Uncommon American: Clinton LaVor Romesha

Clinton L. Romesha, a Medal of Honor recipient, embodies the courage and dedication of a soldier who faced unimaginable odds during one of the most intense battles of the Afghanistan War.

His leadership during the 14-hour firefight at Combat Outpost Keating in 2009 earned him the nation’s highest military honor. This is the story of Romesha’s life, from his early years to his enduring legacy as a symbol of bravery and service.

Early Life and Military Career

Clinton Lavor Romesha was born in 1981 in Lake City, California, a small town in the rural expanse of Modoc County. Raised in a family with a strong tradition of service—his father was a Vietnam War veteran and his grandfather served in World War II—Romesha grew up with a deep sense of duty. His upbringing in a tight-knit community instilled values of resilience and camaraderie, qualities that would define his military career.

Romesha enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1999 at the age of 18, driven by a desire to serve his country and continue his family’s legacy. He joined as an M1 Abrams tank crewman, training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, before being assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea. His early assignments included deployments to Kosovo and Iraq, where he honed his skills as a soldier and leader. By 2009, Romesha had risen to the rank of Staff Sergeant and was assigned as a section leader in Bravo Troop, 3-61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. His leadership style—approachable yet disciplined—earned him the respect of his soldiers, who knew him as a leader who led from the front.

Deployment and Action

In May 2009, Romesha and his unit deployed to Combat Outpost (COP) Keating in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. Located in a remote valley surrounded by towering mountains near the Pakistan border, COP Keating was one of the most vulnerable U.S. outposts in the war. The base was situated at the bottom of a valley, making it a prime target for enemy attacks. Romesha’s unit, part of Red Platoon, was tasked with defending the outpost while preparing to dismantle it as part of a broader withdrawal strategy.

On October 3, 2009, the Taliban launched a coordinated assault on COP Keating, unleashing a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades, machine-gun fire, and mortars at 6 a.m. Approximately 300 enemy fighters—outnumbering the 53 U.S. soldiers at the outpost—attacked from multiple directions, exploiting the outpost’s precarious position. The battle, later known as the Battle of Kamdesh, would become one of the deadliest engagements of the Afghanistan War.

As the attack began, Romesha was awakened by the sound of explosions. The enemy breached the outpost’s perimeter within minutes, and Afghan National Army (ANA) troops assigned to the base abandoned their posts, allowing the Taliban to overrun key defensive positions. Romesha, recognizing the gravity of the situation, sprang into action. He rallied his men, directing fire and organizing a counterattack to reclaim lost ground. Despite intense enemy fire, he exposed himself to danger repeatedly, moving between positions to coordinate defenses and provide cover for his soldiers.

Romesha’s leadership was critical in the chaos. He led a small team to retake an ammunition supply point, neutralizing enemy fighters and securing vital resources. When a group of soldiers was pinned down in a vulnerable position, Romesha braved a hail of bullets and rocket fire to reach them, providing covering fire and helping evacuate the wounded. He also coordinated air support, relaying precise information to ensure close air support strikes hit their targets without endangering friendly forces. His actions inspired his men to hold the line, even as the outpost burned and the enemy pressed closer.

The 14-hour battle resulted in the deaths of eight American soldiers and injuries to 22 others, including Romesha. Despite the heavy losses, Romesha’s leadership and bravery enabled the defenders to repel the attack, killing over 150 Taliban fighters and preventing the outpost from being overrun.

Injuries and Recovery

During the Battle of Kamdesh, Romesha sustained shrapnel wounds to his hip, arm, and shoulder from a rocket-propelled grenade explosion. Despite the injuries, he refused to leave the fight, continuing to lead his men and coordinate the defense until the enemy was driven back. His wounds, while serious, were not life-threatening, and he received medical treatment after the battle.

Romesha’s recovery was both physical and mental. The physical wounds healed relatively quickly, but the emotional toll of losing eight comrades weighed heavily. In interviews, Romesha has spoken candidly about the importance of camaraderie in coping with the trauma of war. He relied on his “battle buddies”—the fellow soldiers who shared his experiences—to process the events of that day. Romesha’s approach to recovery was pragmatic: he chose to leave the war in Afghanistan, focusing on his family and fellow veterans to find purpose and healing.

Medal of Honor Recognition

On February 11, 2013, President Barack Obama presented Clinton Romesha with the Medal of Honor at a White House ceremony, recognizing his extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Kamdesh. The award, the nation’s highest military honor, is given to service members who distinguish themselves at the risk of their own lives above and beyond the call of duty. Romesha was one of only a few living recipients from the Afghanistan War, making his recognition particularly significant.

