Courtesy Photo | Two Iraqi citizens are fortunate enough to walk away from an accident after...... read more read more
By 1st Lt. Angel Richardson
926th Engineer Brigade
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Personal Security Detachment Soldiers from the 926th Engineer Brigade had a unique mission they do not necessarily perform on a daily basis when they rescued two Iraqi citizens, who were trapped in an overturned vehicle after it flipped into a canal Dec. 15.
The Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers performed their heroic act while on mission after visiting an ongoing school projects in the Abu Ghuraib District of Baghdad.
The PSD team was leaving a school in the Abu Ghuraib area and noticed a car speeding down the road.
"The first truck in our [ground assault convoy] was rounding the corner when the local national's vehicle noticed us, and, in an attempt to avoid or move out of the way of the convoy, they slammed on the brakes," said Sgt. 1st Class Mathew Scalese, PSD non-commissioned officer in charge.
"The car tried to stop, but it began to swerve and flipped over into the canal," added Staff Sgt. Thomas Bowie, PSD Squad Leader.
Scalese said he believe the vehicle was moving an estimated 50 to 60 mph when the accident occurred. Once the car flipped in the canal, the Soldiers of the 926th PSD cordoned off the area as their fellow troops leapt to action and began pulling the two motorists from the car.
"When I got to the car, they were trapped and hollering. Their faces were halfway under water," said Bowie. "I held Spc. [Gregory] Floyd's back collar so he wouldn't fall into the canal while pulling one of the men out of the car," mentioned Latih, an interpreter with the brigade.
Once the citizens were pulled from their vehicle, Spc. Joshua Osterman, a medic, 926th Eng. Bde., rendered medical aid to ensure the men did not suffer any more injuries.
"I came up to the Iraqi citizen as he was being pulled from the vehicle," said Osterman. "I saw blood, and I had the man sit down so I could do a medical assessment of his injuries."
One of the men had a head and arm injury. The two were provided space blankets to keep them warm in the cool temperature.
"First, I cleaned the blood off of the gentlemen's face and hands," said Osterman. "I bandaged his head and hand because he had minor cuts that were continuing to bleed."
The PSD Soldiers who assisted in retrieving the men from their water-filled vehicle said they felt very lucky to have been in the right place at the right time.
"If we were not right there when the accident occurred, the men could have drowned," said Bowie.
Floyd and Osterman said it is important that the Iraqi citizens know that MND-B Soldiers are there to provide assistance when needed.
"I personally am thankful for being able help the Iraqi citizens," said Floyd, a PSD driver. "It lets them know that we are here to help in anyway."
"It was a good feeling to offer treatment. They were very grateful, and it was very fulfilling to be a part of a team so eager and willing to help," added Osterman.
| Date Taken: | 12.17.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.17.2008 04:44 |
| Story ID: | 27799 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 362 |
| Downloads: | 346 |
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