ST. PAUL, Minn. (Army News Service, Sept. 26, 2007) Aca,!" Staff Sgt. Chad Malmberg was presented the Silver Star here Sept. 22, for gallantry in action while serving in Iraq with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division Aca,!A"Red Bulls.Aca,!A?
Staff Sgt. Malmberg became the first Minnesota National Guard member since World War II to receive the fourth highest military decoration, which is designated solely for valor in the face of the enemy.
The St. Paul resident was credited for his quick, concise and heroic actions when his 25-vehicle convoy was ambushed outside Baghdad on Jan. 27, 2007. Outnumbered and trapped for nearly an hour in an ambush by 30-40 insurgents wielding rocket-propelled grenades and machine-guns, Staff Sgt. Malmberg repeatedly put himself in the direct line of fire to coordinate ground and air support to ensure the safety of his Soldiers.
The battle went on for 40 minutes as Staff Sgt. Malmberg used all his training and leadership skills to navigate the convoy through barriers in the road and to engage the enemy. When the convoy began to run low on ammunition, he threw a grenade at insurgents as they attempted to attack the rear of the convoy, killing seven of them.
Through his leadership coordination and brave acts the insurgents were defeated, and the convoy made it to safety.
When Staff Sgt. Malmberg took the podium to speak after receiving his Silver Star from Governor Tim Pawlenty and 34th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Rick Erlandson he asked all the men who were in his convoy to stand. As each Soldier was recognized, it was clear he didnAca,!a,,ct think he was the only hero in the convoy.
Aca,!A"These are the guys,Aca,!A? he said, after which the crowd erupted in a cheer. Once Staff Sgt. Malmberg showed the bond of his unit and the pride he had in all of his Soldiers and their dedication on the day of the ambush, he simply returned to his seat.
Following the ceremony, his unit began reintegration training into civilian life. Staff Sgt. Malmberg is in his senior year at Minnesota State University and has aspirations to become a member of the St. Paul police department.
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