Staff Sergeant (SSG) Aaron Carter.

Staff Sergeant (SSG) Aaron Carter: Bartlesville, Oklahoma, 13F, Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT) Platoon Sergeant, 1-41 FA, 3d ID. SSG Carter demonstrated valor and courage in combat as part of C Troop, 1st Cavalry (Brigade Reconnaissance Troop).

SSG Carter's actions ensured the successful seizure of the bridge at Objective Jenkins north of An Najaf Iraq. He led a COLT with scouts and a defense artillery (ADA) assets through heavy small arms fire and rocket propelled grenade (RPG) attacks while continuously providing fire support in order to seize the objective. Upon reaching the objective, SSG Carter continued to suppress the enemy with small arms and indirect fires while ensuring the safety of the bridge. Upon securing the bridge, SSG Carter demonstrated his bravery and dedication by choosing not to return across the bridge to relative safety--instead opting to remain in place to continue calling for fires.

SSG Carter also helped defend the bridge by establishing final protective fires (FPF) and a strong defensive position, resulting in the destruction of enemy patrols around the objective. He was instrumental in the seizure and defense of the bridge resulting in the success of the operation. SSG Carter was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device for valor for his actions in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom.