President Obama Awards the Medal of Honor to Ryan Pitts at White House

U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands after presenting the Medal of Honor to former Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Pitts during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on July 21, 2014. Pitts, from the 2nd Platoon, Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, was awarded the Nation's highest military honor for his courageous actions during combat operations at Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler in Kunar Province, Afghanistan on July 13, 2008. UPI/Pat Benic