Regiment

Interesting Notes:

Captain Jennifer M. Moreno, an Army Nurse Corps officer, lost her life in the actions in which she earned the Bronze Star with “V” device. She would later have a medical clinic named in her honor at Fort Sam Houston, TX

*Denotes Posthumous Award

*MORENO, JENNIFER M.
Captain, Army Nurse Corps, U.S. Army
Madigan Army Medical Center assigned to 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment
Date of Action: 5 October 2013 to 6 October 2013
Citation:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded posthumously to Captain Jennifer M. Moreno, Army Nurse Corps, United States Army distinguished herself for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 5 October 2013 to 6 October 2013 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. For exceptionally valorous achievement as a cultural support team leader for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During this period, Captain Moreno assaulted a remote compound occupied by enemy insurgents. During the assault, the enemy triggered multiple suicide explosive devices and improvised explosive devices, wounding several rangers. Fully knowing the extreme and imminent danger to herself, Captain Moreno moved throughout an improvised explosive device belt to render medical aid to casualties and assist with evacuation. Through her distinctive accomplishments, Captain Moreno reflected great credit upon herself, this command, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Permanent Order number 289-008
Home of Record: California

PEDERSEN, DEAN C.
Lieutenant Colonel, Medical Corps, U.S. Army
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division
Date of Action: 24 January to 29 January 2007
Citation Narrative Needed:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962 the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Dean C. Pedersen, Medical Corps, United States Army, distinguished himself for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 24 January to 29 January 2007 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. For exceptionally valorous achievement while assigned as the Battalion Surgeon during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lieutenant Colonel Pedersen’s heroic actions under enemy fire contributed to the overwhelming defeat of enemy forces. His quick transition from assaulting enemy positions to treating wounded enemy and noncombatants is a testament to the professionalism and compassion of the American Soldier. His actions reflect distinct credit on him, the Patriot Battalion, the Arrowhead Brigade, The Multinational Division-Baghdad, and the United States Army.
General Orders: General Order number PO # 259-053, 16 September 2007

RODRIGUEZ, ERICK
Private, Army Medical Department, U.S. Army
Bravo Company, 2D Battalion, 502D Infantry Regiment
Date of Action: 12 December 2007
Citation:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962 the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded to Private Erick Rodriguez, United States Army, for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 12 December 2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. For exceptional and meritorious service while assigned as a platoon medic during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Private Rodriguez’ superb leadership, technical and tactical expertise, and commitment to excellence during combat operations contributed to the overwhelming success of the command’s mission. His selfless service and dedication to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the Multinational Division-Center, and the United States Army.
Synopsis Narrative Page:
On 12 December 2007, Private Rodriguez, the platoon medic, was riding in a M113A3 when it was struck by an IED. The blast caused the left track and road wheels to blow off the vehicle injuring four Soldiers. The M113A3 caught on fire, causing ammunition in the vehicle to cook off. Private Rodriguez got out of the destroyed M113A3 and helped to remove the injured personnel from the vehicle. He then began to triage the wounded, disregarding his own safety as ammunition was cooking off around him. He then moved the wounded to cover to provide protection for the injured while he treated them. He identified PFC M_____ as the most critical and focused his time and effort on him. PFC M_____’s right foot had been split in half, his lower right leg was badly broken in several places, and he also had a hole above the right knee, caused by the shrapnel from the M113A3. Private Rodriguez administered an IV to PFC M_____ and then began to stabilize the leg wound. Private Rodriguez attempted to apply two tourniquets on PFC M_____’s upper thigh, but the plastic lever broke both times. Private Rodriguez then fashioned a field expedient tourniquet using a cravat and a wooden stick. The field expedient tourniquet worked and stopped the bleeding in PFC M_____’s leg. He instructed the Eagle First Responders (101st Combat Lifesaver trained personnel) to aid in the treatment of the other casualties. He talked the Eagle First Responders through the splinting of PFC T_____’s broken ankles. He instructed them to treat CPL W______, who had a back injury and lacerations on his head. Private Rodriguez also ensured that the MEDEVAC brought a spine board for CPL W_____. Once the MEDEVAC landed, Private Rodriguez linked up with the flight medic and gave him the status of all the injured Soldiers. At this time his platoon leader noticed that Private Rodriguez had been injured during the IED blast. Private Rodriguez had received shrapnel wounds in his left foot and right knee and has trouble walking. The platoon leader then instructed the flight medic to treat and evacuate Private Rodriguez. When the flight medic went to treat and secure Private Rodriguez on the MEDEVAC, Private Rodriguez denied treatment until he was finished loading all the injured Soldiers from the platoon, only then would Private Rodriguez allow himself to be treated and board the MEDEVAC. Private Rodriguez stayed calm and in control of the triage under extreme pressure and personal danger. He made sure to inform the platoon leader of the status of the wounded and what special equipment the MEDEVAC would need. He disregarded his own safety and pain from his wounds in order to treat the wounded. Private Rodriguez went above and beyond the standard. His actions reflect greatly upon himself, Renegade, Widowmakers, Vanguard, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Permanent Order number 067-002, Headquarters, Multinational Division-Center, 7 March 2008

