President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor Monday to a retired Army captain who served as a medic during the Vietnam War.
During a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Trump presented Capt. Gary Michael Rose of Huntsville, Alabama with the nation's highest military decoration.
The 70-year-old Rose was a medic with the 5th Special Forces Group in September 1970 when he risked his life numerous times to help others during a four-day mission called Operation Tailwind. It's believed that Rose saved as many as 70 soldiers as he dodged bullets and pulled them out of the line of fire and out of a crashed helicopter. During the mission, a rocket-propelled grenade exploded near him and left a large wound on his foot, which left him hobbling as he continued to save lives.
Trump spoke about Rose's bravery during the ceremony.
"By the time they reached the base, Mike was covered in blood," Trump said. "He refused treatment until all of his men had been cared for first. In every action during those four days, Mike valiantly fought for the life of his comrades even if it meant the end of his own life.
"Mike … your will to endure, your love for your fellow soldier, your devotion to your country inspires us all."
Rose, who went on to serve another 20 years in the Army after his 1970 heroics, was the second person Trump has awarded the Medal of Honor. In July, Vietnam War Army medic James McCloughan was bestowed the award.
More than 3,500 Medals of Honor have been given out.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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