FLORENT GROBERG SAVED LIVES AND EARNED THE MEDAL OF HONOR


By bblouin
Medal of Honor recipient, retired U.S. Army Capt. Florent Groberg sat down for a video interview at the Pentagon to discuss how the Army helped him succeed in his post-Army life, Arlington, Va., Sept. 28, 2023.

If you need an example of bravery, look no further than Florent Groberg. A man who answered the call of duty and ended up saving many lives while putting his own in peril. While the nature of the American Armed Forces is to sacrifice one’s safety for the safety of others, Capt. Florent Groberg was faced with an exceptionally dangerous decision to make and didn’t hesitate to put his life on the line. After the dust settled, Flo Groberg would earn the Medal of Honor.

Why Did Florent Groberg Get the Medal of Honor?

Florent Groberg was a part of Task Force Mountain Warrior Personal Security Detachment (PSD) and protected 28 personnel who were a part of the ongoing coalition and the Afghan National Army (ANA). His job was far from easy, as the escort mission took Groberg, and everyone involved, walking on foot from Forward Operating Base Fiaz to the provincial governor's compound in Asadabad, Kunar, Afghanistan. There was a weekly security meeting to attend and while en route, Army Capt. Florent Groberg, his men, and those they were protecting soon found themselves surrounded on a bridge. At this point, an individual was approaching the left side of the group but walking backward near other civilians, while motorcyclists approached on the other side. The two motorcycles stopped halfway across and the drivers got off before running the opposite way. When the individual walking backward turned suddenly and headed to the group, Groberg ran to meet him. Quickly, Army Captain Groberg realized the individual was wearing a suicide vest. He knew he had to act fast. Capt. Groberg, Sgt. Andrew Mahoney, and another PSD Soldier forced the suicide bomber away from the group and pinned him to the ground. It was at this time the vest exploded. This event would have major consequences because there was a second bomber who activated their vest too early as a result of the explosion, missing the patrol, and instead, hitting a building. Because of his quick thinking, while four were killed and 16 Soldiers suffered injuries, many lives were saved. The event that qualified Florent Groberg for his Medal of Honor is a testament to the bravery, intelligence, and physical capabilities of the U.S. military as a whole.

A Summary of Flo’s Military Career

Retired Army Captain Florent Groberg is a naturalized citizen from France who began serving the United States in July 2008. He underwent multiple deployments in Afghanistan, earning many accolades along the way throughout the years. After his career, a graphic novel was created to honor his bravery. As a result of the suicide bomber attack, Groberg suffered multiple injuries, including a blown eardrum, mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), and the loss of 45%-50% of the use of his calf muscle. Following the attack, Groberg recovered at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center until June 2015. He ultimately medically retired the following month.

Is Florent Groberg Still Alive Today?

Surviving a suicide bombing, particularly in such a heroic fashion, is not exactly a great way to extend your life expectancy. However, retired Capt. Florent Groberg is still alive. Interestingly enough, Flo Groberg continues to help our nation’s interests and makes the world a safer place by working as a civilian for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The actions of Florent Groberg saved lives, and limited casualties. He is one of the many examples of the sacrifices our nation’s heroes are willing to endure so that we might live free. Suggested reads:


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