Monica Brown

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Specialist Brown, Specialist [the Private First Class], U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with as a Combat Medic with the 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, during combat actions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 25 April 2007, in Afghanistan. While on patrol, the trail vehicle struck an IED which ignited the fuel, engulfing the vehicle in an intense fireball. The patrol began to take small arms and mortar fire. As the element retired fire, Specialist Brown immediately dismounted her vehicle, and without regard for her personal safety, moved to the burning vehicle amid intense enemy fire. After arriving at the vehicle, Specialist Brown began to treat two casualties. As she treated the wounded soldiers, intense enemy fire continued to impact her immediate vicinity. On several occasions, Specialist Brown used her body to shield the casualties from enemy fire, as well as the explosions of ammunition. Specialist Brown moved to the more protected position with her patients, and continued treatment as enemy small arms fire continued to impact around her. Once again, Specialist Brown shielded the wounded with her body. Specialist Brown’s heroism and selfless devotion to duty reflect great credit upon herself, Task Force Fury, the Combined Joint Task Force-82, and the United States Army.