In the entire history of armed conflict, the Medal of Honor has been awarded fewer than 3,500 times. It is not awarded for a career, or a record, or a lifetime of service. It is awarded for a single act — a moment so defined by selfless courage that no other recognition exists to honor it. On December 8, 2012, Edward Byers Jr. had that moment. Racing through darkness into a Taliban-held compound, he was first through the breach. He subdued one enemy fighter. Then, as a second armed combatant emerged, he covered the American hostage with his own body — taking on the threat himself — while simultaneously neutralizing the threat. The hostage survived. On February 29, 2016, President Barack Obama placed the Medal of Honor around his neck in a ceremony at the White House. A distinction earned by fewer living Americans than can fill a standard conference room.