Washington man receives medal of honor for actions in Afghanistan

U.S. President Donald Trump awards the Medal of Honor to Ronald Shurer October 01, 2018 in Washington, DC. Shurer, a Special Forces combat medic, and his team of commandos were attacked by an enemy force of more than 200 fighters in April of 2008 in Afghanistan's Skok Valley. After sprinting through enemy fire to treat and evacuate five wounded soldiers down a shear 60-foot cliff, he then took command of his squad and headed back to the fight. less U.S. President Donald Trump awards the Medal of Honor to Ronald Shurer October 01, 2018 in Washington, DC. Shurer, a Special Forces combat medic, and his team of commandos were attacked by an enemy force of ... more Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Image 1 of / 36 Caption Close Washington man receives medal of honor for actions in Afghanistan 1 / 36 Back to Gallery

President Trump presented the Medal of Honor to Washington-born Ronald J. Shurer III.

Shurer, a Puyallup-raised man and Washington State University alumnus, receive the military's highest honor Monday at the White House.

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According to a statement released by the White House on Sept. 21, Shurer will be awarded "for conspicuous gallantry for actions" he took on April 6, 2008, while serving as a senior medical sergeant.

While in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Shurer and his team faced enemy fire, according to the White House release. Shurer risked getting hit to treat an injured soldier. After that, he fought his way across enemy fire and treated four more soldiers.

"Shurer's heroic actions saved the lives of his teammates," the release said.

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Shurer enlisted in the army in late 2002 in Spokane, Washington. He served -- and was promoted in 2006 from sergeant to staff sergeant -- until an honorable discharge in 2009. He then began his career with the Secret Service.

Shurer currently resides in Burke, Va. with his wife and two sons.