102nd Reconnaissance Battalion Staff Sgt. Michal Novotny received the Bronze Star from Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey at Shank Air Force Base. He visited the base on the second day of his visit to Afghanistan. There he presented decorations to eight soldiers, including a Czech soldier.
Staff Sergeant Michal Novotný received the decoration for helping an American soldier who stepped on an improvised explosive device. The ten-kilogram charge caused massive injuries to the American soldier. The Czech soldier, regardless of his own safety, provided the necessary assistance and saved his life. Three other Czech colleagues helped him at the scene. This act took place on 19 November 2011.
Staff Sergeant Michal Novotný had also intervened at the scene of the explosion during his previous deployment in Afghanistan. In 2008, one Czech soldier was killed and one lost an arm.
Source:
www.novinky.cz
www.defense.gov
Staff Sergeant Michal Novotný received the decoration for helping an American soldier who stepped on an improvised explosive device. The ten-kilogram charge caused massive injuries to the American soldier. The Czech soldier, regardless of his own safety, provided the necessary assistance and saved his life. Three other Czech colleagues helped him at the scene. This act took place on 19 November 2011.
Staff Sergeant Michal Novotný had also intervened at the scene of the explosion during his previous deployment in Afghanistan. In 2008, one Czech soldier was killed and one lost an arm.
Source:
www.novinky.cz
www.defense.gov