Photo By Sgt. Lynne Steely | Staff Sgt. Javier Echols, Sgt. James Acosta and Sgt. Zachariah Collett of the 108th...... read more read more
Sgt. Lynne Steely
18th Military Police Brigade Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory, Iraq
September 07, 2005
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq " It was a Labor Day to remember for three Soldiers from the 108th Military Police Company out of Fort Bragg, N.C. They were awarded medals of valor by the Multi National Corps-Iraq Commander, Lt. Gen. John R. Vines, in a ceremony on Camp Liberty September 5.
"We're here to recognize the valor of these three brave non-commissioned officers that stand in front of us," said Vines.
In the early morning hours of April 30, Staff Sgt. Javier Echols, Sgt. Matthew Acosta and Sgt. Zachariah Collett, as part of squad Warlord 11, were patrolling a Main Supply Route when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated nearby. An Iraqi National Guard transport vehicle filled with Iraqi Soldiers was hit by the blast.
Echols, who received the Silver Star for his bravery, led his team in the rescue of four Iraqi National Guard Soldiers who were wounded in the explosion. Amidst a dangerous crossfire between insurgents and ING Soldiers, the trio managed to move the wounded to safety and administer medical aid until an evacuation helicopter arrived on the scene.
For one wounded Iraqi Soldier, the team crafted a makeshift stretcher from a piece of metal that had been blown from the transport truck in the explosion.
Acosta received the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, and Collett, the Army Commendation Medal with Valor for their fearless efforts to rescue, treat and evacuate the wounded during the small arms attack.
After presenting the Soldiers with their medals, Vines expressed his admiration for their courage and applauded their actions. "In support of the Iraqi National Guard Soldiers, these three Americans risked everything they had, their lives, to protect and defend them," Vines said.
Vines also commended the men and women of the Armed Forces for their continuing commitment to defend liberty. "Americans will be able to sleep safely at night, be able to congregate on Labor Day, at rallies and to go to football games and all the other things that they do in their daily lives only so long as there are men and women such as yourselves. Your epitomized and represented by the great Soldiers standing in front of us today, and I ask you to join me in a round of applause for them," said Vines.
| Date Taken: | 09.09.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 09.09.2005 11:40 |
| Story ID: | 2950 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 426 |
| Downloads: | 43 |
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