HURLBURT FIELD — On March 24, Tech. Sgt. Doug Matthews was presented the Silver Star at the 125th Special Tactics Squadron in Clackamas, Ore. The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.
On Nov. 27, 2012, the vehicle Mathews' was riding in had struck an improvised explosive device near Jalrez, Wardak Province in Afghanistan. Despite being ejected from the 15-ton vehicle, and sustaining head injuries and multiple lacerations, he faced an onslaught of enemy small-arms fire from 12 different fighting positions, some as close as 30 meters.
Although seriously wounded, Mathews made his way back to the overturned vehicle, and located a fellow service member who was seriously wounded, all the while exchanging fire with the enemy. He moved his wounded comrade to the safety of a nearby embankment. As his Special Forces teammates regrouped, Mathews coordinated close air support and medical evacuation for his wounded teammates, the citation reads.
The medals ceremony included other members of the 125th Special Tactics Squadron: Staff Sgt. Matthew Matlock with the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and second Oak Leaf Cluster; Staff Sgt. Christopher Jones with the Bronze Star with Valor and first Oak Leaf Cluster; and Tech. Sgt. George Thompson with the Bronze Star.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hurlburt airman recognized with Silver Star