Army Medic Awarded Soldiers Medal for Heroic Actions During Shooting

Army Sergeant Brian Lieberman, a 22-year-old medic stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, has been awarded the prestigious Soldiers Medal for his extraordinary bravery and selflessness during a shooting at his apartment complex on June 5, 2023.

The Soldiers Medal, established in 1926, is reserved for acts of heroism involving personal hazard or danger and the voluntary risk of life. Unlike awards given for valor in combat, the Soldiers Medal recognizes individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty in non-combat situations, demonstrating exceptional courage and disregard for their own safety to protect others. The requirements for this medal are strict, requiring more than just being a "good Samaritan" or saving a life. Rather, it requires a recipient to act decisively, without hesitation, and knowingly put their own life at extreme risk.

On that day, a gunman opened fire at the Carrington Place apartment complex in North Carolina, striking a 14-year-old girl in the back. Lieberman, reacting instantly and drawing upon his extensive Army medical training, rushed towards the danger, ignoring the potential threat to his own life.

“I looked out my window with my roommate and we heard people screaming and saw people running around by my complex pool, at which point I grabbed my weapon and ran out my front door while my roommate dialed 911," Lieberman recounted in an interview with Fox News Digital. "As I got downstairs, I approached a group of people and I threw my hands up and stated that I am an army medic and they pointed to an individual that was lying in the street. I was only able to locate a single gunshot wound to her lower back."

Upon reaching the injured girl, Lieberman immediately began administering aid, utilizing his combat medic skills to assess and treat the wound. He even employed improvised methods, such as using grocery bags to create a makeshift seal, demonstrating resourcefulness and adaptability under immense pressure.

The situation then took a dramatic turn as the gunman returned, further endangering Lieberman and the injured girl. "The shooters vehicle drove past us again, and my roommate yelled at me to get down. I threw myself over the girl while the shooters drove by [and] shot at us again, and then that was when I pulled my weapon out to return fire into the suspects vehicle," Lieberman stated.

Without hesitation, Lieberman shielded the wounded teenager with his own body, protecting her from further harm as the gunman continued to fire. Only then, after ensuring the girl’s immediate safety, did he return fire, acting in self-defense and deterring the attacker.

Lieberman continued to provide medical care to the victim until emergency medical services arrived on the scene, ensuring her stability and maximizing her chances of survival. His quick thinking, decisive actions, and unwavering commitment to saving the girl’s life were instrumental in her recovery.

The Soldiers Medal was formally presented to Sergeant Lieberman at Fort Bragg on Tuesday, recognizing his extraordinary heroism and selflessness displayed that day. The Army’s citation accompanying the award emphasized the significance of his actions.

The citation reads, "Specialist Lieberman’s bravery and willingness to risk his life to protect others is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon him, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army."

Despite the accolades and recognition, Lieberman remains remarkably humble, attributing his actions to his upbringing and the values instilled in him by his parents.

"It all started at home," Lieberman explained. "My mom is currently still a nurse and has been for well over 30 years now and my father was a paramedic and a police officer for [a] combined 30 years as well… I just grew up seeing my parents always go above and beyond, always stop[ping] to help someone in need, no matter where they were, what we were doing."

Lieberman emphasized that his parents’ unwavering dedication to helping others inspired him to follow in their footsteps and to always prioritize the well-being of those around him. He credits his upbringing with instilling in him a strong sense of duty and a deep-seated desire to serve.

Lieberman also made sure to emphasize the importance of his roommate’s role in the event.

“I would have not gotten this award if it wasnt for my roommate in that scenario… But if it wasnt for him that day, I would not be in the situation that I am in now," Lieberman said. "I feel like he didnt get much recognition that he deserves and I feel like he should be sitting right here next to me in this interview and in every single interview. Because he brought me my medical bag, he brought me all the rags that I used to clean up her blood… So he might not have pulled the trigger that day, but he 110% was the reason that I was so successful that day in helping that girl."

Lieberman’s story serves as an inspiring example of courage, selflessness, and the unwavering commitment of our armed forces to protect and serve, both at home and abroad. His actions exemplify the highest ideals of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the United States Army.