ROSS A. MCGINNIS
Iraq
C Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty: Private First Class Ross A.
McGinnis distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an M2
.50-caliber Machine Gunner, 1st Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion,
26th Infantry Regiment, in connection with combat operations
against an armed enemy in Adhamiyah, Northeast Baghdad, Iraq, on 4
December 2006. That afternoon his platoon was conducting combat
control operations in an effort to reduce and control sectarian
violence in the area. While Private McGinnis was manning the M2
.50-caliber Machine Gun, a fragmentation grenade thrown by an
insurgent fell through the gunner's hatch into the vehicle.
Reacting quickly, he yelled "grenade," allowing all four members of
his crew to prepare for the grenade's blast. Then, rather than
leaping from the gunner's hatch to safety, Private McGinnis made
the courageous decision to protect his crew. In a selfless act of
bravery, in which he was mortally wounded, Private McGinnis covered
the live grenade, pinning it between his body and the vehicle and
absorbing most of the explosion. Private McGinnis' gallant action
directly saved four men from certain serious injury or death.
Private First Class McGinnis' extraordinary heroism and
selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call
of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.
Congrats to team RAYKYRA for the FTF! That was quick!