Kilgore native awarded the Silver Star

ARMY SPC. AARON DAVIS Army Spc. Aaron Davis says he was skeptical when he heard he was going to be awarded a Silver Star, the third highest commendation a U.S. soldier from any branch of service can receive.

"I just don't feel like I deserve it, that I didn't do anything for an award," Davis said this week from Brooke Army Medical Center, where he is recuperating from wounds received during a battle with insurgents in Afghanistan last July. The ambush by 200 or more "Taliban and friends" against Davis' group of 45 U.S. soldiers killed nine and wounded 16 of the paratroopers in the 173rd Airborne, affectionately known as "Sky Soldiers."

The Kilgore native modestly says he was just doing what everyone else was doing — fighting for their country, and trying to stay alive and keep each other alive.

The unit with which Davis was serving was 2nd Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, led by 1LT Jonathan Brostrom of Hawaii, who was one of the men killed that day.

"It's not about awards," Davis said of service to his country. "It's about brothers."

The Army on Friday presented the Silver Star and Purple Heart to Davis during a special ceremony at Brooke, in San Antonio.

Davis' Silver Star is for "gallantry in action on July 13, 2008."

An anti-armor gunner, Davis "directly engaged the enemy with multiple weapons systems. When he was wounded, he refused to leave the battlefield and continued fighting until he was wounded a second time." per the commendation.

"Specialist Davis' actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, and the United States Army."

After the first wound to his leg, Davis refused to leave his unit and subsequently helped to save the lives of three soldiers.

"I decided right there either I was walking off that battlefield, or they were putting me in a body bag. I couldn't leave my guys. I couldn't leave my boys," Davis told Channel 7's Bob Hallmark in a recent interview.

With shrapnel from a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) lodged behind his right eye, Davis later told his parents, Davlyn and Alvin Davis of Kilgore, "The blood was gushing down my face. When I called out to God, 'Are You with me?' I heard Him answer, 'I Am, I Am.' The next thing I knew a Marine was pulling me to safety and I was transported to the hospital."

By the time he was injured a second time, Davis has been told he had been in the fight for four hours.

Davis was evacuated from the battleground for treatment and soon transferred to see doctors at a U.S. base in Germany, followed by more hospitals in Washington, D.C., and San Antonio.

His faith in God and love of family have kept him strong, he says, and he adds he truly appreciates the love and support he has received from Kilgoreites during these past months.

FRIDAY'S CEREMONY was memorable for many reasons for the 2005 KHS grad, including the fact that the Army flew in his parents, other relatives and friends from Kilgore and beyond.

Davis knew they would be there for him, as they have always been.

But a surprise guest who has held a special place in Davis' heart since he was a little boy was also present: Roger Staubach, legendary quarterback for Davis' favorite football team in the whole world, the Dallas Cowboys.

"I didn't know Mr. Staubach was coming and I was really star-struck," Davis said. "He said he was honored to meet me and thanked me for my service."

Established during World War I as the Citation Star, the Silver Star (which is actually gold in color) is the third highest military award designated solely for heroism in combat. In 1932, it was re-designated as a medal with a retroactive provision that allowed servicemen as far back as the Spanish-American War (1898) to receive it for gallant actions.

The Purple Heart is America's oldest military decoration still given and was established by General George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit on Aug. 7, 1782.

"Let it be known that he who wears the military order of the purple heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen," Washington's original order said.

According to www.wikipedia.com, "the Badge of Military Merit was awarded only to three Revolutionary War soldiers and fell into disuse following the War of Independence. Although never abolished, the award of the badge was not proposed again officially until after World War I."

The modern Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to soldiers who have been wounded or killed in service since April 5, 1917.

DAVIS CONTINUES to receive treatment but has lost about 50 percent of the vision in his right eye.

"I'm doing good, though," he adds quickly.

He's been studying for a promotion to sergeant and soon goes before a board that will test his knowledge and skills. The 22-yearold, who joined the Army in January 2006, said he will remain in the service for five more years. He also plans to begin college classes once he is assigned to a base.

"I'm not sure where I will be stationed right now, and I'm not sure what I want to study, but I plan to get a college degree," Davis added.

Those who wish may send cards and letters to: Aaron Davis, 173rd Airborne Brigade Brooke Army Medical Center 3851 Roger Brooke Dr. Ft. Sam Houston, Texas 78234 Attn: Spc. Aaron Davis Box #319