Stryker Brigade Soldier receives Soldier's Medal for heroism

MOSUL, IRAQ

07.12.2004

Courtesy Story

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By Sgt. Fred Minnick

MOSUL, Iraq -- On Jan. 25, in Mosul, Spc. Jeff Newberry and his fellow Soldiers of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) searched for a terrorist suspected of launching mortars from an island on the Tigris River.

Integrated in a boat with Iraqi police, several Company A Soldiers quietly floated the murky waters and were determined to capture their target. Then, as they moved closer to the objective, a boat capsized in the middle of the river. Newberry witnessed the Soldiers and an Iraqi police officer struggle to stay afloat in the icy cold waters as the boat sunk deeper into the river. He wasn't about to let his brothers-in-arms sink as well. Newberry commandeered an Iraqi speed boat and moved toward the Soldiers and the police officer.

"I knew the current was too strong to swim to them," Newberry remembered. "The entire time, I couldn't believe what was happening." He pulled the two Soldiers and the police officer into the boat. He saved their lives, but Newberry said he just did his job. Gen. George Casey, Multi-National Forces-Iraq commander, disagrees that Newberry simply did his job.

"What you did was heroic and brave. You, Spc. Newberry, are a true hero," Casey said moments before he presented the U.S. Army's Soldier's Medal to Newberry, July 11.

The Soldier's Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States or allied nation who demonstrate heroism in a non-enemy conflict. Newberry's leaders said they would have been proud of him even if he didn't receive the award.

"His actions and dedication represents a true Stryker Soldier," said 1st Sgt. David Layden, Company A first sergeant. "Newberry is one of those Soldiers who is quiet and does not look for attention. He just does his job."

Raised in Effingham, Ill., where his grandparents, Ernie and Barb, still live, Newberry joined the Army in 2002 following a family tradition. His father, Gary, is an officer in the Navy and is currently stationed in Japan. Newberry said his family is proud of what he accomplished, Jan. 25, but he's too humble to accept credit all to himself.

"This award means a lot to me, but it doesn't belong to just me. It belongs to every Soldier in my company, the absolute best unit in the Army," Newberry said. "They are like family to me and are the reason why I have developed into the Soldier I am today. I just hope I can follow in the footsteps of my leaders as I continue my career."

Capt. Armando Riveron, Company A's former commander, had watched Newberry grow as a service member and was on the scene minutes after Newberry saved two of his Soldiers.

"He is one of the bravest Soldiers I have ever served with," Riveron said. "I'm proud to just have served with him."

• Date Taken: 07.12.2004
• Date Posted: 07.12.2004 11:13
• Story ID: 108
• Location: MOSUL, IQ