The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Brian M. Sheetz, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 103d Armored Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, near Camp Habbaniyah, Iraq, on 27 February 2006. On that date, Specialist Sheets was a loader aboard an Abrams tank patrolling Main Supply Route MICHIGAN. During an ambush, an enemy grenade landed inside his tank. Specialist Sheetz grabbed it and threw it out of the hatch just as it detonated, sending shrapnel into his face and hand. His valorous action was instrumental in saving the lives of three fellow crew members. Specialist Sheetz actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, this command and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Specialist Brian M. Sheetz (United States Army), heroically distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy of the United States as M1A1 Abrams Loader, Company Charlie, 1st Battalion, 103d Armored Regiment, Camp Habbaniyah, Iraq, on the day of 27 February 2006, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. On 27 February 2006 at approximately 0937 hours, during a 24 hour security operation on a dangerous Main Supply Route known for having a large number of improvised explosive devices and insurgent attacks using small arms fire and rockets, the Cougar 31 tank was ambushed by insurgents using two RGD-5s and one RKG-3E grenade. The tank was positioned on the north shoulder of MSR “Michigan” at approximately the 632 Easting. Unknown to the crew, insurgents were advancing on the tank’s position with the intent to destroy the tank and kill the crewmembers. Suddenly the crew felt a concussion from the first RGD-5 which impacted on the back of the turret. A grenade was thrown inside the tank which landed at the feet of the gunner, tank commander, and loader. With complete disregard for his safety to save his comrades’ lives, the loader, Specialist Sheetz, quickly grabbed it and yelled “grenade.” He then put himself between the grenade and the crew to ensure their safety while throwing it out of the loader’s hatch. As he threw it out of the turret, the grenade detonated with shrapnel lacerating his hand and face. He said he was hit and could not see. Even though he lost vision in his left eye, Specialist Sheetz wanted to stay and secure the area. The crew report found the other three crewmembers completely uninjured. After a medical assessment by the gunner, the tank commander deemed Specialist Sheetz’s injuries to his left temple, his hand, and the profuse bleeding serious enough to return to the battalion aid station on FOB Habbaniyah for additional medical treatment. Specialist Sheetz is an ultimate example of what a true hero exemplifies for conspicuous gallantry in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. By his bold initiative, gallant fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty he was instrumental in saving his men from injury or possible death thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Army. Specialist Sheetz actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, this command and the United States Army.