1776Reporting
Courage often shows itself in the darkest moments, and few stories illustrate this more powerfully than that of Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe. A dedicated soldier, Cashe gave everything—including his life—to protect his comrades during a mission in Iraq. His heroism didn’t just inspire those who served alongside him; it earned him the highest military honor: the Medal of Honor.
From Humble Beginnings to Military Excellence
Alwyn Cashe’s journey began in 1989 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after high school. His early years in service were marked by dedication and versatility. From a two-year assignment in Korea to serving in the Gulf War, Cashe gained a reputation for hard work and discipline. By the mid-1990s, he was a seasoned infantryman, serving in Fort Hood, Texas, and later taking up roles in Germany.
In 1998, Cashe completed Drill Sergeant School, a position that reflected his leadership skills. As a drill sergeant at Fort Benning, Georgia, he helped shape future soldiers for two years before returning to operational roles in Europe. By 2004, Cashe became a platoon sergeant at Fort Benning’s 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, ready to face one of the greatest challenges of his career.
A Deadly Mission in Iraq
In October 2005, during his second deployment to Iraq, Cashe served with A Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment. That night, his unit was conducting a routine clearance patrol near Samarra. The team’s mission seemed straightforward—clear the route for an upcoming convoy. But as their Bradley Fighting Vehicle led the convoy, it hit an improvised explosive device (IED). The blast ruptured the vehicle’s fuel cell, causing flames to engulf the soldiers trapped inside.
Cashe, only slightly injured, emerged from the wreckage covered in fuel. With no regard for his own safety, he fought to save his team. Flames spread quickly, but he returned to the burning vehicle repeatedly, rescuing six soldiers and retrieving the body of their Iraqi translator. His selfless actions left him with burns covering 72% of his body.
He was flown to Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas but succumbed to his injuries on November 8, 2005. “A soldier’s soldier,” President Joe Biden would later call him.
The Long Road to Recognition
Cashe’s bravery was initially recognized with the Silver Star, but many believed his actions deserved higher recognition. Lieutenant General Gary Brito, who had nominated Cashe for the Silver Star, later realized the full extent of his heroism. He began advocating for an upgrade to the Medal of Honor.
The push gained momentum in 2019 when lawmakers, including Dan Crenshaw and Stephanie Murphy, pushed for a bill to waive the five-year statute of limitations for the award. Their efforts succeeded when the bill passed unanimously in Congress and was signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2020.
On December 16, 2021, President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor to Cashe posthumously. His widow, Tamara, accepted the medal at a White House ceremony. Cashe became the first African American soldier since the Vietnam War to receive the honor for actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
A Legacy of Selflessness
Alwyn Cashe’s story is not just about bravery—it’s about sacrifice and the bonds forged in service. He walked through fire to save his brothers-in-arms, embodying the highest ideals of the U.S. Army. As President Biden said during the ceremony, “He was a man who literally walked through fire for his men.”
Cashe’s actions continue to inspire, reminding us that true heroism lies in the willingness to give everything for others. His legacy is a testament to the enduring spirit of service and the extraordinary courage of those who put others before themselves.
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