Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today congratulated Army Staff Sgt. Ty Carter, a former Fort Carson soldier, on being awarded the Medal of Honor in a ceremony today at the White House.

“Staff Sgt. Ty Carter embodies the values that make this country great – selflessness, fearlessness, and courage,” Bennet said. “We are deeply indebted to him, and to the countless others who serve in uniform, and to their families, for defending our country and our freedom.”

On October 3, 2009, while serving with a Fort Carson based unit, Carter and his unit came under heavy attack from Taliban forces in the Nuristan Province of Afghanistan. During the battle, Carter rescued a fellow soldier and carried him through a hail of bullets unarmed. Eight soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice in the battle.

Earlier this year, another former Fort Carson soldier, Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha, was also awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroics during the same battle.

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services.