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4th Cab Soldier Awarded German Honor
(April 29, 2011) | 
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U.S. Army Maj. Robert Federigan, the 4th
Combat Aviation Brigade medical operations officer, speaks with the
Regional Command – North commander, German Maj. Gen. Markus Kneip,
after receiving from him the Silver Bundeswehr (German military)
Cross of Honor, April 25, 2011 for outstanding meritorious service
in helping to orchestrate a mass casualty evacuation during an
attack near Pol-e Khumri, Feb. 18, 2011. |
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CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan (4/26/2011) – An American soldier holds the
rare distinction of wearing a German Silver Cross of Honor for his
actions in coordinating medical evacuation of casualties during a
February terrorist attack in northern Afghanistan. German Maj. Gen.
Markus Kneip, commander of Regional Command - North, Afghanistan,
presented U.S. Army Maj. Robert Federigan, medical operations
officer, Headquarters Headquarters Company, 4th Combat Aviation
Brigade, 4th Infantry Division., International Security Assistance
Force, with the Silver Bundeswehr (German military) Cross of Honor
for outstanding meritorious service, April 25.
Federigan, who
is a MEDEVAC pilot and medical planner for the 4th CAB, humbly
accepted the award, Germany’s second highest military decoration for
merit, at a ceremony hosted by 4th CAB staff and including senior
RC-North German leadership and RC-North Deputy Commander Brig. Gen.
Sean Mulholland.
The award was founded in 1980 on the
occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Bundeswehr. It is uncommon
to award foreign soldiers with this symbol of brave service and
excellent soldiership. In this instance, it was meant as a sign of
gratitude and acknowledgement of performance in terms of cooperation
and comradeship.
“It was a very overwhelming feeling,”
Federigan said. “That day challenged the military health care system
at all levels |
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and at all locations where the patients transitioned … everyone’s
sole goal was to save as many soldiers as they could.” |
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The attack, which occurred Feb. 18 near Pol-e Khumri in northern
Afghanistan, resulted in three German soldiers dead and six wounded.
Germany and the U.S. are two of 16 nations contributing to the
11,000 soldiers in Regional Command - North. They partner with Afghan
National Security Forces to provide security for the Afghan people and
develop governance and socio-economic programs.
Federigan
earlier this year received the gold German Armed Forces Skill Badge For
Medical Personnel for increasing cooperation between the German medical
task force and the 4th CAB.
Brigade commander Col. Daniel
Williams, who also received a Silver Budeswehr Cross this year for
efforts increasing cooperation between the German and American armed
forces, said of Federigan: “He is one of the most selfless and humble
officers I know. He masterfully orchestrated a MASCAL during one of the
darkest days the Germans have had here. He mastered the chaos and
frankly saved lives.” | |
Article and photo by Army Sgt. Sean Harriman
4th Combat Aviation Brigade
Copyright 2011
Provided
through DVIDS
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