Luke Schmitz Survived Iraq

I recently got a phone call from my cpt from Iraq saying that I was to be awarded the Bronze Star. I was very speechless and thankful for this outsanding reward. I recived the narrative to accompany the award and thought it would be nice to share it. It is basicly a summary of what happened to me in Iraq. I know some people are courious as to what happen so I will share this with you.
Narrative To Accompany The Award Of Bronze Star MedalTo Specialist Lucas Schmitz
Specialist Lucas T. Schmitz, United States Army, distinguishing himself by execptionally meritorious conduct, in the performence of outstanding service to the United States and the Iraqi people as a turret gunner for Alpha Company, 2-136 Combined Arms Battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom rotation 06-08.Specialist Schmitz went above and beyond the call of duty by maintaining his calm demeanor and concern for fellow soldiers when he was catastrophically injured during and IED attack on his vehicle. SPC Schmitz's vechile was struck by an IED. In effort to secure the disabled vehicle SPC Schmitz immediately dismounted and courageously began to execute his 25 meter search. While conducting the 25 meter search around the vehicle SPC Schmitz unknowingly triggered a hidden secondary IED consisting of two 122 mm mortors. Upon detonation of the IED, Specialist Schmitz sustained catastrophic shrapnel wounds, destroying his right leg and injuring his right hand and forearm as well as suffering multiple shrapnel wounds to the rest of his body. SPC Schmitz kept his composure despite absorbing a majority of the blast of two 122 mm mortor rounds. He immediately began to administer self-aid for his wounds. Recognizing that his leg was nearly severed below the knee, Specialist Schmitz began to apply a tourniquet to his own leg using his broken right arm until an aid team arrived. Throughout the ordeal SPC Schmitz displayed his dedication to duty with his primary concern being for his fire teamates rather than for himself. Furthermore, Specialist Schmitz served as the primary turret gunner for his fire team on 55 successful combat patrols against and armed enemy in AO Topeka. 21 combat patrols were completed durning the hours of darkness when the threat of IEDs is the largest. While serving as a gunner, Specialist Schmitz's attention to subtle changes in the roadside and town environments allowed his patrol to travel their assigned sectors without incident.His actions are in keeping of the finest traditions of the military service and reflects distinct credit upon himself, his unit, 2/136 Combined Arms Battalion, 1/34 Brigade Combat Team and the United States Army.