President Trump on Monday awarded the military’s highest honor to Former Staff Sgt. Ronald J. Shurer II, a U.S. army medic and Green Beret. He received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House. Trump said it was a “proud and special day for those of us here in the White House because Ron works right here alongside us.”

Shurer was working as part of the Special Operations Task Force-33 during Operation Enduring Freedom on April 6, 2008 when his unit came under enemy fire. The terrorists that attacked them were well-trained and armed. He was the only medic on the team. He aided four critically wounded U.S. units and wounded soldiers as he fought his way up the mountain in Shok Valley. Ron helped evacuate his team from the area and was using his body to shield them from enemy fire and debris.

“For more than six hours, Ron bravely faced down the enemy. Not a single American died in that brutal battle thanks in great measure to Ron’s heroic actions,” Trump stated during the ceremony. Trump also said that around a year ago, Shurer was diagnosed with cancer. “He’s braved, battled, worked, he’s done everything he can. That cancer he’s been fighting it every single day with courage and with strength, and he’s a warrior.” Shurer was also awarded a Silver Star for his efforts.