Sergeant Rashaan G. Canady.

Sergeant Rashaan G. Canady: Far Rockaway, New York, 13F20, Battery Commander's Driver, HHB, 1-41 FA, 3d ID. SGT Canady was courageous under fire while engaged in combat near Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On the afternoon of 4 April 2003, SGT Canady drove Captain Tristan Aitken, the HHB commander, in his high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) as he led a convoy to recover disabled vehicles and return them to the battalion's maintenance collection point at the Baghdad International Airport.

After the convoy recovered four combat vehicles, the enemy ambushed it with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and small arms fire about three kilometers away from the battalion's position. SGT Canady continued to drive the lead vehicle through heavy enemy fire without regard for his own safety or well being. An RPG struck the vehicle on the senior occupant's side, ejecting SGT Canady from the vehicle. SGT Canady's right arm was partially amputated by the blast, and he sustained a significant fragmentation wound to his left hand.

Despite his severe injuries, SGT Canady moved 150 meters under heavy enemy fire to retrieve his vehicle and his wounded commander still inside. After determining his vehicle could move under its own power, he backed it out of a ditch and drove his mortally wounded commander through a maelstrom of concentrated enemy fire to the safety of B Battery's position.

SGT Canady's bravery under fire prevented the deployment of additional soldiers from the B Battery Quick-Reaction Force to retrieve his convoy, potentially saving their lives as well. Additionally, his dedication to duty resulted in the safe and timely return of essential combat vehicles to the battalion for continuing combat operations.

SGT Canady was awarded the Silver Star and a Purple Heart for his heroic actions during combat in Iraq.