Cover three wounded americans made their escape including a grievously injured stephan mace. But more americans, their bodies were still out there. And Clint Romesha lives the soldiers creed, i will never leave a fallen comrade. So he and his team started charging as enemy fire poured down. And they kept charging, 50 meters, 80 meters, ultimately 100 meter run through a hail of bullets. They reached their fallen friends and they brought them home. Throughout history, the question has often been asked, why . Why did those in uniform take such extraordinary risks . And what compels them to such courage . You ask kleine aclint and many soldiers here today, and theyll tell you, yes, they fight for their country and they fight for our freedom. Yes, they fight to come home, to their families. Most of all they fight for each other, to keep each other safe and to have each others backs. I called clint to tell him he would receive this medal, he said he was honored, but he also said it wasnt ju
Of the Union Address, Vice President biden is meeting with Law Enforcement officials in philadelphia about reducing gun violence. While victims of gun violence, like former congresswoman Gabby Giffords, takes a stand. We have a problem where we shop, where we pray, where our children go to school. Take it from me. Congress must act. And this hour president obama will be awarding the medal of army to Staff Sergeant clinton for courage under fire in afghanistan. He is only the fourth living recipient of the militarys highest honor for service in iraq or afghanistan. Good day. Im Andrea Mitchell live in washington. A stunning announcement this morning from rome. Pope benedict xvi is abdicating his office. Joining me now is ann thompson, lee at st. Patricks cathedral in new york city, of course, and nbc vatican analyst George Weigel is here with me, and we begin with claudio. You were shocked by this. People in st. Peters square didnt even know that it was happening. Tell us what happened.
Thompson who would have turned 26 years old today. Sergeant michael s kru sa. Sergeant joshua kirk. Sergeant christopher griffin. Staff Sergeant Justin giagos. Staff Sergeant Vernon martin. Sergeant joshua hart. Specialist stephen mace. Each of these patriots gave their lives looking out for each other. And in a battle that raged all day, that brand of selflessness was displayed again and again and again. Soldiers exposing themselves to enemy fire, to pull a comrade to safety. Tending the each others wounds. Performing buddy transfusions, giving each other their own blood. And if you seek a measure of that day you need to look no further than the medals and rib bobs that grace their chests. For their sustained heroism, 37 Army Commendation medals. For their wounds, 27 purple hearts. For their valor, 18 bronze stars. For their gallantry, nine silver stars. These men were outnumbered, jut gunned and almost overrun. Looking back, one of them said im surprised any of us made it out. But th
Zoirnkts right now on Andrea Mitchell reports live pictures from vatican city. Where Pope Benedict xvi shocked the world today and some of his closest advisors announcing he will step down as the leader of the 1. 2 billion roman catholics at the end of this month. He will be the first pontiff to abductate in 719 years. Today signing a lack of strength. The pope said i have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted me. Reactions are pouring in. I think Pope Benedict xvi legacy is his engagement of faith with the modern world. I feel particular a particular bond with him and a note of sadness, to be honest with you. On the other hand, my appreciation for him, which was already high, is enhanced a bit because with the sense of realism that he has such an esteem for the office of the successor of st. Peter, which is what the pope sshg the bishop of rome, the successor of st. Peter, he says, you know, i may not be up to it now, and perhaps i can best serve