Washington (CNN) -- His eyes moist and lower lip trembling,
Clint Romesha nodded haltingly at family, comrades, military brass and the
president standing to applaud him for receiving the nation's highest military
decoration, the Medal of Honor.
He never smiled during the White House ceremony on Monday
and later explained why in a statement to reporters.
"I stand here with mixed emotions of both joy and
sadness today," he said, describing how he felt "conflicted"
about the medal around his neck.
"The joy comes from recognition from us doing our jobs
as soldiers on distant battlefields," said Romesha, a former Army staff
sergeant dressed in full uniform that included a cavalry hat. "But it is
countered by the constant reminder of the loss of our battle buddies - my
battle buddies, my soldiers, my friends."
