An unselfish act of valor

11 Fort Hood soldiers honored for battlefield action

This is an old family friend Adam. Adam was a young man who for various reasons, had finally left Texas and living with his parents to stay with his grandpa in Arizona for a while. I think his grandpa once told him that he needed to do something with his life and to keep himself out of trouble. Adam looked at the military as an alternative and decide to join the army.

Each time Adam came to visit, I could see what a responsible young man he was becoming. He loves life in the Army and flourished there. He liked it so much, he signed up for a second tour, another 6 years. He went to Afghanistan three times I believe.

In April 2012, Adam risked his life to save two of his injured brothers while under enemy fire outside of a cave in Afghanistan. I believe one man had a broken leg and the other was shot in the stomach. Another soldier saw him and left his safe spot to aid Adam and the other soldiers. They both saved two lives.

THIS is honor. THIS is what our men and women go through to fight in our military. THIS is why I am proud to be an American.

Today 1st Lt. Steven D. Hail was awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart (for injuries he sustained). Staff Sgt. Adam Davila was also awarded a Silver Star. According to the Home of Heroes site (http://www.homeofheroes.com/valor/02_awards/04_ss.html) "The Silver Star Medal is the United States' THIRD HIGHEST award exclusively for combat valor, and ranks fifth in the precedence of military awards behind the Medal of Honor, the Crosses (DSC/NC/AFC), the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (awarded by DOD), and the Distinguished Service Medals of the various branches of service. It is the highest award for combat valor that is NOT unique to any specific branch; it has been bestowed by the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines. It may be given by any one of the individual services to not only their own members, but to members of other branches of service, foreign allies, and even to civilians for "gallantry in action" in support of combat missions of the United States military."

Adam, you are so deserving of this award today and I pray (with the rest of the fam) that you continue to have a successful military career, that you enjoy your travels and that you come home safe to us after all the awesome adventures :) We are all so proud of you. Thank you for your service and for showing us all, the true meaning of honor.