Miguel Carrasquillo
Specialist, U.S. Army

On 8 August 2005, then-Specialist Miguel Carrasquillo was serving with the 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, based at Fort Stewart, GA, while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On that day, SPC Carrasquillo’s unit was engaged in combat action against enemy forces near Baghdad, Iraq. SPC Carrasquillo identified and fired upon a powerful vehicular improvised explosive device (IED) directed at his vehicle and convoy. SPC Carrasquillo's swift and decisive actions to stop the insurgent suicide bomber saved the lives of his fellow Soldiers and 21 American civilians. SPC Carrasquillo’s selfless, 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 (Partial List)

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart
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 Action Badge

Silver Star Medal Citation (Synopsis)

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 Specialist Miguel Carrasquillo, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving with the 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 8 August 2005 near Baghdad, Iraq. Specialist Carrasquillo distinguished himself by identifying and firing upon a powerful vehicular improvised explosive device directed at his vehicle and convoy. His swift and decisive actions to stop the insurgent suicide bomber saved the lives of his fellow Soldiers and 21 American civilians. Specialist Carrasquillo acted with extraordinary heroism at the cost of his own life and his gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Burial

Specialist Miguel Carrasquillo is buried at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Hillside, Cook County, IL.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14186235/miguel-carrasquillo