(CNN) Navy SEAL Edward Byers received the Medal of Honor on Monday morning for his role in rescuing an American civilian being held hostage by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan.

President Barack Obama awarded Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Byers the nation's highest medal for valor in combat, while pointing out that only five other SEALs had received the honor ever before.

"Ed is defined by a deep sense of humility, he doesn't seek the spotlight, in fact he shuns it. He's the consummate quiet professional," Obama said during the White House ceremony. "Today's ceremony is truly unique -- a rare opportunity for the American people to get a glimpse of a special breed of warrior that so often serves in the shadows."

The White House had previously highlighted Byers' "courageous actions" and "selfless service" during the December 2012 operation . Obama described the encounter as involving "hand-to-hand combat" with multiple adversaries.

President George W. Bush presents the Medal of Honor to Daniel and Maureen Murphy, parents of Navy Lt. Michael Murphy, in October 2007. Murphy, a Navy SEAL, was killed June 28, 2005, when his four-man team was assaulted by 30 to 40 enemy fighters. Murphy exposed himself to repeated enemy fire while trying to radio for help for his besieged team, his citation said.

President George W. Bush presents the Medal of Honor to Daniel and Maureen Murphy, parents of Navy Lt. Michael Murphy, in October 2007. Murphy, a Navy SEAL, was killed June 28, 2005, when his four-man team was assaulted by 30 to 40 enemy fighters. Murphy exposed himself to repeated enemy fire while trying to radio for help for his besieged team, his citation said.

Paul and Janet Monti receive the Medal of Honor for their son, Army Sgt. First Class Jared C. Monti, in September 2009. Monti was killed June 21, 2006, in Nuristan province, Afghanistan, while attempting to rescue one of his fellow soldiers and fighting off an attack from insurgents.

Paul and Janet Monti receive the Medal of Honor for their son, Army Sgt. First Class Jared C. Monti, in September 2009. Monti was killed June 21, 2006, in Nuristan province, Afghanistan, while attempting to rescue one of his fellow soldiers and fighting off an attack from insurgents.

Phil and Maureen Miller receive the Medal of Honor on behalf of their son, Army Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller, in October 2010. The soldier was cited for engaging more than 100 enemy fighters in the Gowardesh Valley, Afghanistan, on January 25, 2008. Miller killed 10 of the enemy and wounded dozens more before being mortally wounded by enemy fire.

Phil and Maureen Miller receive the Medal of Honor on behalf of their son, Army Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller, in October 2010. The soldier was cited for engaging more than 100 enemy fighters in the Gowardesh Valley, Afghanistan, on January 25, 2008. Miller killed 10 of the enemy and wounded dozens more before being mortally wounded by enemy fire.

Obama applauds after presenting the Medal of Honor to Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta in November 2010. Cited for his actions in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, in October 2007, Guinta was the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War.

Obama applauds after presenting the Medal of Honor to Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta in November 2010. Cited for his actions in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, in October 2007, Guinta was the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War.

Obama walks with Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry, who received the Medal of Honor in July 2011. Petry was cited for his actions during a battle in Paktya province, Afghanistan, on May 26, 2008, which included picking up an enemy grenade thrown at him and fellow soldiers. As he was about to throw it away, the grenade exploded and blew off his right hand, according to his citation.

Obama walks with Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry, who received the Medal of Honor in July 2011. Petry was cited for his actions during a battle in Paktya province, Afghanistan, on May 26, 2008, which included picking up an enemy grenade thrown at him and fellow soldiers. As he was about to throw it away, the grenade exploded and blew off his right hand, according to his citation.

Obama awards the Medal of Honor to Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer in September 2011. In fighting at Gangjal, Afghanistan, on September 8, 2009, while manning a gun truck, "Meyer killed a number of enemy fighters with the mounted machine guns and his rifle, some at near point blank range, as he and his driver made three solo trips into the ambush area," his citation said.

Obama awards the Medal of Honor to Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer in September 2011. In fighting at Gangjal, Afghanistan, on September 8, 2009, while manning a gun truck, "Meyer killed a number of enemy fighters with the mounted machine guns and his rifle, some at near point blank range, as he and his driver made three solo trips into the ambush area," his citation said.

Obama presents the Medal of Honor to Army Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha at the White House in February 2013. Wounded early in the battle at Command Outpost Keating on October 3, 2009, Romesha "continually exposed himself to heavy enemy fire as he moved confidently about the battlefield engaging and destroying multiple enemy targets," according to the Army.

Obama presents the Medal of Honor to Army Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha at the White House in February 2013. Wounded early in the battle at Command Outpost Keating on October 3, 2009, Romesha "continually exposed himself to heavy enemy fire as he moved confidently about the battlefield engaging and destroying multiple enemy targets," according to the Army.

Army Staff Sgt. Ty M. Carter, left, watches as Obama greets family members of fallen service members after Carter was awarded the Medal of Honor in August 2013. Carter was cited for his actions during the October 3, 2009, defense of Command Outpost Keating in Afghanistan, including "running through a hail of enemy rocket propelled grenade and machine gun fire to rescue a critically wounded comrade."

Army Staff Sgt. Ty M. Carter, left, watches as Obama greets family members of fallen service members after Carter was awarded the Medal of Honor in August 2013. Carter was cited for his actions during the October 3, 2009, defense of Command Outpost Keating in Afghanistan, including "running through a hail of enemy rocket propelled grenade and machine gun fire to rescue a critically wounded comrade."

Obama gives former Army Capt. William Swenson the Medal of Honor during a White House ceremony in October 2013. Swenson was cited for "his exceptional leadership and stout resistance against the enemy during six hours of continuous fighting" in 2009, according to the Army.

