanat village, Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 13, 2008.
Medal of Honor Recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt.
Medal of Honor Recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts plays with his son Lucas at the Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., July 22, 2014. Pitts was awarded with the me... More
Pictured here are Spc. Richard Ingledue (left) and
Pictured here are Spc. Richard Ingledue (left) and Staff Sgt. Samaroo, while on patrol near Forward Operating Base Blessing, Nangalam, Afghanistan.
Pictured here are Spc. Tyler Stafford (front left),
Pictured here are Spc. Tyler Stafford (front left), Cpl. Matthew B. Phillips (front right) and Spc. Gunnar Zwilling help build a traffic control point northeast of Combat Outpost Bella, Afghanistan, spring 2008... More
Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work, Secretary
Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work, Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh, former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts, wife Amy Pitts, U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raym... More
In this undated photo, Spc. Michael Denton is on patrol
In this undated photo, Spc. Michael Denton is on patrol in Afghanistan.
(left to right) Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert
(left to right) Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work, Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh, (right to left) Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III and U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno, wat... More
Pictured here is Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts, April 2014.
Pictured here is Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts, April 2014.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work, Secretary
Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work, Secretary of the Army John McHugh, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Ordierno, and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler present former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts and his... More
U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno makes his
U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno makes his remarks during the Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony in honor of Medal of Honor Recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts at the Pentagon, in Arlington... More
Former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts and President Barack
Former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts and President Barack Obama bow their heads in prayer at the conclusion of the White House ceremony in which Pitts received the Medal of Honor, Washington, D.C., July 21, 2014. ... More
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, right, speaks with
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, right, speaks with (from left) New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan, New Hampshire U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and New Hampshire U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte at a ceremony awardi... More
Pictured here is the northern fighting position of
Pictured here is the northern fighting position of Observation Post Topside at Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler, July 2008. Sgt. Ryan Pitts, Cpl. Matthew Phillips and Cpl. Gunnar Zwilling were in charge of manning th... More
Medic Spc. Laquan Borden (left) and Cpl. Jason D. Hovater
Medic Spc. Laquan Borden (left) and Cpl. Jason D. Hovater take a break before heading out on a patrol.
President Barack Obama awards the Medal of Honor to
President Barack Obama awards the Medal of Honor to former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts, at the White House, Washington, D.C., July 21, 2014. Pitts, of New Hampshire, received the nation's highest military honor ... More
Pictured here is Sgt. 1st Class David L. Dzwik in
Pictured here is Sgt. 1st Class David L. Dzwik in Afghanistan, spring 2008.
Former active duty U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts,
Former active duty U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts, recent Medal of Honor recipient discusses resiliency with the Soldiers of Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade durin... More
Former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts stands at parade
Former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts stands at parade rest during a Medal of Honor ceremony for Pitts at the White House in Washington, D.C., July 21, 2014. (DoD News photo by EJ Hersom)
Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh presents former
Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh presents former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts and his wife Amy Pitts, a photo and citation during the Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony at the Pentagon, in Arlington, Va.,... More
President Barack Obama speaks at the White House during
President Barack Obama speaks at the White House during the ceremony awarding former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts the Medal of Honor, Washington, D.C., July 21, 2014. Pitts received the nation's highest military ... More
Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work presents
Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert O. Work presents the Medal of Honor Flag to recipient former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Pitts during the Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony at the Pentagon, in Arlington, Va., J... More
U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno escorts Mrs.
U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno escorts Mrs. Amy Pitts to her seat after the unveiling of the Hall of Heroes Plaque during the Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony at the Pentagon, in Arlington, Va., Ju... More
Pictured here in Nashua, N.H., in April 2014, is Ryan
Pictured here in Nashua, N.H., in April 2014, is Ryan Pitts, holding an American flag flown by his grandfather, Frank Krypel, throughout Chosen Company’s 15-month deployment to Afghanistan. Krypel brought the f... More
Pictured here is Cpl. Jonathan R. Ayers. Ayers was
Pictured here is Cpl. Jonathan R. Ayers. Ayers was killed defending Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler in the vicinity of Wanat village, Nuristan province, Afghanistan, July 13, 2008.
Paratroopers with 2nd platoon, Chosen Company, unpack
Paratroopers with 2nd platoon, Chosen Company, unpack gear and begin digging in after arriving at Wanat, Afghanistan, July 2008.
Pictured here is the village of Wanat, Afghanistan,
Pictured here is the village of Wanat, Afghanistan, in Nuristan province, looking southward, July 2008.