Heroes: Sgt. Matthew Zedwick
| Oregon Military Dept. SGT Zedwick was the driver of the third vehicle, in a four vehicle combat patrol north of Camp Taji when a vehicle borne IED hit and destroyed his HMMWV, killing his gunner and severely wounding the vehicle commander. Despite sustaining extensive wounds himself, SGT Zedwick pulled the truck commander from the flaming vehicle and immediately went back for the gunner. The burning HMMWV subsequently became the target of intense small arms fire. SGT Zedwick instinctively returned to his injured truck commander despite the increasing barrage of enemy fire and insured that he was safely behind cover. With the truck commander’s safety established, SGT Zedwick again ran back thru the enemy’s assault to the HMMWV to attempt to retrieve the body of the gunner. Unable to do so, SGT Zedwick retrieved weapons and the radio before rounds started cooking off in the flaming vehicle. Again facing heavy enemy fire, SGT Zedwick returned with the sensitive items and continued to administer aid to the wounded truck commander and defend against the enemy ambush until they were both medically evacuated. SGT Zedwick’s actions embody the warrior ethos. His repeated disregard for his own personal safety to ensure the safety of his comrades and the completion of the mission is a testament to his character and bravery. His gallantry in the face of the enemy reflects great credit upon himself, the Ghost Battalion, the First Cavalry Division and the United States Army. |
| KPAM:Major General Pete Chiarelli, the Division Commander, after pinning the award on Zedwick, told him, “Young Sir, my father won the Silver Star in World War II, and he was my hero. I am so very honored to be in your presence. I salute you.” While it is traditional to salute the office presenting the award, MG Chiarelli raised his hand in salute to SGT Zedwick. It was very moving. The Silver Star is the third highest honor a soldier can be awarded. |
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