U.S. Newsus soldiersmedalsAfghanistan

Matt Blain Honored With Rare Soldier's Medal For River Rescue (VIDEO)

Rare Medal Awarded To Soldier Who Saved Comrades From Drowning
|

Former Staff Sgt. Matt Blain joined an elite group of soldiers when he was awarded with the rare 'Soldier's Medal' for heroism Saturday.

Blain received the medal for his role in rescuing comrades from an MRAP armored vehicle that tipped over into a raging river in Afghanistan.

The Orange County Register notes that Blain jumped into the water without any apparent thought for his own safety, and lifted a 500lb door to help save the men trapped inside from drowning.

The Laguna Beach Independent quotes Col. Brian Mennes, of the officers dispatched to California from Fort Bragg, N.C., to award Blain the medal emphasized how rare that honor is: “This is my first in 27 years."

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip