Chandler Congratulates Medal of Honor Recipient

WASHINGTON (September 15, 2011)—Congressman Chandler today congratulated Kentucky native Sergeant Dakota Meyer on receiving the Medal of Honor at a White House ceremony. Chandler attended the ceremony.

“Sergeant Dakota Meyer represents the very best our country has to offer, and I think I can speak on behalf of all Kentuckians when I say that he makes our state proud," said Congressman Chandler. "Sergeant Meyer exhibited extraordinary courage and heroism by heading into enemy fire to rescue soldiers that had been ambushed and trapped by enemy combatants in the Kunar province of Afghanistan. Although he lost four friends that day, his actions embody the spirit of the United States Marine Corps and the fidelity Marines show toward their fellow soldiers. I want to congratulate Sergeant Meyer on receiving the Medal of Honor and thank him for his remarkable service to our country.”


Official White House Biography:

Dakota Meyer was born in Columbia, Kentucky on June 26, 1988, attended local public schools, and graduated from Green County high school.  In 2006, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at a recruiting station in Louisville, Kentucky, and completed his basic training at Parris Island Recruit Training Depot later that year.

In 2010, he completed his active duty commitment and currently serves in the Inactive Ready Reserve of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve as a Sergeant. He is a highly skilled Marine infantryman and Scout Sniper who is also trained as a Combat Lifesaver.  At the time of his deployment to combat duty in Afghanistan he was serving as a Turret Gunner and Driver.

While on active duty, he deployed twice to the combat theater, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. During 2007, he deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom with Third Battalion, Third Marines, and during 2009-10, he deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.

His military decorations include:  a Purple Heart Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with “V” device for valor, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.  His other awards and decorations include the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one bronze campaign star, Iraq Campaign Medal with one bronze campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO ISAF Afghanistan Medal, and a Rifle Expert Badge (3rd Award) and Pistol Expert Badge (2nd Award).

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