Legacy of Honor

Honoring America’s Soldiers and Esteemed Veterans

SGT Theodore D. Medina
April 8, 1990 - July 14, 2021

Known for his courage, physical strength, and his incredible way with words. He has left an unyielding legacy etched upon our hearts.

We stand in solemn reverence as we honor the unwavering courage and unfading legacy of SGT Theodore D. Medina, whose remarkable acts of heroism continue to inspire us all.

Credit: 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment (Facebook page)

The Army Commendation Medal - with Valor, is a significant award that can only be earned for valorous action in direct contact with the enemy. Following is the citation that accompanied Private First Class Medina's valor award:

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL (VALOR) TO PFC THEODORE D. MEDINA.

PFC Medina distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in combat operations as a Team Leader in A Troop, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82d Airborne Division on 28 March 2009 in the Rusafa District of Baghdad, Iraq.

At approximately 1500 hours PFC Medina received a WARNORD that Iraqi Security forces had arrested Adel Mashadani, the Al Fadhel Sons of Iraq (SoI) leader, and that fighting had erupted between the Fadhel SOI and the Iraqi Army (IA). Specifically, IA Soldiers were cutoff, pinned down and surrounded in Zubaida Square (Grid 38S MB 43703 89700) by enemy fighters positioned in buildings and the narrow streets and alleys all around Fadhel. PFC Medina immediately ensured his team’s weapons and equipment were readied, inspected and he prepared his team to move to the fight.

PFC Medina was in the fourth vehicle in the order of march, when 3rd Platoon arrived at the intersection of YUENGLING and WILD (Grid 38S MB 4347 8945) and immediately came under effective small arms, machine-gun and sniper fire from the low and high-rise buildings surrounding the broad intersection. Under orders from his Section Sergeant, PFC Medina dismounted his up-armored HMMWV to position his SAW in a mutually supporting firing position where he could effectively direct his fire toward appropriate targets. For 60-90 minutes, PFC Medina moved around his position, under constant enemy fire, ensuring his fire team provided a base of fire against appropriate targets. His bravery served as a visual motivator and encouragement to his fellow paratroopers. This allowed other IA and CF forces to reinforce the critical position in Fadhel, buying time for his commander and the Iraqi forces to plan and prepare for an action with strategic consequences.

The rescue of IA hostages in Zubaida square was a tactical action with strategic consequences. If the sun had risen on 29 Mar 09 with the Sons of Iraq still holding IA soldiers hostage, it is clear that (Name of Iraqi General - Redacted) would have followed through on the threat he made to the SoI – that he would “flatten Fadhel.” A critical effect of PFC Medina’s valor in remaining on the ground and exposed to heavy enemy fire was that his actions not only allowed his commander time and space to cajole the IA to re-assault Zubaida Square but his courage also motivated the IA to action against the enemy.

In Zubaida square, surrounded on all sides, PFC Medina dismounted under intense fire and, without any regard for his own personal safety, ran through the barrage of machine gun and small arms fire onto the target building. While under continuous fire for around 30 additional minutes, PFC Medina directed his SAW’s rounds onto appropriate targets, escorted the freed Iraqi Army hostage to a safe position and moved between the dismounted assault force and the mounted SBF force. When the rescue was complete, and still under fire, PFC Medina ensured his team’s sensitive items were accounted for and prepared to fight back down the YUENGLING gauntlet to the relative safety of the intersection of WILD and YUENGLING.

PFC Medina went on to lead his team through another 20 hours of combat that included the peaceful handover of additional hostages and allowed massed IA units to assume security in and around Fadhel.

PFC Medina’s valorous actions were critical in securing the population, minimizing collateral damage, motivating the IA to re-assault Zubaida Square, rescuing the IA hostages and turnover of the position to the Iraqi Army. His actions reflect great credit on himself, 5-73 CAV, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad (1st Cavalry Division) and the United States Army.

We are grateful to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, for sharing this inspiring story. It serves as a testament to the courage and dedication of our brave soldiers. Let us honor their legacy and remember their service.