Naval Air Crewman Wins Combat “V” for Bravery in Iraq

Navy News Stand ^ | October 28, 2004 | Bill W. Love, Naval Hospital Corpus Christi Public Affairs

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

	Naval Air Crewman Wins Combat “V” for Bravery in Iraq Story Number: NNS041028-01 Release Date: 10/28/2004 6:36:00 AM By Bill W. Love, Naval Hospital Corpus Christi Public Affairs CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (NAC) Brad S. Tiefel was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "V" for heroic action during Operation Iraqi Freedom, in a ceremony Oct. 21 at Naval Hospital Corpus Christi (NHCC). The Combat “V” device denotes those individuals who were awarded a decoration as a result of direct combat with an enemy force. It may also signify an accomplishment of a heroic nature or valorous acts in direct support of operations against an enemy force. Captain A. L. Stocks, the commanding officer at NHCC, presented the medal. "This is a proud moment for Naval Hospital Corpus Christi," Stocks said. "We are honoring one of our corpsmen who made a commitment to honor and courage during combat. "Each of us wonder not if, but when we will be called upon," the captain said. "We wonder - will I be able? Petty Officer Tiefel experienced that moment of truth and we thank him for his bravery." Tiefel was cited for heroic action March 21, 2003, in support of Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing. He distinguished himself by demonstrating valor and skill after he launched on an urgent mission for six critically injured Marines and Sailors wounded by enemy land mines in a remote area of southern Iraq. Engaged by heavy enemy small arms fire east of the landing zone, Tiefel, with complete disregard for his own safety, swiftly loaded casualties into the CH-46 Chinook helicopter and immediately rendered treatment to casualties with life threatening injuries. His aircraft flew 50 miles to urgent care, where he continued to provide life saving medical procedures to the patients. Tiefel’s courage under fire directly led to the treatment and safe evacuation of the injured Marines and Sailors. “Now that I think back on the incident, I didn’t really stop to think about the danger,” the young corpsman admitted. “I was more concerned with getting to the casualties as quickly as I could.” Tiefel, a native of Honeoye, N.Y., who has been in the Navy nine years, is currently assigned to the NHCC Aviation Medicine department. For related news, visit the Naval Hospital Corpus Christi, Texas, Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/nhcc.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

 

8. HM2 Brad Tiefel

 

      

          

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (NAC) Brad S. Tiefel - awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "V" for heroic action during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

[Imabeliever]

It takes a very brave and dedicated person to go into a combat zone unarmed. God bless and protect them all.

[tall-eagle]

He was just doing his job of taking care of others.
He deserves this medal. We are gratefull for his service under extreme conditions. He did it for US!

[tall-eagle]

Now there is a REAL WAR HERO!

[huac]

For those Kerry supporters that had to ask, this is why it is important that Kerry lied about his medals, especially the "combat V" on his Silver Star. It diminishes the heroism of men like Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (NAC) Brad S. Tiefel. Congratulations and thanks to this fine American. As for Kerry, this shows why he is shameless.

[facedown]

Corpsman BTTT.

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[opbuzz]

Semper Fi Doc!

That's why Marines love their corpsmen!

[A.A. Cunningham]

CH-46 Chinook helicopter

Bill Love needs a remedial course in Marine Corps aircraft nomenclature. That would be a CH-46 Sea Knight.

[blackie]

Go Navy ~ Bump!