The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant Luis A. Arroyo, United States Army, for valor while serving as a Squad Leader, Company H, 3d Squadron, 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment, on 8 December 2010, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Sergeant Arroyo displayed bravery, courage, and selfless service after an insurgent suicide improvised explosive device vest killed or wounded the other members of his patrol. He secured the wounded from the threat of further enemy attack, provided first aid, and facilitated their evacuation from a hostile environment. His actions reflect great credit upon himself, the Regional Command-South, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
On 8 December 2010, Sergeant Arroyo was part of a routine dismounted patrol in Chel Gazi, Afghanistan when a suicide bomber detonated near the patrol. Sergeant Arroyo, without hesitation, established security in his assigned sector allowing other members of the patrol to seek cover, and begin assessing themselves and each other. Realizing that all members of the patrol were wounded, Sergeant Arroyo immediately began assessing casualties and rendering aid. Sergeant Arroyo first treated the casualties able to assist in providing security in the event the enemy mounted a complex attack. As he treated casualties, Sergeant Arroyo realized that the situation required the patrol to move to another location. He single-handedly entered and cleared an adjacent compound before calling forward the remainder of the patrol. Sergeant Arroyo placed each member in position to best secure the perimeter against an attack while continuing treatment of the casualties. His ability to maintain his composure and project confidence was essential to calming the wounded and maintaining order in a chaotic situation. Sergeant Arroyo’s updates of the casualties’ conditions allowed the Company Commander to quickly send an accurate MEDEVAC request. This saved valuable time and ensuring higher headquarters had an adequate grasp of the situation on the ground. As medical evacuation assets and the company Quick Reaction Force approached his position, Sergeant Arroyo promptly and properly used available signaling devices to guide them in despite it being in a confusing and constricted urban area. Once he achieved link up with the QRF and MEDEVAC, Sergeant Arroyo assisted in transporting the casualties and then stayed behind to help secure and sterilize the area. Sergeant Arroyo did all this sustaining wounds which later required him to be evacuated as well. Sergeant Arroyo’s poise, quick reaction, and knowledge of Combat Life-Saver skills were instrumental to stabilize the casualties and preventing a confusing situation from deteriorating into utter chaos.