Jeremy Church

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Jeremy Church, Private First Class, U.S. Army (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 724th Transportation Company during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, in Iraq, on 9 April 2004. While on an emergency fuel mission to Baghdad International Airport, Private First Class Church’s convoy was ambushed by 200 members of Muqtada al Sadr’s militia. The Humvee that he was driving contained platoon leader First Lieutenant Matthew Brown, who was severely wounded. After saving Brown, he went back to the raging firefight to rescue those still pinned down. Under heavy fire, Church rendered aid to other wounded. Remaining behind, he killed several insurgents and had to be pulled out of the gun battle. Later helped the wounded civilian truck drivers to safety. Private First Class Church is credited with saving five soldiers’ lives and four civilians.