Army Pfc. Monica Brown, Heroism In Afghanistan

Of course, they always say, "I was just doing my job". But, Army medic, Pfc. Monica Brown, is an exceptional person.

An American convoy near Jani Khel, Paktya, struck an IED and came under small-arms fire from insurgent positions 100 yards away.  Army Pfc. Monica Brown ran forward through small-arms fire toward the burning vehicle to render aid to fellow Paratroopers. After she moved the casualties to a dry creek bed next to the burning vehicle, the convoy came under insurgent mortar attack. Brown placed her body over the wounded to shield them from mortar fire landing less than 100 yards away. At this point, the ammunition in the burning vehicle began to explode, again she shielded the casualties with her own body as chunks of shrapnel flew from the burning vehicle. After moving the wounded a second time, she continued treatment and again used her body to protect them from enemy small-arms fire.

Brown’s bravery, unselfish actions and medical aid rendered under fire saved the lives of her comrades and represents the finest traditions of heroism in combat!

 

  ***UPDATE 3/11/08 12:25AM***

She will be receiving the Silver Star, the third highest medal for valor.

A 19-year-old medic from Texas will become the first woman in Afghanistan and only the second female soldier since World War II to receive the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest medal for valor.

[...]

"I did not really think about anything except for getting the guys to a safer location and getting them taken care of and getting them out of there," Brown told The Associated Press on Saturday at a U.S. base in the eastern province of Khost.

Brown, of Lake Jackson, Texas, is scheduled to receive the Silver Star later this month. She was part of a four-vehicle convoy patrolling near Jani Kheil in the eastern province of Paktia on April 25, 2007, when a bomb struck one of the Humvees.