SFC Alwyn C Cashe

Ten years ago today, in Samarra, Iraq, an IED exploded under the Bradley that SFC Cashe was performing the role of gunner in. The explosion sprayed gasoline into the vehicle and all over Cashe. He escaped, but then, selflessly made multiple trips back to the burning vehicle to rescue all six remaining soldiers and one interpreter inside, who would have surely died, all while not only burning himself badly in the process, but also while under enemy fire.

SFC Cashe died about 3 weeks later in a Texas hospital from the burns he got that day. Several of the others also succumbed to their injuries while at the same hospital as well, SSG George Alexander Jr., SGT Michael Robertson and SPC Darren Howe.

Before his tour, Cashe's sister told him "...Don’t go over there playing a hero. You learn how to duck and come home,” Cashe responded, "I’m doing the job I was trained to do. I have to take care of my boys". 

He certainly did his job. He went above and beyond anything a man can be trained to do. For his actions that day he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. General Gary Brito, who recommended him for the Silver Star, after further looking into his case, determined, rightly so, that he should have been awarded the Medal of Honor instead. 

That process, riddled with bureaucracy, still goes on today, 10 years later. Cashe's story has become more well known and featured in a number of publications and websites. One person who has taken up the cause and helped a great deal is a veteran named Harry Conner. His efforts and more information about SFC Cashe and this process, can be found here: History.net Article
Mr. Conner's Facebook group can be found here: SFC ALWYN C. CASHE DESERVES THE MEDAL OF HONOR. 

For his actions that day, he should most definitely be awarded the Medal of Honor. Until that happens, let us not forget, not only Alwyn Cashe, but also those others who fought and died alongside him. 

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