In my life, I have only met a handful of people whom I would consider moral, upstanding people — and more often than not, these people served or are currently serving in the United States Army.
Without a second thought, many of these fine Americans have readily and willingly sacrificed their lives for their fellow soldiers — and for their sacrifices, they have received posthumous recognition by both presidents and the state.
Ross A. McGinnis was one such soldier. He was only a teenager when he was first deployed to Iraq, but already displayed immense courage and selflessness in the line of duty.
Then, in 2006, he and his platoon members were targeted. He was the only one to react in the dire situation — and, on that fateful day, ended up saving countless lives.
Read on to find out the heartbreaking yet inspiring story of this lionhearted soldier, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Ross A. McGinnis, 19, had wanted to be a soldier since he was in kindergarten. In 2004, he became the youngest soldier in his infantry company.
On December 4, 2006, Ross' platoon went on patrol duty in Adhamiyah, a district in Baghdad, Iraq. Out of nowhere, a grenade was tossed into their vehicle. It flew past McGinnis, and was lodged in the back.
McGinnis could have jumped out of the hatch — but instead, he immediately threw his back over the grenade. The blast killed him instantly. He had saved the lives of his crew and his sergeant.
“He was that kind of person,” said PFC Michael Blair. “He would rather take it himself than have his buddies go down.”
Many others remembered him fondly: “When I had my appendix removed, he was the only one who visited me in the hospital,” said PFC Brennan Beck. “That meant a lot.”
“He did impersonations of others in the company,” added Beck. “He was quick-witted, just hilarious. He loved making people laugh. He was a comedian through and through."
On June 2, 2008, President George W. Bush presented a Medal of Honor to the McGinnis family.
In addition, McGinnis also received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his exceptionally heroic service.
Many notable figures attended the ceremony that day, including many members of Congress, as well as unit members of the vehicle for whom McGinnis sacrificed his life.
We will forever remember Ross A. McGinnis as an excellent soldier, as a professional, as a son, and as a friend. But we will remember him most reverently as the big-hearted young hero who devoted everything to his country.
Brave soldiers like Ross need to be kept in our hearts forever, as their sacrifices secure the freedom we enjoy every single day.
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