Michael Joseph McMullen
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army

Michael Joseph McMullen was a career firefighter and paramedic at the Salisbury (Maryland) Fire Department. He was federalized for combat duty in Iraq from the Maryland National Guard.

On 24 December 2005, then-Sergeant Michael Joseph McMullen was serving as a M915 Heavy Wheeled Vehicle Operator of the 243rd Engineer Company, 143rd Transportation Command while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On that day, SGT McMullen’s unit was engaged in a combat convoy. SGT McMullen’s brave response during an improvised explosive device (IED) attack saved the life of Sergeant Randal Divel by moving him away from a burning vehicle, extinguishing the flames on his body and protecting him when a 2nd IED exploded. During that selfless action, SGT McMullen sustained wounds that ultimately cost him his life. SGT McMullen’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.

In addition to the Silver Star Medal, McMullen also received a posthumous promotion to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
Army Achievement Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Combat Action 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 Staff Sergeant Michael Joseph McMullen, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a M915 Heavy Wheeled Vehicle Operator of the 243d Engineer Company, 143d Transportation Command, during a combat convoy in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 24 December 2005, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant McMullen's bravery in response to an IED attack saved the life of Sergeant Divel by moving him away from a burning vehicle, extinguishing the flames on his body and protecting him when a second IED went off. Staff Sergeant McMullen received wounds which ultimately cost him his life. His sacrifice and commitment reflect great credit upon himself, the 243d Engineer Company and the United States Army.

Death and Burial

Staff Sergeant Michael Joseph McMullen died of his wounds on 10 January 2006 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. He is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Arlington County, VA, in Section 60, Site 8314.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/13060156/michael-joseph-mcmullen