MoH Recipient Christopher Celiz Used His Body As a Shield to Save a Fellow Soldier From Enemy Fire

[Grim Reaper 6]

SFC. Christopher Celiz was the epitome of a dedicated soldier. While serving in Afghanistan, he made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down his own life to shield an injured comrade and the crew of the MEDEVAC dispatched to evacuate him. In recognition of his heroics, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the US military's highest honor. The enemy continued its barrage as a MEDEVAC helicopter arrived. Knowing it was crucial to get his injured comrade out, Celiz exposed himself to enemy fire and used his body as a shield as he was moved toward the chopper. As it lifted off, he was hit, but, instead of having the helicopter remain, he motioned for it to leave. He was treated on the ground and transported to a nearby medical facility, where he died of his injuries.

Following Celiz's sacrifice, Captain Ben Krzeczowski, the pilot in command of the MEDEVAC mission, said, "Courage, to me, is putting your life on the line to save the life of another, as demonstrated by SFC. Chris Celiz who died protecting my crew."

MoH Recipient Christopher Celiz Used His Body As a Shield to Save a Fellow Soldier From Enemy Fire in Afghanistan (msn.com)

Edited January 2 by Grim Reaper 6

[+and-then]

I remember the senior Army instructor in my high school JROTC unit saying that the CMH wasn't a medal he ever wanted because far too many recipients had it conferred on them after they were dead.

[Grim Reaper 6]

44 minutes ago, and-then said:

I remember the senior Army instructor in my high school JROTC unit saying that the CMH wasn't a medal he ever wanted because far too many recipients had it conferred on them after they were dead.

That is certainly accurate, but that is the last thing going through the mind of soldiers like this one. His only concerns are his soldiers and the MEDAVC team and their aircraft.

This guy was a true Hero.

[+and-then]

BTW, that instructor I was speaking about actually appeared in a couple of scenes in the 70s movie - Close Encounters of the Third kind    If you watch it at some point, look for him.  He appears close to the end when the military/civilian volunteers who are leaving to go with the aliens, are loading up off a bus.  They all wear dark sunglasses but he's the one with the severe crew cut   His name is Jack Christensen.  He was one of the most honorable, impressive guys I ever met.

[Tatetopa]

4 minutes ago, and-then said:

  They all wear dark sunglasses but he's the one with the severe crew cut

I remember him.  Very cool.

[+and-then]

4 minutes ago, Tatetopa said:

I remember him.  Very cool.

His NCO instructor was in the movie also.  He was in a scene sitting at a table with some Air Force officers.  IIRC he was puffing on a cigarette   He was a member of the field artillery in Viet Nam.  Bob Hines.  Both of them were great people.