Md. Medal of Honor Recipient Steals Show at DNC
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- One of the most moving moments from the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia came when a U.S. Army veteran, and Montgomery County resident, took the stage.
Capt. Florent Groberg, who back in November was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, made it clear to those watching that he wasn't on the dais as a Democrat or Republican.
"I am here as a proud immigrant to this country, a proud veteran of the United States Army and a proud recipient of our nation's highest honor," Capt. Florent told the crowd.
Groberg, whose family emigrated from France to Potomac, was serving on a protection team for senior officers during his second tour in Afghanistan when a suicide bomber tried to ambush his men. The next moment, he recalled, was the one he trained for.
"My moment came four years ago in Afghanistan. A suicide bomber approached my men. I grabbed him by the vest (and) I threw him as far as I could because that's exactly what I was trained to do. The vest exploded," he said. "It took a part of my leg with it."
President Obama later recognized his heroism, saying, "On his very worst day, he managed to summon his very best. That's the nature of courage."
Groberg, humbled by the gesture, demurred. "This medal doesn't belong to me," he said. "In my heart, in my opinion, it belongs to the guys I lost."
On Thursday night, the wounded warrior endorsed Hillary Clinton for president. "When Hillary's moment comes, she will be ready."
Once more, Groberg also paid tribute to the four officers killed in the attack that severely injured him. Capt. Groberg, who is medically retired from service, is now employed by the Department of Defense.