Knee Deep in the Hooah!

If you have not read about Pvt. Ross McGinnis and his incredible act of bravery, you need to. I have excerpted his story below, and linked at the bottom.

Hero does not even begin to describe this young soldier. God bless his family.

Benning honors Medal of Honor recipient
Benning posthumously honors Medal of Honor recipient

By Lily Gordon

On Dec. 4, 2006, a 19-year-old Army private named Ross McGinnis threw himself upon a fragmentation grenade that an insurgent had tossed down the gunner’s hatch of the Humvee in which he was riding during combat operations against an armed enemy in Northeast Baghdad, Iraq.

McGinnis pinned the live grenade between himself and the vehicle, absorbing all lethal fragments and damaging effects. That courageous act cost the young soldier his life, but saved four men from serious injury or death.

For his gallantry that day, McGinnis, who was promoted posthumously to specialist, was awarded in 2008 the nation’s highest medal for valor in combat, the Medal of Honor.

A plaque in memory of McGinnis was unveiled during a ceremony Friday evening at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Patriot Park. The ceremony also doubled as a celebration marking the Army’s 234th birthday, which is Sunday. Coincidentally, June 14 is also McGinnis’ birthday.

Fitting tribute

Among the hundreds of guests that gathered in the museum’s grand foyer for the emotional unveiling were McGinnis’ parents, Tom and Romayne McGinnis, as well as other family members, friends and members of his unit, including two of the soldiers whose lives he saved.

Post commander Maj. Gen. Michael Barbero and National Infantry Foundation Chairman retired Maj. Gen. Jerry White also attended the ceremony.

via Benning honors Medal of Honor recipient, Army’s birthday – Fort Benning – Ledger-Enquirer.com.