Clint Romesha enlisted in the Army in September 1999, as an M1 armor crewman. After completion of training at Fort Knox, Ky., he was assigned as a tank gunner with B Company, 1-63rd Armor, Camp Vilseck, Germany, which included an operational deployment to Kosovo.
After Germany, he was assigned as a gunner/assistant tank commander with A Company, 2-72nd Armor, Camp Casey, Korea. Following Korea, which included a combat tour to Iraq, he was assigned as a section leader with 3-61st Cavalry, Fort Carson, Colo. There he completed the Long Range Reconnaissance Course, Advanced Leader Course, and Air Assault Training.
Romesha deployed twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and once to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
At the time of the deadly attack on Combat Outpost (COP) Keating, Kamdesh district, Afghanistan, on Oct. 3, 2009, Staff Sgt. Romesha was assigned as a section leader for Bravo Troop, 3-61st Cavalry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Romesha’s awards and decorations, among others, include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with 2 Bronze Service Stars), and the Iraq Campaign Medal (with 3 Bronze Service Stars).
Romesha separated from the Army in April 2011. He and his wife Tamara (Tammy), their three children, Dessi, Gwen, Colin, and Tammy’s parents Kevin and Lorin, currently live in Minot, ND.
Romesha works as a Field Safety Specialist with an oilfield construction company. He credits the Army’s transition assistance program as being helpful in preparing his resume and engaging the company..
Romesha has two brothers, and two sisters. His fondest childhood memories are of spending time with his grandpa, the late Aury Smith, a WWII veteran, on his small ranch in Vya, Nevada. His grandpa told him to always do his best, and that the integrity of the family name was Romesha’s legacy to be cherished.
When he gets time away from restoring his 100-year-old home, he enjoys watching and attending hockey games.