Troop Scoop Report on Two Soldiers Decorated for Courage, Service and Loyalty Under Attack
The Olympics aren't the only place medals are being awarded…
(Iraq)—The following is a report by Staff Sgt. Brent Williams on two soldiers who received medals for their courageous efforts while they were still under attack.
To receive regular updates on the positive progress of US and Allied troops in fighting the War on Terror, sign up for the Troop Scoop reports on the Baghdad Prayer Patrol website, or CLICK HERE.
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
Blackanthem Military News
Staff Sgt. Brent Williams
Col. Ted Martin, cmdr. of the 1st BCT, 4th ID, pins the Bronze Star Medal with Valor on the chest of Spc. Marcus Brown, Aug. 10 for valorous actions in the face of enemy combat. Brown, an infantry mortarman, assigned to HHC, 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, was also presented the Combat Infantryman Badge for taking charge of his platoon and leading recovery and security ops for his downed vehicle after an IED killed his cmdr., Capt. Andrew Pearson, and Spc. Ronald Tucker, April 30. "Our nation doesn't have a lot to offer all the brave Soldiers in Iraq, who are doing hard, dangerous work every day," said Martin, an armor officer. "But every once in a while, we have the ability to take a snapshot in time to capture their valorous acts and reward them with a medal that they're going to wear for the rest of their lives." (Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brent Williams)
FOB FALCON—Martin also awarded an Army Commendation Medal with Valor device and the Combat Field Medical Badge to Sgt. Rafael Delgado, a combat medic, as a testament to his personal courage, selfless service and loyalty to his fellow Soldiers.
Brown, initially injured in the blast, acted quickly to open the rear escape hatch and secure the site—and then "exhibiting total disregard for his own safety" attempted to free the driver, Spc. Ronald Tucker, who was mortally wounded in the attack. Brown, despite his injuries, established a security perimeter, leading a team of Soldiers to establish overwatch of the site to prevent a second enemy attack.
"I am actually proud I got the award, and I am proud my fellow brothers were out here to support me in it," he said. "I am thankful that the bde cmdr was able to come out here and award it to me."
Delgado, the platoon medic for the mortar platoon, charged with providing security for the HHC commander, reacted immediately to assess the damage rendered by the dual-array EFP attack. Delgado, then a specialist, remained in the burning vehicle with complete disregard to his own safety to provide emergency medical treatment for Tucker and to assist Brown with recovery ops.
Smoke, fire and ammo cooking off forced Delgado and Brown to evacuate the vehicle and take cover in nearby buildings. "It showed me that if there is one thing that I am proud of, and if there is one thing that I am true to, and if there is one thing that I am faithful to, and will give my life for, it is my Soldiers," Delgado said, of his actions on that day. "As a medic and now a Sgt, it's an honor to work with these guys … I will definitely put my life on the line for every one of these guys."
To read the full Troop Scoop report, follow the Source Link provided.
