Introduction
The Medal of Honor represents the maximum award for heroism and valor against a rival force and can be issued to an officer serving in U.S. military services. It is normally bestowed by the President in the appellation of Congress, hence the title, the Congressional Medal of Honor. To merit this award, the action performed by a military officer must reflect an act of greatest bravery and self-sacrifice. Moreover, the conduct must be so conspicuous to vividly separate the person from his colleagues as well as entail risk to life. The practice of issuing this prize was first established by a unanimous resolution of the U.S. Congress in 1862, with initial winners conferred during the Civil War. To date, about 3,500 individuals have been feted with the Medal of Honor prize. While the Medal of Honor primarily seeks to reinforce desired conduct in soldiers, Sergeant Alwyn Cashe demonstrated selflessness and dedication that inspires fellow members of the armed services and the citizenry.
Cashe’s Selflessness and Dedication
Cashe’s demonstration of selflessness and commitment was recognized in a ceremony held at the White House when President Joe Biden presented him posthumously with the prestigious award. Also honored posthumously with the prize during the same event was Sergeant Christopher Celiz, while Earl Plumlee, an Army Master sergeant, received his honor in person. Events that led to Cashe’s reward were his actions in Iraq that occurred about 18 years ago. In 2005, in the wee times of the night with inadequate visibility, Cashe rescued six members of his troops and an Iraqi translator from a burning Bradley truck (Lacdan, 2021). Even when the blazes overwhelmed him, he never gave up and returned to the burning vehicle until all the troops found safety.
Precisely, the patrol team was still engaging the enemy with fire, but Cashe got concerned about his fellow troops stuck in the soldiers’ vehicle compartment. Cashe showed selflessness by pushing his pain aside and returning to Bradley’s truck to rescue his colleague. His dedication and commitment to service were reflected by his profound love for the Third Infantry Division. Moreover, he ensured that no soldier would succumb to Bradley’s fire under his watch. While Cashe himself had 72 percent burns on his body, he rejected medical care until all his troops escaped. He later succumbed to the injuries despite showing absolute heroism and valor by plainly walking through the inferno to save his troops (Lacdan, 2021). His actions truly demonstrate an act of selflessness, dedication, and a robust sense of duty to safeguard his colleagues while in service.
How His Example Should Inspire Other People
Cashe’s actions show the readiness to ensure the well-being and safety of his troops before his own life coupled with his commitment to the service. His actions should inspire other people to exemplify such values not only in the armed services but also in other roles in various sectors. The bold actions by Cashe depict the sacrifices that men and women in uniform make to safeguard the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Medal of Honor reward system evokes unbelievable sacrifices that the U.S. military persons undergo to protect the nation. Marked as the highest honor for bravery in armed services, the award has seen numerous soldiers feted across its nearly 160 years of existence. Sergeant Alwyn Cashe depicted selflessness and dedication during a rescue mission of his troops trapped in the soldiers’ chamber. The action inspires fellow soldiers and the citizenry serving various roles.
Reference
Lacdan, J. (2021). Biden awards medal of honor to soldiers. The U.S. Department of Defense. Web.