In a heart-stopping display of courage, Staff Sergeant A*, a counter-terrorism fighter with the Marom Brigade, shielded his teammate from a terrorist's explosive device during an operation in Tulkarm two and a half months ago.
The IDF provided more details of this incredible act of bravery and heroism: After successfully completing two arrests that night, A*s unit received another urgent call to action. They swiftly deployed drones and entered a narrow alley where their commander identified a terrorist. A tense standoff ensued, quickly escalating as the terrorist hurled an explosive device. The team reacted swiftly, taking cover and shouting warnings.
Lt. Col. (res.) B*, one of A's comrades, didn't hear the alert and remained exposed. "We all jumped back," A* explains. "But when I saw A' hadn't moved, I knew I had to act fast." With selfless heroism, A* sprinted towards B* to pull him to safety.
This split-second decision undoubtedly saved B's life, but it came at a cost. The grenade detonated, leaving him with a broken shoulder and shrapnel wounds in his leg and intestines. Despite the excruciating pain and heavy bleeding, A* remained calm, reassuring his team.
"It wasn't a heroic act for me," A* humbly states. "It was just instinct. I saw someone in danger and reacted." Only later did the gravity of his actions truly sink in.
Throughout his hospitalization and initial surgery, A* faced immense physical and mental challenges. However, his unwavering spirit and love for his unit propelled him forward. "Seeing my entire unit visit me in the hospital reminded me why I do what I do," he shares. "There's no doubt the injury impacted me, but I have no regrets. I would do it all again in a heartbeat."
Now in the final stages of rehabilitation, A* is determined to return to active duty and contribute to his unit's success. He was recently commended for his bravery by the counter-terrorism unit commander during a ceremony.