FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- A Soldier assigned to 2nd Brigade Combat Team was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor by Maj. Gen. Stephen Townsend, Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division (LI) commander, Thursday.
Staff Sgt. Chad L. Hart was recognized for his actions on June 8, while serving as a combat adviser, when he engaged an active shooter on Forward Operating Base Super, Paktika Province, Afghanistan.
According to the award narrative, Hart was walking out of a meeting with his teammates when a gunman stepped out of his vehicle and opened fired against the group. When the shooting began, he disregarded his own safety and immediately returned fire.
After the gunman no longer posed a threat, Hart rushed back to the victims to render aid, including buddy-team CPR, until they were transported for further medical care. The attack left three dead and three injured.
"When the insider attack occurred on that tragic day, Staff Sgt. Hart took charge of the situation," said Col. Dennis S. Sullivan, 2nd BCT commander. "Had he not taken those actions, the already tragic events of that day could have been far worst. All of us are in his debt for his valorous actions."
Hart's brave actions on that day epitomize the Noncommissioned Officers Corps.
"Staff Sgt. Hart's actions are exactly what we expect our noncommissioned officers in our Army to do: he led by example that day," Townsend said.
Continuing to lead by example, Hart requested to stay with his team and finish the deployment.
"I want to thank Col. Sullivan for allowing me to stay with the team after the incident; this meant so much to me," Hart said.
"It was the team Green 0 who kept me whole and my head on my shoulders, he added. "I want to thank you all for that."
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