Posted on 11/23/2004 11:24:33 AM PST by bushisdamanin04
By Hal Bernton
Seattle Times staff reporter
FORT LEWIS — For Army Spc. Rebecca Finnick, an April 5 convoy was supposed to be a routine visit to monitor the rebuilding of a prison in Mosul, Iraq. But along the way, her unarmored Humvee came under fire from insurgents hiding behind gravestones, and Finnick was thrust into the thick of a short but fierce firefight.
Finnick's conduct in that combat yesterday earned her a Bronze Star for valor for actions that underscored the frontline roles that women often play in Iraq combat.
The 30-year-old Finnick was cited for unleashing an initial volley of fire that helped protect the convoy from direct hits by rocket-propelled grenades. She then rescued a wounded gunner from a Humvee's turret. After giving her first aid, Finnick took to the turret to provide security while injured soldiers were evacuated to the hospital.
"You don't think about things," Finnick said yesterday. "It all goes by so fast ... it was like a dream."
The Ridgecrest, Calif., woman deployed to Iraq in fall 2003 with the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, the first unit to go into combat with the eight-wheeled Stryker vehicles. While in Iraq, Finnick was separated from her 7-year-old son, Scott. But he was on hand as Finnick was congratulated by fellow soldiers.
Finnick received her medal during a formal ceremony to welcome back the more than 4,800 members of the brigade, most of whom returned in October.
During the ceremony, two other brigade members also received medals.
Spc. Joshua Miller received the Silver Star for voluntarily placing himself in peril to save the life of a fellow soldier when his foot-patrol squad was ambushed by insurgents. Miller single-handedly fended off a 20-man assault on his squad's position. Then, under heavy fire, he managed to rescue his vehicle commander, who was trapped in debris.
Sgt. Charles Quintanilla received the Bronze Star for decisive and aggressive actions to fend off 25 insurgents armed with AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenades.
Hah, can you imagine how those Islamic terrorists must feel after being bested by an American woman?
Congrats to all of them, btw.
Give a salute to an American Hero!!
I thought women weren't in the fighting.
Suicidal, I'm sure.
Technically, they're not. But when one is dealing with terrorist cowards hiding behind tombstones, women and children, every inch of the country is the front line.
Either that, or they didn't get the chance to feel much of anything, because our guys (and gals) killed them.
I guess it is true what they say, "Hell hath no fury like a woman with an M-16."
While women are not in most direct combat units, support units in a combat zone do come under attack. Numerous supply convoys have come under attack.
Today's battlefield is fluid...there is NO "rear" anymore. If you recall during Desert Strom..one of the SCUDS landed on a NG quartermaster HQ in Kuwait, I believe..there were a dozen female soldiers killed..
Judging from the past attacks,any woman is in a combat zone in Iraq.
Trust me,women can fight.I knew a female deputy that could handle any situation that arose.She was a deadly weapon with a baton and Glock.
I believe we had some women awarded medals in the Gulf War.
I remember that, our base senior NCOIC lost his daughter in that attack. The man was back at work a few days later, taking care of his troops.
It's wonderful that God creates people such as these, and even more wonderful that most of them are born Americans.
God's love and protection be with all of our troops. These men and women are another thing that I will be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Best Regards
Sergio
Kudos to her for stepping up to the plate and following her training, but she should not have been there in the first place.
Well stated..thank you...
She's probably the first woman they've ever encountered who could defend herself! I'm sure they're more used to the bound, blindfolded and helpless kind.
God bless all our guys and gals takin' care of business in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Thanks Guys, Rebecca Finnick
P.S. Women should be there or they would be right.
To Rebecca - well done, soldier!
Something to do with the red wire...
Would they put "Valor medal honors dad??
Highly doubtful.
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