By Spc. Matthew J. Ford
FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Two paratroopers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment were recognized during an awards ceremony for their actions in combat while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom May 2.
During the ceremony, outside the 2-505th PIR headquarters building, Col. Timothy McGuire, 3rd Brigade Combat Team commander, awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor device to Sgt. Richard L. Harris and Spc. Scott Wallace.
During a platoon patrol in Samarra, Iraq, both paratroopers were conducting house raids for suspected insurgent activity when they received enemy fire. During the firefight, two paratroopers were wounded. Harris quickly went to the wounded paratrooper's aid placing him over the wall by picking him up and hurling him over.
During the ceremony, Harris, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, went over that fateful day and spoke about his thought process during the ordeal.
"I was terrified, but I had to assess the situation," said Harris, who served as a team leader for his company.
While Harris was attending to his wounded troops, Wallace was provided cover fired in order for the medics to perform necessary care to wounded troopers.
During the engagement, Wallace shattered his clavicle, but despite his injuries Wallace continued to fight.
"Anytime someone takes shots at you, you get pissed off," said Wallace, a native of Barth, Pa. "When they shoot at your buddy, you get real pissed off, because when you are with someone that long, they become your family."
During his speech to the paratroopers in attendance, McGuire expressed his pride and admiration of the awardees.
"They put their lives on the line to save fellow paratroopers," said McGuire.
After the ceremony was over Harris and Wallace were asked how they felt about receiving the awards.
"It is a little bit too much. It means a lot to me, it is real special," said Wallace.
"I am really grateful to have served in the 82nd," added Harris.