By Staff Sgt. Brent Williams
1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – For exceptionally meritorious achievement during Operation Iraqi Freedom, a senior leader recognized two Soldiers' heroic actions, tremendous leadership and personal dedication during an award ceremony, Aug. 10, 2008, on Forward Operating Base Falcon, located in the southern Rashid District of Baghdad.
Col. Ted Martin, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, presented the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device and Combat Infantryman Badge to Spc. Marcus Brown, an infantry mortarman from Brooklyn, N.Y. for upholding the finest traditions of the U.S. Army Infantrymen.
Martin also awarded an Army Commendation Medal with Valor device and the Combat Field Medical Badge to Sgt. Rafael Delgado, a combat medic from Miami, as a testament to his personal courage, selfless service and loyalty to his fellow Soldiers.
The Raider Brigade commander recognized Brown and Delgado, both assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, "Regulars by God!" of the 1st BCT, for their courageous and selfless actions in response to an improvised explosive device attack, April 30, 2008.
"Our nation doesn't have a lot to offer all the brave Soldiers in Iraq, who are doing hard, dangerous work every day," said Martin, an armor officer from Jacksonville Beach, Fla.
"But every once in a while, we have the ability to take a snapshot in time to capture their valorous acts and reward them with a medal that they're going to wear for the rest of their lives," said Martin.
Signed by Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, commander, 4th Inf. Div. and MND-B, the orders narrate the valorous actions of Brown, who served as a gunner for his commander, the late Capt. Andrew Pearson, who was killed instantly when the explosively formed projectile struck his vehicle.
Brown, initially injured in the blast, acted quickly to open the rear escape hatch and secure the site – and then "exhibiting total disregard for his own safety" attempted to free the driver, Spc. Ronald Tucker, who was mortally wounded in the attack.
Brown, despite his injuries, established a security perimeter, leading a team of Soldiers to establish overwatch of the site to prevent a second enemy attack.
"I am actually proud I got the award, and I am proud my fellow brothers were out here to support me in it," he said. "I am thankful that the brigade commander was able to come out here and award it to me."
Delgado, the platoon medic for the mortar platoon, charged with providing security for the HHC commander, reacted immediately to assess the damage rendered by the dual-array EFP attack.
Delgado, then a specialist, remained in the burning vehicle with complete disregard to his own safety to provide emergency medical treatment for Tucker and to assist Brown with recovery operations.
Smoke, fire and ammunition cooking off forced Delgado and Brown to evacuate the vehicle and take cover in nearby buildings.
"It showed me that if there is one thing that I am proud of, and if there is one thing that I am true to, and if there is one thing that I am faithful to, and will give my life for, it is my Soldiers," Delgado said, of his actions on that day. "As a medic and now a sergeant, it's an honor to work with these guys ... I will definitely put my life on the line for every one of these guys."
Martin said that he is proud of the brave Soldiers who showed valor on that day in April, when they stood up against the unknown and took charge to safeguard the rest of the platoon.
He also said that he will not forget the brave Soldiers who gave their lives for their country, nor the actions of the proud Soldiers of the "Regulars" Battalion.
The Regulars' actions reflect distinct credit on the Raider Brigade, MND-B, and the U.S. Army, he said.