CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Pfc. Class Brendan Bartz of Miles City, Mont., was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, Sept. 4, 2013. He is currently assigned as a driver for the battalion commander’s personal security detachment, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 307th Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Airborne), Task Force SAW, in Regional Command Southwest, Afghanistan.
While operating in Farah province, Afghanistan, July 4, 2013, Bartz displayed uncommon valor in the face of enemy fire. He was moving through an insurgent stronghold with the Afghan National Army when two Afghan soldiers were severely injured. Bartz exposed himself to the enemy so he could better provide suppressive fire while the casualties were being moved to cover. As he continued to move through the compound, he again selflessly exposed himself to enemy fire to come to the aid of a fellow wounded soldier. He moved 100 meters into the open and returned him to safety.
Bartz is an engineer stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C.
His previous awards include the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Global War on Terror Service Medal. He was also awarded the Combat Action Badge for this engagement.