Maj. Gen. Michael Shields, U.S. Army Alaska commanding general, presented the Army Commendation Medal to Staff Sgt. Ryaan Villagomez, a squad leader with 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, for his role in saving a man's life in Columbus, Ga. March 16.
Villagomez was on temporary duty at Fort Benning, Ga. when he and another Soldier exited a night club a saw what he described as a commotion.
"We heard a vehicle back up and stop and some yelling," said Villagomez. "There was punching between two men, the [truck] abruptly took off. The casualty grabbed his neck and fell to the floor."
Villagomez said he immediately moved towards the victim as a woman screamed for someone to call 9-1-1.
"As we walked closer to the victim, who was kneeling on the ground, we saw blood pouring from numerous places," Villagomez said. "Blood was pouring on the floor."
Villagomez said the victim had cuts on his face, neck, arm and back. The two Soldiers carefully laid the victim on his side and used their shirts to apply pressure to his numerous wounds. The Soldiers controlled the bleeding then continuously talked to the victim in an effort to keep him conscious.
According to the award Villagomez's actions demonstrated a high level of self-less service and Combat Life-Saver expertise.
Villagomez said his training and combat experiences were a crucial factor in his ability to react to the situation quickly and provide life-saving medical attention to the wounded man.
"I'm just thankful we were there," Villagomez said. "He could have gone into shock and really bled out. [I'm] thankful that I have the skills necessary for that situation and thankful that man got to go home to his two kids."
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