FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 6, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Sadosky
Sen. Hutchison Praises Silver Star Recipient David Hutchinson on 65th Anniversary of D-Day
SPC Hutchinson Becomes Fifth Army Reserve Soldier to Receive Silver Star since 9/11
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, on the 65th anniversary of D-Day, Army Reserve Specialist David Hutchinson received the Silver Star at a ceremony in Bryan, Texas. While deployed to Afghanistan with the 420th Engineer Brigade, SPC Hutchinson displayed extraordinary valor under fire when he attacked and destroyed an enemy machine gun nest, killed five enemy combatants, and saved the lives of 17 fellow Soldiers.
Yesterday, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Texas’ senior Senator, met with SPC Hutchinson and praised him for his courage and valor. Attached is a photo of Sen. Hutchison with SPC Hutchinson.
“Today, we reflect on the events that took place 65 years ago and recognize the bravery of those who participated in that extraordinary undertaking. On this anniversary, it is fitting that Specialist Hutchinson is honored with the Silver Star for his valor and courage under fire,” said Sen. Hutchison. He represents the same high ideals as the men who stormed the beaches of Normandy on that fateful day: courage, loyalty, and a steadfast resolve to protect his friends and fellow soldiers at the risk of his own life. I had the privilege of meeting with Specialist Hutchinson yesterday, and I commend him for his courageous actions and thank him for his remarkable service to our country.”
Born in Humble, Texas, David Hutchinson enlisted in the Army Reserve in December 2005 after graduating from Brenham High School.
On the morning of May 21, 2008, SPC Hutchinson and 17 of his fellow Army Reserve Soldiers of the 420th Engineer Brigade Personal Security Detail were traveling through the mountains of Afghanistan in a convoy of four Humvees when they were attacked in a coordinated ambush by 20 enemy insurgents. The enemy attempted to destroy the convoy with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), small arms fire, and a nested PKM machine gun.
The enemy had fire superiority until SPC Hutchinson engaged and destroyed the machine gun nest. SPC Hutchinson’s fire was so effective in disrupting the enemy’s efforts that the enemy shifted their attack to concentrate on him and his mounted MK-19 machine gun. SPC Hutchinson held his position under intense attack, continuing to fire at the enemy, despite threats to his own safety. Other soldiers later counted over 100 bullet holes in the turret of his Humvee.
SPC Hutchinson destroyed the machine gun position and killed five enemies before he was seriously wounded by shrapnel from an RPG. Though seriously injured himself, he administered first aid to another wounded soldier as the convoy moved out of the combat zone. SPC Hutchinson’s actions disrupted the enemy’s attack and contributed to the safety of 17 of his fellow soldiers.
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.
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