Jordan Matthew Byrd
Private First Class, U.S. Army

On 13 October 2010, then-Private First Class Jordan Matthew Byrd was serving as a Combat Medic for the 4th Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), based at Fort Campbell, KY, while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

On that day, PFC Byrd and the 4th platoon were conducting an air assault in Kalanar, Yahya Khei District, Patika Province, Afghanistan, as part of Operation TALASHI KHMAR, a company cordon and search when their lead element came under intense enemy small arms fire. PFC Byrd's platoon was tasked with establishing the outer cordon, which required them to establish security in one of the most hostile areas in the 1st Battalion's area of operations. During the initial barrage, Specialist Sustaita was struck in the leg with small arms fire and one of the platoon's sections immediately returned fire to suppress the enemy and gain fire superiority. In order to provide medical treatment to SPC Sustaita, PFC Byrd ran through the enemy kill zone, crossing approximately 30 meters of open terrain as rounds impacted around him. Despite accurate enemy sniper, AK-47, PKM, RPG, and mortar fire, PFC Byrd put himself between the enemy fire and the casualty in order to provide life-saving treatment. As 4th Platoon's section exchanged fire, the enemy began to use 82-mm mortars that impacted within 75 meters of their position. The accuracy and volume of enemy fire, coupled with the lack of cover and concealment, pinned down the section and prevented it from reaching PFC Byrd and SPC Sustaita. PFC Byrd shielded the casualty despite the accuracy and volume of enemy fire, and placed a tourniquet on SPC Sustaita's wounded leg which proved to be life saving. After several minutes of exposure, while PFC Byrd was expertly working to stop the arterial bleeding in SPC Sustaita's leg, he was fatally wounded. PFC Byrd's immediate medical treatment of SPC Sustaita likely saved his life. PFC Byrd’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

Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
NATO ISAF Medal
Presidential Unit Citation
Army Valorous Unit Award
Army Meritorious Unit Commendation with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Combat Medical Badge
Parachutist 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 Private First Class Jordan Matthew Byrd, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy as a Combat Medic with the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division on 13 October 2010. While on patrol, his element came under intense small arms, rocket propelled grenade and mortar fire. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he maneuvered through the enemy kill zone across 30 meters of open terrain to render lifesaving aid to a fellow comrade. Private First Class Byrd's distinctive accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force Red Currahee, Combined Task Force Currahee, Combined Joint Task Force - 101 and the United States Army.

Burial

Private First Class Jordan Matthew Byrd is buried at Grantsville City Cemetery in Grantsville, Tooele County, UT.