Courtesy Photo | CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq-- Spc. Andrew Suchanek receives the Army Commendation Medal with...... read more read more
Spc Carlos Caro
1st BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. PAO
BAGHDAD -- Soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division's 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry work closely with their Iraqi Police counterparts every day while they serve to bring freedom to Iraq.
Three 1-87 Inf. Soldiers risked their lives to save the lives of their fellow comrades serving with the Iraqi Police.
Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Carson, Staff Sgt. Robert Compton, and Spc. Andrew Suchanek were presented Army Commendation Medals with valor devices Dec. 2.
Carson distinguished himself when he helped save the life of an Iraqi policeman by aiding in his treatment and evacuation Oct. 1 while under direct fire. That day, Company C, 1-87 Inf., discovered an improvised explosive device and an explosive ordnance disposal team was dispatched to the site. When EOD arrived, 1-87 Infantry Soldiers manning the security cordon came under fire and an Iraqi policeman was hit.
The IP waved to Carson for help. Carson ran while under fire to aid him. Carson used supplies from his own medical kit to treat the Iraqi policeman, and then dragged him to safety while the insurgents continued to fire at him. Carson's patrol was able to get the man to the Camp Liberty medical facility. Coalition forces then transferred the police officer was to the combat support hospital in the Green Zone.
"I just did what I would hope anyone would do for me," said Carson.
Compton, attached to 1-87 Inf. as part of 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry, distinguished himself as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle section leader Sept. 15 while conducting main supply route security in the 1st Brigade area of operations. Compton was called to assist Iraqi Police, who were under attack from terrorists with small arms fire. Compton positioned his patrol in between the IPs and terrorists. He quickly realized that one of the IPs had been injured, so he dismounted and ran to his aid, carrying the man to safety within his Bradley Fighting Vehicle so the man could be evacuated, treated and returned to duty.
"I was completely honored to receive this award," said Compton. "At the time, I really wasn't thinking about it. I just did what needed to be done. When I told my wife the story, she told me I was crazy."
Suchanek, a combat medic, demonstrated his dedication to duty Oct. 10 when he used his body to shield an IP who Suchanek was treating at the time from any further harm so that the IP could be evacuated and treated.
"I didn't have time to think about it," said Suchanek. "I just knew I didn't want that guy to get hurt even worse. I just reacted."
During the same awards ceremony, the 1/10th Mtn. Div. leadership handed out 36 other awards, including nine Purple Hearts, three Army Commendation Medals with valor device, nine Army Commendation Medals, 17 Army Achievement Medals and three 1st Brigade coins.
| Date Taken: | 01.16.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 01.16.2006 15:23 |
| Story ID: | 5126 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 278 |
| Downloads: | 39 |
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