And the clown hanging the medal around Captain William Swenson’s neck is the one who had those rules of engagement put in place.

Via Daily Mail:

The American hero awarded the Medal of Honor earlier this week for his bravery in fighting off 60 Taliban almost single-handedly for seven hours has spoken of his anger that repeated requests for backup during the ordeal were ignored by his commanders back at base.

Retired Captain William Swenson was awarded the nation’s top military medal by President Obama at the White House on Tuesday. The President said that when Swenson’s comrades needed him, he ‘was there for his brothers’…’we thank God he was there for us all.’

But now Swenson, 34, has spoken out about his frustration that his repeated – as many as ten – requests for backup were ignored by commanders who feared involvement would lead to civilian casualties.

Swenson was with a group of U.S. Marines and Afghan National Troops when they were ambushed from all sides outside the town of Ganjar on September 8, 2009, killing 10 Afghan and four American troops.

He called back to base for artillery fire which would have provided them with cover while they moved off the battlefield, but his request was repeatedly denied.

In an interview with David Martin of CBS News, Swenson was asked if the decision had left him bitter.

‘Was I bitter? I was angry,’ he replied.

‘If I call for artillery support,’ Swenson said, ‘I do so understanding the possibility of civilian casualties. . . . But that’s my decision. That’s my responsibility, my call – by doctrine – not somebody who is sitting several kilometers away.’

The lack of artillery support left Swenson and his men surrounded by enemy on three sides.