RUHL, HELEN L.
Specialist, Army Medical Department, U.S. Army
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 704th Brigade Support Battalion
Date of Action: 24 September 2009
Citation: Narrative Needed:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962 the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded to Specialist Helen L. Ruhl, Army Medical Department, United States Army distinguished herself for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 24 September 2009 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. SPC Ruhl distinguished herself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy of the United States as the Medic in the Personnel Security Detachment (PSD), Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 704 BSB, 4IBCT, 4ID, FOB Fenty, Afghanistan, on the evening of 24 September 2009 during Operation Enduring Freedom. SPC Ruhl distinguished herself with valor when her Combat Logistics Patrol (CLP) was engaged by enemy SAF and multiple RPGs near the Narang Village, in the Noor Gul District, Konar Province, Afghanistan. Five Coalition Forces (CF) vehicles were ambushed by 3 teams totaling 12 Anti-Afghan Forces (AAF) firing RPGs and SAF as the Guardian CLP traveled south. The AAF fire proved accurate as the engaged the second vehicle in the CLP to initiate their ambush with an RPG fired from the southeast. The vehicle was directly struck by an RPG in the driver’s door. The PRG pierced through the door and exploded right on top of the driver, severely wounding both of his legs. The blast also injured SPC Ruhl; due to the explosion she suffered smoke inhalation as well as a ruptured ear drum. The truck immediately burst into flames, and the windows were covered with smoke, severely limiting visibility out of the windshield. The ambush was initiated from both sides of the route as the AAF used the cornfields to the south for concealment, and the village to the north for cover. The attack destroyed the one CF M1151 which SPC Ruhl was a passenger. A barrage of enemy SAF and RPGs engulfed the entire PSG CLP. SPC Ruhl was unable to exit the vehicle which was quickly becoming engulfed in flames. The truck commander opened the door; upon exiting the vehicle she noticed her leg was on fire and immediately began to extinguish the flames. SPC Ruhl maintained the presence of mind to alert others that the driver was still in the vehicle. Her quick thinking and awareness of her crew directed first responders to find the driver and remove him from the vehicle. Once the driver was out of the vehicle she began to provide medical care. While still under fire from the AAF SPC Ruhl, disregarded her own personal safety and began the initial assessment and treatment of the casualty. The driver of the vehicle had suffered severe injuries to his legs. While still in the kill zone SPC Ruhl was conscious enough to understand that the casualty had to be stabilized prior to any movement. At this time the treatment area received several barrages of small arms; thru all of the chaos of battle SPC Ruhl continued to treat the casualty with the assistance of a first responder from another vehicle. SPC Ruhl applied one tourniquet to the driver’s right leg and directed the application of another to the left leg. Once the tourniquets were applied, SPC Ruhl alerted the CLP Commander that the patient was stable and ready for movement. SPC Ruhl was assisted by the first responder to move the patient to the CAEVAC vehicle. Another Soldier was alerted to assist in the transport of the casualty to the CASEVAC vehicle. Upon the hand off of the casualty, SPC Ruhl took the assisting Soldier’s M4 and began to engage the muzzle flashes from the cornfields providing cover as the casualty was loaded in the vehicle. Once in the vehicle, SPC Ruhl began the initial assessment for other wounds ensuring an effective hand off to the medical treatment facility as the CLP proceeded to COP Fortress. Her efforts kept the casualty awake and alert until the CLP arrived at COP Fortress. The driver of the M1151 is alive today due to her quick actions and situational awareness; her actions in those initial moments saved the Soldier’s life. Her actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon herself, Task Force Blacksmith, Task Force Mountain Warrior, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Permanent Order 263-1257, 20 September 2009

