Photo By Staff Sgt. Killo Gibson | Sgt. Nicholas B. Davis, assigned to Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and...... read more read more
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On June 9, 2017 while traveling in Georgia on leave, Davis rescued Rick and Sharon Steiert from a gasoline soaked vehicle that burst into flames during their rescue. As a result, Davis suffered third-degree burns to his right leg.
“As I was unbuckling her seatbelt the whole vehicle caught fire, and I just felt a blanket of fire wrap around my body, and everything just happened in a matter of seconds from there,” said Davis, assigned to Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st AD.
Davis’s actions led to his selection as the 2018 Army Vanguard winner. He is also a recent recipient of the Soldier’s Medal, which is the Army’s highest peacetime award for valor.
The NCOA annually recognizes and pays tribute to one NCO from each branch of service who has performed a heroic act that resulted in saving of someone’s life or preventing serious injury.
Although many hailed Davis as a hero for his actions, for Davis, it was more about building relationships.
“It’s an amazing honor to receive the Vanguard Award, especially since it’s named in honor of a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, but it means more to me that I made lifelong friends and new family,” Davis said.
Since the accident, Davis has remained in close contact with Rick and Sharon and they consider him part of the family.
“I have become so close with Rick, Sharon and their kids Scott and Brittney that we consider each other family. They even got to meet my children,” Davis said.
The Steiert family flew to Washington, D.C., to watch Davis receive the award in nearby Arlington.
“It means a lot to me that they came out to share this moment with me,” Davis said. “I am blessed that God put me in the right place, at the right time.”
Davis said he will continue to help people in need and hopes others will do the same.
“Have a good heart. Everyone needs help every once in a while,” Davis said. “Don’t be too good to reach out and help someone. You never know when it could be you in need.”
The NCOA Military Vanguard award was established in 1983 and named in honor of an NCO recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. The senior enlisted leader of each branch selects one individual to receive the awards and serves as the escort during the award presentation.
| Date Taken: | 04.21.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 05.07.2018 17:07 |
| Story ID: | 276030 |
| Location: | EL PASO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 86 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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