Distinguished Service Cross Recipient

Staff Sgt. Christopher B. Waiters, receipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for actions in Iraq’s Diyala province.

The DSC is the second highest military decoration that can be received by a member of the US Army.

Staff Sgt. Waiters, a combat medic, reacted after a Bradley Fighting Vehicle was struck by an IED and began to burn with three occupants still inside. He parked his vehicle, engaged two enemy personnel and ran 80 meters through small arms fire towards the flaming Bradley.

He then pulled out the driver and the vehicle commander, treated both and brought them back to his Stryker for further treatment. After learning that another Soldier was trapped inside the Bradley, he sprinted once again under fire without hesitation back into the troop compartment.

While inside, the Bradley’s 25mm ammunition began exploding, forcing his exit. He re-entered the vehicle and found a deceased American Soldier. He sprinted back to his Stryker to secure a body bag. Upon his return, another medic had taken charge of the scene, allowing him to evacuate the two casualties in his Stryker.

Staff Sgt. Waiters’ personal courage, uncommon valor and selfless service directly contributed to the safety and evacuation of two wounded and the recovery of one fallen soldier.

~ by philsussman on October 21, 2008.