On the night of Nov. 10, 2004 Staff Sgt. David Bellavia was a squad leader tasked with clearing a block of buildings thought to be housing enemy insurgents. A Bradley Fighting Vehicle was in support of Bellavia’s unit, but due to high walls and tight quarters the Bradley was unable to provide supporting fire. The platoon would have to clear the buildings on their own.

While clearing a house, a squad from Bellavia’s platoon became trapped under intense enemy fire. Recognizing the immediate severity of the situation, and with disregard for his own safety, Bellavia engaged the enemy on his own and single handedly wiped out an entire squad of enemy insurgents.

15 years after his heroic actions David Bellavia would become the first living Iraq War veteran to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

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