LATHAM, N.Y. — A retired New York Army National Guard soldier was recognized for his heroic actions 20 years ago in Iraq during a ceremony at the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters on June 27, 2024.
Master Sgt. Luis Barsallo, who retired in 2021, received the Bronze Star Medal with “V’ device from Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York.
The V device designates the award is for valor. When awarded for heroism in combat, the Bronze Star is the nation’s fourth-highest military decoration for valor.
The award recognizes Barsallo’s actions in April and May 2004 when his unit, the New York Army National Guard’s C Company, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, was in Samarra, Iraq, as part of the 1st Infantry Division.
The April action, recorded by the Army as the Battle of Easter Sunday, resulted in the death of Pvt. 1st Class Nathan Brown from South Glens Falls when C Company’s 2nd platoon was ambushed.
Several members of the platoon were severely injured but survived thanks to Barsallo’s actions, Shields said.