MG Anthony Cucolo, 3rd Infantry Division Commander, presents Spc. Sixto Garcia the Bronze Star with “V” device.
On Feb. 23, 2009, Spc. Sixto Garcia was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” device for actions in Anbar province, Iraq, March 23, 2007.
Spc. Garcia provided overwatch with his M240B machine gun as his unit secured a village. The unit’s routine was disrupted when a vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (IED) raced toward them. Spc. Garcia immediately engaged and hit the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and detonate just short of the unit. Next, a series of IEDs exploded in succession that knocked Spc. Garcia from his position to the ground. Regaining his senses, he set his M240 back up and re-engaged. His steady contact with the enemy enabled his unit to re-group and evacuate the wounded to safety. Spc. Garcia’s role in the fight contributed to no loss of American lives.
Maj. Gen. Anthony Cucolo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division commented on Spc. Garcia’s “incredible calm under fire and presence of mind to report everything that was happening to his non-commissioned officer in charge.”
For his gallantry in action, Spc. Garcia is this week’s Warrior-Soldier.