Obama gives former Army Capt. William Swenson the Medal of Honor during a White House ceremony in October 2013. Swenson was cited for "his exceptional leadership and stout resistance against the enemy during six hours of continuous fighting" in 2009, according to the Army.

Army Sgt. Kyle White receives the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House in May. He was recognized for repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire in Afghanistan while trying to save the lives of fellow soldiers in November 2007.

Army Sgt. Kyle White receives the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House in May. He was recognized for repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire in Afghanistan while trying to save the lives of fellow soldiers in November 2007.

Retired Marine Cpl. Kyle Carpenter shakes hands with Obama as he receives the Medal of Honor on June 19. While serving in Afghanistan, Carpenter used his body to shield a fellow Marine from a grenade blast on November 21, 2010.

Retired Marine Cpl. Kyle Carpenter shakes hands with Obama as he receives the Medal of Honor on June 19. While serving in Afghanistan, Carpenter used his body to shield a fellow Marine from a grenade blast on November 21, 2010.

Former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan J. Pitts receives the Medal of Honor in July for his actions during a battle in Afghanistan in 2008. According to the Army, Pitts launched grenade after grenade under a hail of enemy gunfire as comrades at other nearby posts fell. He also asked other soldiers to fire at his position to prevent the enemy from gaining ground.

Former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan J. Pitts receives the Medal of Honor in July for his actions during a battle in Afghanistan in 2008. According to the Army, Pitts launched grenade after grenade under a hail of enemy gunfire as comrades at other nearby posts fell. He also asked other soldiers to fire at his position to prevent the enemy from gaining ground.

Obama presents a Medal of Honor to retired Army Capt. Florent A. Groberg in November. Groberg was severely injured when he tried to push a suicide bomber away from his patrol in August 2012.

Obama presents a Medal of Honor to retired Army Capt. Florent A. Groberg in November. Groberg was severely injured when he tried to push a suicide bomber away from his patrol in August 2012.

U.S. President Barack Obama presents Navy SEAL Edward Byers with the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on Monday, February 29. Byers received the medal for his role in rescuing an American civilian being held hostage by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. Click through to see other Afghanistan veterans who have received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for valor in combat.

U.S. President Barack Obama presents Navy SEAL Edward Byers with the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on Monday, February 29. Byers received the medal for his role in rescuing an American civilian being held hostage by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. Click through to see other Afghanistan veterans who have received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for valor in combat.

According to an unclassified summary from a defense official obtained by CNN, Byers "displayed superior gallantry, extraordinary heroism at grave personal risk" and is "unquestionably deserving of the Medal of Honor."

The rescue of American Dr. Dilip Joseph, which took place in eastern Afghanistan, resulted in the death of a member of the Navy's Special Warfare Development Group, more commonly known as SEAL Team Six. During Monday's ceremony in the East Room, President Obama related the most crucial moments of the rescue mission.

When the rescuers were less than 100 feet from the building where Joseph was being held, a guard came out and bullets started flying. SEALs rushed to a doorway, and Byers started ripping down blankets that covered it, exposing himself to enemy fire.

The leader of the rescue group pushed inside and was hit. When Byers moved inside next, a guard aimed his rifle at him, and Byers fired.

Byers tackled another person, straddled him and pinned him down. When he adjusted his night vision goggles, he found that was on top of another guard.

The American hostage later described the scene. The dark room suddenly filled with men and exploding gunfire. Narrow beams of light shot in every direction. Voices called out his name. Joseph answered, "I'm right here."

Hearing English, Byers leaped across the room and threw himself onto the hostage, using his body to shield him from bullets. When another enemy fighter appeared, Byers pinned the fighter to the wall and held him until his teammates took action. It was over almost as soon as it began. In just minutes, by going after those guards, Byers saved the lives of several teammates and Joseph.

In an effort to save Chief Petty Officer Nicolas Checque , the team member who had been shot, Byers, a certified paramedic, performed CPR during the 40-minute flight to Bagram Air Base, Obama said.

'He died to bring back another American'

After Obama paid tribute to Checque at Monday's ceremony, Byers praised his fallen friend.

"If it wasn't for that team, I wouldn't be standing here today. Specifically for me, my teammate, brother, friend, Nic Checque, the award is truly his. He was an American hero. He was the hero of that operation. He was killed during that operation. He died a warrior. He died to bring back another American. I believe our nation owes him a debt of gratitude. He lived his life as a warrior, and he carried out the toughest missions selflessly and fearlessly. He made the ultimate sacrifice that day," Byers said.

Obama said Checque was awarded the Navy Cross, and he's one of "70 members of the Naval Special Warfare community, 55 of them SEALs, who've made the ultimate sacrifice since 9/11 ."

Joseph, who lives in Colorado, welcomed the news about Byers' honor.

He told CNN that he was "thrilled that he is getting this accolade and being honored this way," saying he was "more than worthy" of the award.

Byers "gave me a second chance in life," he said.

At the time of Joseph's rescue, the United States believed a Taliban commander was on his way to take custody of Joseph and move him into Pakistan, Obama revealed Monday.

Byers is the 11th living service member to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan. Dozens of friends, family members and special operators joined the Ohio native at the ceremony.

Two of the five other SEALs who earned the Medal of Honor were among the crowd. Obama singled out Vietnam veterans Tommy Norris and Mike Thornton, who sat next to each other and joined their hands after the President called their names.

Byers, 36, joined the Navy in 1998 as a corpsman and has been assigned to various SEAL teams.

"Even if he had never performed the actions for which he is being recognized here today, Ed Byers would be long remembered for his compassion, his sacrifice and his endurance: 11 overseas deployments, nine combat tours, recipient of the Purple Heart twice, Bronze Star with valor five times," Obama said.