The Navy SEAL who died after helping to rescue an American doctor on a medical mission in Afghanistan has been identified by the Pentagon as Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas D. Checque from Monroeville, Pa.

Checque, 28, was a member of SEAL Team Six, the group responsible for the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

His death came as part of the mission to rescue Dr. Dilip Joseph. Joseph was working in Afghanistan with the Christian relief group Morning Star Development.

A military spokesman said members of the Taliban abducted Dr. Joseph and two co-workers, Wednesday, Dec. 5.

The Afghan captives were eventually released, but Joseph remained captive for three days until U.S. Special Forces made the daring rescue.

"It was a combined operation in order to rescue this individual. Seven of the captors were killed actually, and indeed, very sadly one of the American soldiers was killed during the operations," NATO Brig. Gen. Gunter Katz said.

According to officials, a firefight broke out during the rescue mission. The service member was injured in that fight and later died of his wounds.

President Obama praised the unidentified SEAL who died in the rescue, saying he "gave his life for his fellow Americans."

"He and his teammates remind us once more of the selfless service that allows our nation to stay strong, safe, and free," the president said.