Hero of the week: Alwyn C. Cashe
July 23, 2021Hero of the Week: we strive to highlight the bravest amongst us. This week, we could think of no more deserving person than Sergeant First Class (SFC) Alwyn C. Cashe. Although his heroic actions were nearly two decades ago, he is finally getting the recognition he rightfully deserves. It was recently announced that Cashe will be awarded the Medal of Honor.
Hero of the Week: we strive to highlight the bravest amongst us.
On October 17th, 2005, Cashe’s Bradley Fighting Vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). Despite being injured, he began helping soldiers to evacuate from the vehicle. As the situation grew more dire, fuel began spraying from the vehicle, covering SFC Cashe. The Bradley became engulfed in flames, but Cashe did not waiver.
He continued to pull soldiers out, despite being covered in fuel and being burned by the blaze. Cashe persevered, despite suffering second and third degree burns over 72% of his body. He fought through excruciating pain and continued to take charge of the situation until support arrived. Cashe eventually succumbed to his injuries on November 8th, 2005. SFC Cashe was laid to rest at Restlawn Cemetery in Sanford, Florida.
SFC Cashe was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for heroism in the face of perilous danger. The citation stated that Cashe, “saved the lives of six fellow soldiers despite his serious injuries”
However, many felt this did not accurately reflect the iron fortitude, and love for his soldiers, Cashe displayed. The campaign began to upgrade the Silver Star to the Medal of Honor (MOH). The law states that a (MOH) should be awarded within five years of the actions that give rise to the award, but the movement was not deterred. Subsequently, Congress passed H.R.8276 — 116th Congress (2019-2020) to waive that requirement.
Yesterday, Newsweek confirmed that the decision was made to posthumously award Cashe the MOH.
Hero of the week
There were too many heroes in the GWOT conflict for one person to possibly name them all. As a result, I was admittedly not very familiar with the story of Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe. However, that changed when I started seeing multiple pages on Instagram petitioning for him to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The American Legion podcast, Tango Alpha Lima, has brought up the case of Cashe receiving the MOH on several occasions. Upon reading his story, I feel this is a name that should be taught to every soldier at some point in their career. Rest In Peace Warrior.
