Robert Shane Pugh
Sergeant, U.S. Army

Robert Shane Pugh was federalized for combat duty in Iraq from the Mississippi National Guard.

On 2 March 2005, then-Sergeant Robert Shane Pugh was serving as a Medical Aidman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment, on 2 March 2005 while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

On that date, SGT Pugh’s platoon was conducting a combat patrol in a hostile area near Iskandariyah, Iraq. While providing security for a group of engineer soldiers, an Improvised Explosive Device detonated, seriously wounding SGT Pugh and SFC Ellis Martin. Although in extreme pain, SGT Pugh directed treatment instructions to the members of his platoon for both himself and SFC Martin. SGT Pugh remained calm and continued to give instructions until the medevac helicopter arrived. SGT Pugh passed away en route to the hospital. However, SGT Pugh's courage and disregard for his own welfare resulted in saving the life of a comrade that was severely wounded. SGT Pugh’s courageous actions that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Combat Medical Badge

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Robert Shane Pugh, United States Army, for exceptional display of heroism and selfless service while serving as a Medical Aidman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment, on 2 March 2005, during military operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM III. Sergeant Pugh's platoon was conducting a combat patrol in a hostile area near Iskandariyah, Iraq. While providing security for a group of engineer soldiers, an Improvised Explosive Device detonated seriously wounding Sergeant Pugh and Sergeant First Class Ellis Martin. Although in extreme pain, Sergeant Pugh directed treatment instructions to the members of his platoon for both himself and Sergeant First Class Martin. He remained calm and continued to give instructions until the medical evacuation helicopter arrived. Sergeant Pugh passed away on route to the hospital, however his courage and disregard for his own welfare resulted in saving the life of a fellow comrade who was severely wounded. His bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment, Multi-National Corps Iraq, and the United States Army.

Burial

Sergeant Robert Shane Pugh is buried at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Meridian, Lauderdale County, MS.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/15011747/robert-shane-pugh