CPT (then 1LT) Groberg was the OIC of BG Mingus's (then COL) Personal Security Detail. On 8 AUG 2012 the Brigade commander and his entourage were on their way to conduct a KLE in Asadabad when they were approached by 2 suicide bombers. CPT Groberg noticed the first man approach their formation and moved forward to intercept him. Once he got hands on only then did he realize he had a chest rig on. He threw him to ground just before he detonated, which in turn cased the 2nd bomber to prematurely detonate himself. As a result of his actions, Groberg sustained the loss of 45 to 50 percent of his left calf muscle with significant nerve damage, a blown eardrum, and a mild traumatic brain injury.
Four Americans lost their lives that day; BDE CSM Kevin Griffin, BDE FSO MAJ Thomas Kennedy, BDE ALO USAF MAJ Walter Gray and USAID Foreign Service Officer Mr. Ragaei Abdelfattah. Had CPT Groberg not reacted the way he did the entire element could've been killed.
I was in this Brigade and in country at the time of the incident but was not present. It marked the 3rd time I've served with James Mingus and would do so again in a heartbeat! Thank you CPT Groberg for your service and sacrifice. The ceremony will take place on 12 Nov 2015 and this will be the 3rd Soldier from 4th BDE, 4th ID to earn the MOH for actions in Kunar.
http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/groberg/