James Herring   The Story: Just two days before Christmas 2006, then-Chief Warrant Officer 3 James B. Herring, 46, was leading a five-vehicle patrol near Baquabah, Iraq, searching for a Sunni-Arab insurgent cell responsible for assaults on Coalition Forces, when they were attacked. His heroic efforts saved the lives of 23 American and Iraqi men and earned him the Silver Star.

Marine Corps Col. Juan Ayala

Troop Action: A secure Iraq requires competent local police and national army. In Iraq, U.S. commanders have helped achieve stability in former hotbeds of violence by building up Iraqi Security Forces, thanks to the creative efforts of soldiers and Marines, such as Marine Corps Col. Juan Ayala.  During his third tour in Iraq, from January 2006 to January 2007, Col. Ayala served as the Senior Advisor to the 1st Iraqi Army Division, based at Camp Habbaniyah. Numerous challenges faced Ayala and his 29-man team, as they operated daily in tandem with the Iraqis.

Sgt. Justin L. Clough

Troop Action: The unconventional nature of the war in Iraq has demanded much from the Marine Corps NCOs on the ground. During his two tours in Iraq,  Marine Corps Sgt. Justin L. Clough exhibited leadership on numerous occasions, in combat, communications, air support, and rescue missions. Clough served a Squad Leader with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, and his squad undertook more than 100 combat patrols. 

Capt. Vanlandingham

“The Iraqis, to me, were like American soldiers,” Capt. Vanlandingham told Army.mil. “We had the duty to help them as much as we would have a fellow American.” That is the spirit that has driven much of the training of the Iraqi soldiers who will ultimately be responsible for providing security to their nation. In November of 2004, Vanlandingham and his Arkansas Army National Guard unit found themselves fighting alongside –

THWARTING A SUICIDE BOMBER: The Air Force has long been associated with bombing, air superiority, lift, and search and rescue missions. In recent years, the USAF has taken on unconventional missions as well, such as training explosive ordnance specialists, assisting convoys on the ground, and deploying weapons intelligence teams. Still, thwarting a suicide bomber on the ground would appear to be an unlikely task for an airman.     

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Daniel Bogart  Troop Action: Most people try to avoid deadly improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Not Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Daniel Bogart: As an explosive ordnance disposal technician, it's his job to get up close and personal with these devices, often in combat situations. From August 2006 to March 2007, Bogart neutralized 65 IEDs, saving countless soldiers and Marines from harm. His actions - which required extensive technical knowledge and unflappable concentration - earned him the Bronze Star with "V" for VALOR.             

Navy Hospital Corpsman Joshua Chiarini

Win Silver Star

His ensuing gallantry resulted in a Silver Star and the recovery of several wounded Marines from the line of fire, saving their lives. Troop Action: As enemy forces ambushed the front of his convoy, and with explosions going off on the road ahead of him, Navy Hospital Corpsman Joshua Chiarini could have remained in his vehicle and waited for the action to pass. Instead, the petty officer bolted from his truck and joined the battle. His ensuing gallantry resulted in a Silver Star and the recovery of several wounded Marines from the line of fire, saving their lives.   

G.I. America salute the Women in the Military.

Army Airborne Captain Kellie McCoy demonstrated courage and leadership near the rebel stronghold of Fallujah on Sept. 18, 2003, that earned her the Bronze Star with combat "V" for valor when her convoy was ambushed. The citation reads: "Capt. McCoy willingly and repeatedly took action to gather up her soldiers under enemy fire and direct fire at the enemy". The medal citation also said. "Her actions inspired her men to accomplish the mission and saved the lives of her fellow soldiers."