Camp Pendleton, CA — In a remarkable display of courage that has moved the entire nation, Sergeant Michael “Mike” Henderson, 28, of the United States Marine Corps, carried out a selfless act of heroism during a combat mission overseas, risking his own life to protect his fellow Marines. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, Henderson was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor in the United States, during a ceremony attended by senior military officials, government leaders, and his family.
The life-threatening incident occurred during a dangerous patrol in a conflict zone where Henderson’s unit was participating in a joint operation with allied local forces. According to official reports, what began as a routine reconnaissance mission quickly turned into chaos when insurgents launched a sudden attack. Amid gunfire and explosions, a live grenade landed directly among Henderson’s squad.
Without pausing to think, Henderson threw himself onto the grenade, using his body to absorb the blast and shield his comrades. The explosion left him critically injured, but because of his actions, no other Marine in the unit suffered fatal wounds.
