"There was smoke everywhere. I saw the flames, and I was kind of scared to go upstairs. When I heard her voice, I just rushed upstairs, grabbed her and then fireman carried her outside."
Sgt. Arron Hill, motor transport operator, 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, was awarded the Soldier's Medal, April 15, at the post chapel, here, for heroism demonstrated at great personal risk while assigned to the 416th Transportation Company, Hunter Army Air Field, Savannah, Ga., last year.
"I am grateful that I was able to assist and render aide when it was needed," said Hill, addressing a crowded chapel as he stood before his wife Deneedra and their three children: Delaya, 9; Denise, 6; and 7-month-old Arron Jr.
Selfless service is a core value in the Army. Hill demonstrated this quality by risking his own life to save that of another.
"When Sgt. Hill rushed into that burning house that day, he could not have possibly known that the end would be favorable for him or his neighbor," said Lt. Col. Michael Titus, commander of the 225th BSB, 2nd SBCT. "But, he rushed in anyway."
Titus said that for Hill, Army Values are not just words on a plastic dog tag, not just a cool acronym that spells leadership. Hill was honored because he is an example of what all Soldiers strive to be.
"I am humbled by this ceremony," said Hill. "I appreciate the award. However, I feel that I was only doing what any other person would have done."
The Soldier's Medal was established by an act of Congress, July 2, 1926, to be awarded to members of the armed forces who distinguished themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.
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