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 Staff Sergeant David M. Plush, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Weapons Squad Leader, with the 3d Platoon, Company A, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 2d Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 6 May 2007, in Iraq. Sergeant First Class Plush’s personal bravery and selfless actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Staff Sergeant David M. Plush distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous acts in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as Weapons Squad Leader, with the 3d Platoon, Company A, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 2d Infantry Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 6 May 2007. Staff Sergeant Plush performed multiple acts of conspicuous valor, in total disregard for his personal safety and in the face of life threatening danger. On 6 May 2007, in Old Baqubah, Baqubah, Iraq. Staff Sergeant Plush, while serving in the capacity of Weapons Squad Leader, moved dismounted and responded to the aid of 2d Squad. 2d Squad’s Stryker (A32V) was hit by a DBIED (Deep Buried Improvised Explosive Device) on RTE Pacific and RTE Market. A 32V was catastrophically destroyed, the explosion killed six Soldiers, one civilian photographer and wounded one Soldier who was trapped inside and in need of medical care. Staff Sergeant Plush was one of the first persons to respond to the scene. He had dismounted his vehicle and maneuvered the remaining elements of his Squad to the site of the destroyed Stryker. Upon arrival he started assessing the situation and attempted to locate any survivors. Staff Sergeant Plush noticed that the vehicle was smoldering and that there were large amounts of fuel all over the ground. He knew that Specialist Clark was trapped inside, in need of medical attention and that flames and smoke would eventually kill him if he didn’t act fast. Staff Sergeant Plush identified that he needed to get a fire extinguisher and then single-handedly ran to A31V, which was over 100 meters away from the site of the recovery. A31V was stationary on RET Pacific, next to the Ibraheem Izzat Mosque. The recovery effort was underway, and Staff Sergeant Plush was in the vicinity of A31V when the Platoon started to receive heavy enemy contact from the mosque. The rounds were impacting the overturned Stryker and inches away from dismounted Soldiers attempting to rescue Specialist Clark. The Platoon began returning fire on identified enemy locations. Staff Sergeant Plush was right in the crossfire and just feet away from the mosque. He immediately started receiving accurate and sustained fire on his position, originating from the mosque. He instructed A31V to back up, returned fire and used the vehicle for cover, then he had A31V engage the mosque with .50 caliber machine gun fire. From across the road, Staff Sergeant Plush saw that the isolated flames inside the destroyed Stryker had started to spread. With total disregard for his personal safety, while under accurate enemy fire, with no covered or concealed route, he ran across the open ground back to the overturned Stryker. The Platoon provided overwhelming amounts of covering fire to facilitate Staff Sergeant Plush’s movement. While in contact Staff Sergeant Plush began moving in and around the vehicle, effectively extinguishing the fire. After a few minutes, the sustained gunfire subsided and only sporadic fire continued. The Platoon was able to reduce the threat and the enemy contact ceased. Once the flames were extinguished, Staff Sergeant Plush began assisting the other first responders in the rescue attempt. After the Platoon was able to get vehicle jacks, they were able to lift A32V enough (using three jacks) to get Specialist Clark out; he had injuries to his right hand and was Medevaced. Staff Sergeant Plush continued to assist in directing the recovery effort, adjusted his men into a security posture and searched for the remains of his fallen comrades. He only ceased the recovery when he collapsed from physical exertion and had to be medevaced. Staff Sergeant Plush’s selfless acts saved the life of Specialist Clark and prevented the loss of further lives. His actions are a true testament to the Army standard of never leaving a fallen comrade. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, this Command and the United States Army.