More on the 9/11 Generation

Meyer also was the best shot in 3/3’s sniper platoon and is highly competitive, said Capt. Brian Stanley, a prior-enlisted staff sergeant who served with Meyer in Iraq as an intelligence officer.

During one reconnaissance training mission in Hawaii, Meyer was supposed to hide and report the movement of a “high-value individual,” prompting the beginning of a helicopter raid, Stanley said. However, the target didn’t see Meyer lurking nearby, so he pounced, wrapped him up with a poncho and dragged him into the hiding site, eliminating the need for the raid.

“After reporting the capture of the HVI, he was informed that he needed to release him so that training could be conducted,” said Stanley....”

In interviews, Meyer always calls attention to those with whom he served, especially those who “gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.” Meyer says of the Medal of Honor: “If they give it to me, it’s not for me. It’s for those guys and their families.”

And so he would want any recognition of him also to pay tribute to those didn’t make it out alive from Ganjgal two years ago: Marine Gunnery Sgt. Edwin Johnson, 31; Marine Staff Sgt. Aaron Kenefick, 30; Marine 1st Lt. Michael Johnson, 25; Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class James Layton, 22; and Army Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Westbrook, 41, who died Oct. 7, 2009, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington from medical complications related to wounds sustained in the attack.