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Specialist Jordan Mathew Byrd of Grantsville, Utah
Spc Jordan M. Byrd, 19 year old Army Medic, 1st Battalion, 506 Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), gave his life for his country on Oct 13th 2010.
Stationed in Afghanistan, Jordan's unit had been ambushed and pinned down by intense fire. As Jordan's Sargent received the radio call for a medic, a soldier was hit and bleeding severely, he turned to find Jordan already running to the injured soldier some 300 yards away. Through mortar, grenades, and machine gun fire, Jordan ran by his fellow troops, still wearing his trademark smile saying, "Cover me." He reached the soldier, covering him from the intense attack; he tied a tourniquet on his leg and was hit by sniper fire and killed instantly. Jordan’s lifesaving efforts were rewarded with the "Silver Star". This honor was awarded to his family, his wife, Savannah and son, Ayden with the very soldier Jordan had saved present.
Jordan’s bravery and courage are only outshined by his infectious smile. It will be our honor to work with his family and loved ones to create a fitting tribute to honor the memory of this incredible young man to his precious son, Ayden who’s birth he had the pleasure of witnessing and shared a brief four days of parental bliss before being deployed, just weeks before his death.
As Jordan did every day of his life and especially on that October morning in Afghanistan, when a 19 year old kid showed us all what it means to be a true American Hero…..his legacy of kindness and caring lives on.
The doctors at the Trauma center in Sharona, Afghanistan were so touched and amazed by his heroism that day, that they worked hard throughout their deployment to get the Trauma Center named after Jordan which they did in March 2011. Medical Personnel and Officers at Ft. Campbell worked to name the new Health Clinic at Fort Campbell after Jordan. The ribbon cutting ceremony for the New Jordan M. Byrd Health Clinic took place in September of 2011. A truly amazing health facility.
His family honors this amazing young American Hero in as many ways as they can; Jordan’s dream was to become a doctor, his family establishing Spc. Jordan Byrd scholarships for students pursuing the medical field in his county. February 9th is Spc. Jordan M. Byrd day in their county, at which they announce the annual winner of the Spc Jordan M. Byrd Thumbs Up Award, which recognizes someone who exemplifies Jordon’s caring and selfless nature with deeds to improve their community.
"Many small people, in many small places, do many small things that can alter the face of the world."
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