FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Spc. Aaron Davis, D Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, received the Silver Star and Purple Heart March 27 at Brooke Army Medical Center for his valor while serving as an infantryman during his deployment in Afghanistan.
While Davis and his team were patrolling in northeast Afghanistan, July 13, 2008, Taliban fighters attacked the surrounding area, causing Davis to take action on the battlefield.
During combat, Davis was hit with shrapnel to his right leg from a rocket-propelled grenade. Even though he was injured, he remained on the battlefield to assist three injured Soldiers to a medical evacuation helicopter.
"I wanted to help those who had more severe injuries than I did," said Davis. As he returned from the helicopter, he was hit again. This time, the shrapnel was scattered throughout his body, arms and face.
"Blood was everywhere, I couldn't see, I was hurting everywhere. I didn't want to leave the premises or leave my comrades, but this time I had no choice," added Davis. More than 70 family members, comrades and medical staff took time out of their schedules to show their respect for his bravery, sacrifice, dedication and service to our country.
"With all my years in the Army, I have never pinned a Silver Star to a Soldier. This ceremony is a huge honor for me," said Brig. Gen. James Gilman, commander, Great Plains Regional Medical Command and Brooke Army Medical Center.
Davlyn Davis, mother of Davis, emphasized the ceremony is not only about her son but also for the ones that perished from the fight.
"They are the true heroes; I'm proud to be a mom of a Soldier. Every-one involved in this journey took extraordinary measures to ensure my son and my family was in good hands," added Mrs. Davis.
The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy.
The Silver Star is the third highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is also the third highest award given for valor, in the face of the enemy.
"Although it's hard to think about what happened in the battlefield, I am glad I was there to help my comrades," said Davis.
Davis remains as an outpatient with BAMC but hopes that when he makes a full recovery he can return to be a squad leader with the Warrior in Transition Unit. "I'd really like to stay on and help out with the other Soldiers who are coming back; I know what it's like. I've been through it," concluded Davis.
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