The Secretary of the Army of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Army Commendation Medal with Combat “V” to Staff Sergeant David Hill, for valor while serving with Company B, 50th Main Support Battalion, 42d Infantry Division, as a Logistics Patrol Vehicle Commander. His extraordinary efforts, personal sacrifices and his dedication to duty during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, task Force LIBERTY, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
For exceptionally meritorious service in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM III. Staff Sergeant Hill was a Combat Logistics Patrol (CLP) Vehicle Commander in a cargo vehicle on 14 June 2005. The convoy was traveling westbound from Forward Operating Base (FOB) WARRIOR on Alternate Supply Route (ASR) CLEMSON approximately 20 miles west of Kirkuk traffic circle when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated under another cargo vehicle in the serial. The vehicle immediately erupted in flames and rolled to a stop. The two crew members bailed out of the vehicle and were burned severely making their escape. Staff Sergeant Hill recognized the casualties were suffering from burn injuries and began treating their burns with cool water. Small arms fire was heard while treating the casualties, and he was the first to determine that the small arms fire heard was coming from an ammunition pouch on a soldier’s burning interceptor body armor (IBA). Staff Sergeant Hill poured water on these munitions, stopping the detonations. This greatly aided in establishing security by calming everyone present. When the Officer in Charge (OIC) needed absolute verification that no other passengers were in the burning cargo vehicle, Staff Sergeant Hill approached the truck despite searing flames and ensured that it was empty. After the CLP Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) left the scene to escort the ambulance back to FOB WARRIOR, Staff Sergeant Hill was the first to realize that two leading vehicles were still ahead of the attack site and he took action to retrieve these vehicles. Throughout the remainder of the ordeal, Staff Sergeant Hill remained invaluable to the OIC, relaying information and maintaining security in the box formation. Staff Sergeant Hill’s actions showed great courage, leadership, and selfless service and bring great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.