28 Facts About Florent Groberg

Florent Ahmed Groberg was born on May 8,1983 and is a French-American soldier, retired United States Army officer and civilian employee of the United States Department of Defense.

Florent Groberg renounced his French citizenship prior to joining the United States Army in 2008.

Florent Groberg served in the War in Afghanistan where, in August 2012, he was severely injured attempting to thwart a suicide bomber.

On November 12,2015, Groberg received the nation's highest award for military valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions.

Florent Groberg was born in Poissy, France, near Paris, on May 8,1983.

Florent Groberg was raised by his mother and adoptive stepfather, American Larry Groberg, originally from Indiana.

The family lived in the Paris region until Florent Groberg was 6, then moved to Spain and back to France.

Florent Groberg did not speak English until he was 11 years old.

When Florent Groberg was in middle school, his family moved to the Chicago area before they settled in Potomac, Maryland, where he continued his studies in French at Lycee Rochambeau in Bethesda, Maryland, before graduating from nearby Walter Johnson High School in June 2001.

Florent Groberg became a naturalized US citizen on February 27,2001.

Florent Groberg attended the University of Maryland, College Park and competed in varsity track and cross country.

In May 2006, Florent Groberg graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal justice.

On May 14,2017, Florent Groberg graduated from the University of Maryland University College with a Master of Science degree in Management with a specialization in Intelligence Management.

Florent Groberg entered the United States Army in July 2008 and attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Florent Groberg received his commission as an infantry officer on December 4,2008.

In November 2009, Florent Groberg deployed to Afghanistan as part of Task Force Lethal, with responsibility for the Pech River Valley in Afghanistan's Kunar Province.

Florent Groberg was then assigned as the brigade Personal Security Detachment commander for 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

Florent Groberg deployed again to Kunar Province, Afghanistan, in February 2012, with Task Force Mountain Warrior.

However, when the individual made an abrupt turn towards the formation, Florent Groberg saw he was wearing a suicide vest.

Florent Groberg rushed the suspect and shoved him away from the patrol.

Florent Groberg tackled the suicide bomber, who then detonated his device, sending Florent Groberg flying 15 to 20 feet away.

Florent Groberg spent his recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center from August 2012 through May 2015.

Florent Groberg was medically retired from Company B Warriors, Warrior Transition Battalion, as a captain, on July 23,2015.

Florent Groberg is the 19th recipient of the Medal of Honor after the Vietnam War, the first foreign-born recipient since the Vietnam War and the 10th living recipient.

Florent Groberg jumped into action to protect his team, saving the lives of his fellow servicemembers.

On that day, Captain Florent Groberg was leading a dismounted movement consisting of several senior leaders to include two brigade commanders, two battalion commanders, two command sergeants major, and an Afghanistan National Army brigade commander.

Selflessly placing himself in front of one of the brigade commanders, Captain Florent Groberg rushed forward, using his body to push the suspect away from the formation.

Florent Groberg married Carsen Alexa Zarin on November 17,2018, who is originally from Saint Louis, Missouri and is of Jewish ancestry.