Brian Nethery

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Brian Nethery, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Scout Platoon, 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, in action against enemy forces on the night of 30 June and 1 July 2007, during the Battle of Donkey Island in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Staff Sergeant Nethery was a section sergeant with a quick reaction force (QRF) that was dispatched to support a platoon that was in direct fire contact with 50 to 75 armed insurgents. Attempting a maneuver to pull watch over the on-scene commander’s fight, Staff sergeant Nethery’s vehicle came under intense direct fire, which wounded his gunner. He immediately administered life saving first aid to his wounded gunner and pulled his gunner down into an open seat, before training his sights on and eliminating several insurgent fighters. He returned to a nearby canal with the sole intention of rescuing a wounded comrade who could not extract himself from the battle. Despite closing fire from the enemy, Staff Sergeant Nethery low-crawled from his truck 10 meters to the Soldier’s position and dragged him back to his vehicle. Although outnumbered and under heavy fire, he never hesitated in rescuing his fallen comrade.