Navy SEAL receives Medal of Honor

Navy Senior Chief Edward Byers Jr., 36, received the Medal of Honor, the highest medal for valor on Feb. 29, 2016, for his actions rescuing an American hostage held by the Taliban in Afghanistan in a December 2012 mission.

Byers, is seen here during his Medal of Honor ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. Byers is a a member of Navy SEAL Team 6.

Medal of Honor

President Barack Obama and Navy Senior Chief Edward Byers Jr. arrive for the Medal of Honor ceremony in the East Room of the White House on February 29, 2016.

The hostage, Dr. Dilip Joseph, was rescued by SEAL Team Six, but the mission resulted in the death of one team member.

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President Barack Obama delivers remarks during the Medal of Honor ceremony for Navy Senior Chief Edward Byers Jr. (L) in the East Room of the White House, February 29, 2016 in Washington, D.C.

Among Byers' heroic actions during the mission was throwing himself on top of the hostage to protect him from bullets flying.

Medal of Honor

President Barack Obama listens to the presentation before awarding the Medal of Honor to U.S. Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward Byers (L) during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, Feb. 29, 2016.

Byers was honored for his courageous actions that involved hand-to-hand combat in Afghanistan on December 8-9, 2012.

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Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward Byers waits before being awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama, Feb. 29, 2016.

Byers is credited with saving the lives of the hostage and several team members during the dangerous mission.

Medal of Honor

President Barack Obama (R) awards the Medal of Honor to U.S. Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward Byers during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, Feb. 29, 2016.

Byers is only the 11th living service member to receive the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

President Barack Obama shakes hands with U.S. Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward Byers after awarding him the Medal of Honor, Feb. 29, 2016.

Medal of Honor

President Barack Obama and U.S. Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward Byers smile during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., Feb.29, 2016.

Medal of Honor

Navy Senior Chief Edward Byers bows his head in prayer after being awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama, Feb. 29, 2016.

Medal of Honor

President Barack Obama greets family members after awarding the Medal of Honor to U.S. Navy Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward Byers during a ceremony at the White House, Feb. 29, 2016.