The Secretary of the Army of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Army Commendation Medal with Combat “V” to Private First Class Nicholas A. Sousa, United States Army, for valor in action while serving as a Medical Aidman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 11 August 2006. Private First Class Sousa displayed outstanding bravery by putting himself in danger by moving from his position to render aid and provide medical attention to his fellow comrades. His actions reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force CHOSIN, Combined Task Force SPARTAN, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
For exceptionally valorous achievement as a Medic in 2d Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, During Operation ENDURING FREEDOM VII, in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. Private First Class Sousa volunteered to leave his current duty position at the Camp Blessing Aid Station to join 2d Platoon on their dismounted movement from the Bella outpost to the Ranch House. On 11 August 2006, Private First Class Sousa displayed bravery and outstanding personal courage while rendering medical aid in support of the platoon that was ambushed while conducting a dismounted patrol from the Bella outpost to the Ranch House. Private First Class Sousa assessed and treated the patrol leader’s wound while the patrol leader was engaging enemy positions. Private First Class Sousa displayed tremendous bravery and exemplified the Warrior Ethos. Private First Class Sousa’s bravery, presence of mind, and medical knowledge displayed assured the Soldiers’ morale and peace of mind with his immediate medical attention. Private First Class Sousa took charge of the triage of three wounded Soldiers and ensured the dignity and respect was rendered to three KIA Soldiers for evacuation. Private First Class Sousa’s supervision of the air evacuation of the casualties and remains of the KIA Soldiers were exemplary and conducted expeditiously. During the entire duration of the enemy contact, Private First Class Sousa displayed incredible courage under fire and impressive medical expertise. His awareness of the dire situation propelled him to act without explicit direction. Private First Class Sousa’s bravery, presence of mind, and medical knowledge resulted in saving Soldier’s lives and the evacuation of all casualties.