During the ceremony, Obama recounted Romesha’s actions, emphasizing his leadership and selflessness. Romesha, however, was quick to deflect praise, insisting that the medal belonged not to him but to the soldiers of Red Platoon and the families of those who died. In a 2016 Reddit AMA, he clarified that the Medal of Honor is not “won” but received, a testament to the collective sacrifice of his unit. His humility and dedication to his comrades resonated with the public, cementing his status as a reluctant hero.

Official Medal of Honor Citation

The official Medal of Honor citation for Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Romesha reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Romesha 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 Section Leader with Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy at Combat Outpost Keating, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan on October 3, 2009. On that morning, Staff Sergeant Romesha and his comrades awakened to an attack by an estimated 300 enemy fighters occupying the high ground on all four sides of the complex, employing concentrated fire from recoilless rifles, rocket propelled grenades, anti-aircraft machine guns, mortars and small arms fire. Staff Sergeant Romesha moved uncovered under intense enemy fire to conduct a reconnaissance of the battlefield and seek reinforcements from the barracks before returning to action with the supporting fire of an M240B machine gun. Staff Sergeant Romesha took out an enemy machine gun team and, while engaging a second, the generator he was using for cover was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, inflicting him with shrapnel wounds. Undeterred by his injuries, Staff Sergeant Romesha continued to fight and upon the arrival of another soldier to aid him and the assistant gunner, he again rushed through the exposed avenue to assemble additional soldiers. Staff Sergeant Romesha then mobilized a five-man team and returned to the fight equipped with a sniper rifle. With complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Romesha continually exposed himself to heavy enemy fire as he moved confidently about the battlefield engaging and neutralizing the enemy. With three soldiers manning defensive positions, Staff Sergeant Romesha and his team provided the needed security to allow three other wounded soldiers to be evacuated out of the kill zone. His actions allowed for the safe evacuation and accounted for the neutralization of over 150 enemy fighters and the recovery of friendly forces’ defensive positions. Staff Sergeant Romesha’s heroic actions throughout the day-long battle were critical in suppressing an enemy that had far greater numbers. His extraordinary efforts gave Bravo Troop the opportunity to regroup, reorganize and prepare for the counterattack that allowed the Troop to account for its personnel and secure Combat Outpost Keating. Staff Sergeant Romesha’s discipline and extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty reflect great credit upon himself, Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and the United States Army.

Life After Service

After leaving the Army in 2011, Romesha transitioned to civilian life, settling in North Dakota with his wife, Tamara, and their three children. He took a job in the oil industry, working as a safety specialist, a role that allowed him to apply his leadership skills in a new context. Despite the challenges of adjusting to civilian life, Romesha remained committed to supporting his fellow veterans. He has spoken openly about the importance of maintaining connections with his “battle buddies,” emphasizing that warriors helping warriors is a powerful tool for healing.

In 2016, Romesha published Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor, a firsthand account of the Battle of Kamdesh. The book, praised for its raw and honest depiction of combat, was inspired by Mark Bowden’s Black Hawk Down and aimed to honor the soldiers who fought and died at COP Keating. Romesha’s writing process was both cathartic and challenging, as it required reliving the trauma of that day. However, he saw it as a way to preserve the memory of his comrades and share their story with the world.

Romesha also ventured into unexpected territory, appearing in the 2016 veteran-produced comedy film Range 15, a zombie apocalypse satire. His involvement in the project showcased his willingness to embrace humor and camaraderie, even as he continued to honor the serious legacy of his service. In his Reddit AMA, Romesha shared lighthearted moments, such as his love for watching cartoons with his children and his tongue-in-cheek recipe for a great beard: “Bud Light foam and laziness.”

Legacy and Impact

Clinton Romesha’s legacy extends far beyond the Medal of Honor. His actions at COP Keating saved countless lives and demonstrated the power of leadership under pressure. His book, Red Platoon, has become a touchstone for those seeking to understand the realities of modern warfare, offering a gritty, unfiltered look at the sacrifices made by soldiers. The Battle of Kamdesh also prompted military leaders to reassess the placement of remote outposts, leading to changes in strategy to better protect U.S. forces.

Romesha’s humility and commitment to his comrades have made him a respected figure among veterans and civilians alike. He has used his platform to advocate for mental health support for soldiers, emphasizing the importance of community and connection in overcoming the invisible wounds of war. In his Reddit AMA, he offered words of encouragement to soldiers struggling with suicidal thoughts, reminding them that their “battle buddies” are always there.

Today, Romesha continues to live a quiet life, focused on his family and his work. Yet his story resonates as a testament to the courage, resilience, and brotherhood that define the best of the U.S. military. His Medal of Honor is not just a recognition of his actions on October 3, 2009, but a symbol of the sacrifices made by all who served at COP Keating—and the enduring bond among those who carry the weight of war.