On August 8, 2012, during a combat patrol in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, Captain Florent Groberg—a French-born officer and Personal Security Detachment Commander—placed himself between a group of senior U.S. and Afghan leaders and a suspected suicide bomber.

Without hesitation, Groberg identified the threat, physically engaged the attacker, and pushed him away from the group just before the explosive vest detonated. His quick, selfless action triggered a second bomber’s premature detonation and prevented even greater loss of life.

Captain Groberg’s heroism saved countless lives that day, including those of two brigade commanders, multiple senior leaders, and members of the Afghan Army. For his extraordinary courage under fire, Captain Florent Groberg was awarded the Medal of Honor.

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.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more true stories of American military heroes.

Photos/videos Courtesy Wikimedia Commons and https://www.dvidshub.net/

*The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZMN1lzlPAu16EUXJlHOj2w/join

Copyright © 2025 Duty & Valor. All rights reserved.