Well done, Specialist Harrington! And best of luck in your future endeavors!On Dec. 27,20092008, Michael Harrington, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, was awarded the Silver Star for his actions in Ramadi, Iraq, on Sept. 19, 2005.
Specialist Harrington volunteered for a Quick Response Force (QRF) mission in response to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack that killed three from his platoon. On the way, the HMMWV carrying Specialist Harrington and nine other Soldiers struck an IED, tearing off its front end. After checking the others for injuries, Specialist Harrington dismounted and began engaging enemy positions. Connecting a tow bar to the disabled vehicle, Specialist Harrington’s platoon sergeant drove the other HMMWV away from enemy fire, only to be hit by another IED. Specialist Harrington then assisted the medic in providing first aid to the wounded Non-Commissioned Officer.
With neither transport nor communication, Specialist Harrington grabbed the only remaining radio from his kit bag and moved to an exposed location to make contact with his higher headquarters. Specialist Harrington and the QRF held their ground until an M113 troop carrier recovered them. After returning to camp, Specialist Harrington went back again to assist in sweeping the area for insurgents.
For his gallantry in action, Specialist Harrington is this week’s Warrior-Soldier
The Army Warrior Soldier of the Week is a weekly e-mail that highlights the bravery of a featured Army Soldier. To subscribe, e-mail lindy.kyzer@us.army.mil.
Cricket - turns out today's PAOs are equipped with future sensory skills...but not editors - sorry for the typo! Michael Harrington is a hero past, present and future, however. Thanks for highlighting his story, John!
2. after IED, checked others for injuries
3. dismounted INTO the ambush
4. engaged enemy posn
5. worked the recovery of the disabled vehicle
6. assist medic in providing first to PSG
7. while dismounted, moved to exposed location to establish comms with higher
8. held the fort until the M113 arrived to make pick-up
9. after being returned safely to base, went BACK out there to assist the sweep..
10. (all of the above, as a Specialist)
by rough count, i'm seeing about 3 "aboves" and 2 more "beyonds" in there, and if you add that all up, and it only comes up Silver?
maybe my math is just off.
And you're right- he's a hero, no matter what day- or year- it is.
Mike-
I'm guessing it's a Silver Star because he's no longer in the military. If he was still active in the National Guard, they would have given it a harder look at a higher award.
I know that awards such as the Silver Star are pretty subjective, but like the Medal of Posthoumus-Honor, I wish the criteria was more clear cut. And yes, I know you can't publish a list like "save 1 life; Bronze Star- as long as you engaged the enemy, called in backup, and covered the injured with your own body" or anything like that. It's just hard to read stories like this, and those passed over for MoH's, and wonder what else they could have- or would have had to do- to get a higher honor. And yes, I know they aren't doing it for the awards, but dang it, it sure is nice to be recognized for your efforts.