SOVINE, MATTHEW A.
Specialist, Army Medical Department, U.S. Army
1st Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division
Date of Action: 1 March 2012
Citation Needed:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded to Specialist Matthew A. Sovine Army Medical Department, United States Army for valorous achievement on 1 March 2012 while serving as a platoon medic for Battle Company, 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On that date, Specialist Sovine distinguished himself through valorous conduct and exceptionally meritorious action during a direct fire engagement on COP SANGSAR, Zharay District, Afghanistan. On or about 0300 hours, Combat Outpost (COP) SANGSAR was attacked by an enemy element from within the wall of COS SANGSAR. Specialist Sovine, sleeping in his living tent, was awakened to sustained small arms fire and rocket propelled grenade explosions impacting in close proximity to his tent. He immediately grabbed his weapon and made his way to the aid station wearing only physical fitness shorts, T-shirt, and combat boots, in order to assist with medical treatment of possible casualties. While maneuvering to the aid station, he came under heavy fire from the northwest tower of the COP. At the aid station, Specialist Sovine was joined by another medic and began to maneuver toward the COP’s entry control point (ECP) where he correctly assumed there would be casualties. In spite of limited ammunition and protection, Specialist Sovine was able to reach the southern side of the ECP where he found two Soldiers with severe gunshot wounds. One of the Soldiers was already being treated, but the second was lying exposed, his condition quickly worsening. Specialist Sovine, while still under heavy fire, suppressed the enemy and maneuvered a small element to secure the casualty and physically move him behind cover for further medical treatment. He quickly realized that both casualties needed to be brought to the aid station due to the severity of their wounds. Specialist Sovine again exposed himself from the protection afforded him by the barriers around the hasty casualty collection point (CCP) and ran to the aid station, securing two litters. Returning to the CCP through the withering enemy fire, Specialist Sovine loaded the casualties onto the litters and prepared them for movement. Specialist Sovine provided suppressive fires on the enemy in the northwest guard tower while the rest of his element moved the casualties to the aid station. With both wounded Soldiers in the aid station, Specialist Sovine began to work feverishly to save the life of the most severely wounded Soldier, applying all of his medical knowledge and the assets available to him to try to stabilize the Soldier. The Soldier, however, eventually succumbed to his injuries. Realizing he was no longer needed in the aid station, Specialist Sovine rejoined the fight to eliminate the enemy threat. He provided suppressive fire on the tower until the enemy was neutralized and quickly began working to extinguish the fire that was at the COP’s fuel point. Specialist Sovine’s heroic actions and selfless devotion to his fellow Soldiers is truly admirable and reflects great credit upon himself, fellow combat medics, and Battle Company, 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment.
General Orders: Permanent Orders unknown

WOODS, ERIC P.
Private First Class, Army Medical Department, U.S. Army
Grim Troop, 2nd Squadron, 3D Armored Cavalry Regiment
Date of Action: 25 June 2005
Citation:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded to Private First Class Eric P. Woods, Army Medical Department, United States Army distinguished himself for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 25 June 2005 during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. On June 25, 2005, about 1000 hours PFC Woods was on a dismounted patrol with Grim Troop’s Third platoon in the Bravo Delta (BD) area of Tal’ Afar. The platoon started to receive fire from two separate directions. CPL **** saw an insurgent come out of an alleyway at the end of the street and called out to PFC Woods that there was a man with an AK down the road. After the insurgent fired shots at PFC Woods, CPL **** yelled to PFC Woods to fire back at the insurgent. PFC Woods fired suppressive fire at the insurgent, but the insurgent managed to shoot SGT *********. After the fire from the street had subsided CPL **** yelled for a Medic. At first PFC Woods thought that CPL **** was hit. SSG ******** came to PFC Woods to relieve him from his position and told him that SGT ******** had been hit. SPC ******** and PFC Woods began to cut off SGT ********’s DCU top while PFC Woods cut open his DCU bottoms. After PFC Woods had cut about a third of the way down SGT ********’s right pants leg he found an entry wound. There was no active bleeding present so PFC Woods continued to cut the rest of SGT *******”s pants to identify other injuries. After cutting off the rest of his pants and not being able to find any other entry or exit wounds, PFC Woods had SPC ******** roll the patent onto his back so they could check for other wounds or injuries. SPC ******** dressed the wound while PFC Woods initiated an IV. PFC Woods told 1LT **** that it would be best to have the Bradley come to their location to pick up SGT *******. While the evacuation was taking place, Third Platoon continued to take small arms fire from multiple locations. While still under enemy fire, SGT ********’s IV came out of his left arm. PFC Woods and SPC ******** carried SGT ******** down the street and down the steps to Route Nova where the Bradley, Grim 33 was waiting to evacuate SGT ********. On the way to the LZ, PFC Woods monitored SGT ********”s vital signs, and continued to comfort and talk to him. When they arrived at the LZ, the helicopter had not arrived but was still enroute to the LZ, so PFC Woods administered another IV to SGT ********. PFC Woods continued to monitor the patient’s vital signs. Once the Black Hawk arrived, PRFC Woods updated the flight medic on SGT ********’s condition. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, Grim Troop, Sabre Squadron, The Regiment of Mounted Riflemen and the United States Army.
General Orders: Permanent Order number 300-002D, 27 October 2005