Paratroopers acknowledged for acts of valor

Photo By Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky | The 11 recipients stand and receive applause from their fellow paratroopers after receiving the bronze star with valor device. The bronze star is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces.  

10.02.2007

Story by Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

Everyday Paratroopers of the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment perform acts of valor that are helping make Iraq a safer and more secure country.

On Sept. 28, 11 such Paratroopers from Troop B and C received bronze stars with the valor device to commemorate some of these contributions.

"There are a number of acts everyday that deserve these awards," said Col. Michael Garret, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, commander. "You are earning every bit of your paycheck here."

Although they may have performed different types of acts to earn the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces, all actions speak of the high professionalism and dedication of the Soldiers.

"They're all brothers to me," said a medal recipient Spc. Kaylon Ross, a gunner with 1st platoon, Troop C. "Everyone else would do the same thing."

Ross, who administered life-saving aid to two of his platoon mates after encountering an improvised explosive device outside Patrol Base Red, said the only reason he was getting the award was because he happened to be "in the wrong place" at the right time. The training he received that enabled him to save his two friends was something any of his fellows could do.

"Our Soldiers know what to do," he said of his first aid ability. "Our leaders make sure we know the basics."

Although leadership was credited by Ross, Garret credited the Paratroopers themselves, noting that even in the absence of leadership, the Paratroopers have performed exceptionally.

Despite having their commander, Lt. Col. Mark Odoms, evacuated back to the States after an improvised explosive attack injured him, Garret said they have continued to perform remarkably.

"The mark of a great unit is functioning without their leader, with no degradation of performance," Garret said.

Two of the recipients from Troop B exemplified this quality.

Pfc. Jose Rodriguez and Spc. Manuel Miranda were manning a guard position at Patrol Base Dog April 12 when a vehicle borne improvised explosive device (BVIED) detonated outside their patrol base. The attack, which killed four and injured nine, was followed by an assault by a group of insurgents. Despite being the only functioning guard positions after the VBIED, Rodriguez and Miranda began a counter attack despite the absence of leadership.

The actions of the two helped repel the initial assault, allowing others to regroup and eventually beat back the insurgent attack. The two also helped with the recovery and aid mission that followed the attack.

"When I think about the people who died, I don't think what I did was so heroic," Rodriguez said, noting that one of the killed was a platoon mate.

The medals will remain a reminder of the bravery, sweat, blood and hard work of all the Paratroopers on that April day, said Capt. Donald Braman, Troop B commander, who was also awarded a bronze star with a valor device. "It will always be a sign of remembrance," he said.

Just as it is important that the 11 will always remember the events surrounding their contributions, Garret said it is equally important to remember the bravery demonstrated that day and continue to display such professionalism even as redeployment draws near.

"Pay attention, stay aggressive and stay focused," he said. "Be as aggressive as you've always been. I am proud of you all."

The following Soldiers all received the Bronze Star with Valor Device from Troop B: Capt. Donald Braman, Staff Sgt. Elias Cowell, Sgt. Eric Harrington, Spc. Manuel Miranda, Pfc. Jose Rodriguez, Pfc. Mike Scanzuso and Spc. John Schumacher. From C Troop: Spc. Mark Lelend, Spc. Matthew Loshaw, Spc. Kaylon Ross and 1st Lt. Eric Rudberg.

• Date Taken: 10.02.2007
• Date Posted: 10.02.2007 14:58
• Story ID: 12677