Edward C. Byers Jr.
Superman Hall of Heroes inductee Edward Byers, Jr. is a true American Hero thanks to his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of near certain death. Chief Petty Officer Byers reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Senior Chief Edward C. Byers Jr. was born in Toledo, Ohio in 1979 and grew up in Grand Rapids, Ohio. In 1997, he graduated from Otsego High School where he played varsity soccer. Byers joined the Navy in September 1998, and subsequently attended Recruit Training and Corpsman “A” School in Great Lakes, Illinois.
In 2002, Byers attended Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/S) training and graduated with Class 242. After graduation, he attended the Special Operations Combat Medic (SOCM) course. SOCS Byers has been assigned to East Coast SEAL Teams. He was promoted to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer in January of 2016.
While stationed in Afghanistan, Senior Chief Byers joined a Hostage Rescue Force to rescue a United States citizen who was taken hostage by the Taliban. His bold and decisive actions under fire saved the lives of the hostage and several of his teammates. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of near certain death, Chief Petty Officer Byers reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Senior Chief Byers has deployed overseas 11 times with nine combat tours. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star with Valor (five awards), the Purple Heart (two awards), the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards, one with Valor), the Combat Action ribbon (two awards), and the Good Conduct Medal (five awards).
Byers holds a National Paramedics License, and has studied Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis at Norwich University. Byers is married and has a daughter.
