On March 16th Sgt. Justin Staley received a Bronze Star Medal with Valor.

Sgt Staley is 28 years old and currently serving his third tour of duty in Iraq. He is married and has three Children. He is presently stationed in Hawaii and that is where his family is now.

He was originally from Magnolia, where his parents Jon and Debbie Staley still live. He has a brother and two sisters also.

He is with the 27th infantry battalion.

Below is what it says on his Bronze Star Medal Certificate

"For exceptionally valorous achievement during Operation Iraqi Freedom. While dismounted and Leading Barrier emplacement detail through Urban terrain to secure Iraqi polling stations in preparation for elections an enemy combatant engaged SGT Staley with direct fire from an AK-47 positioned about 30 meters away. After firing several shots at SGT. Staley, the gunman turned and began firing towards a soldier driving a forklift. The rounds penetrated the forklift window and hit the forklift driver four times on his left side, critically wounding the soldier. With no regard for his own personal safety and welfare SGT. Staley accurately engaged the enemy with his M-4 rifle, mortally wounding the gunman and immediately neutralizing the threat, ultimately saving the soldiers life. His valorous actions reflects great credit upon him, 25th infantry division, Multi National division North and The United States Army."

Below is what was written in a local paper in Hawaii: It is a paragraph out of an article.

Another Bronze Star with valor will be awarded tomorrow. this time to Sgt. Justin Staley, a Schofield Barracks soldier who's still in Iraq.
The award will be made by video teleconference beamed back to Hawai'i.

On Jan. 30, while overseeing a barrier emplacement mission to secure Iraqi polling stations, an enemy combatant fired an AK-47 at Staley and a soldier driving a forklift, wounding that soldier, according to the Army report.
Staley fired seven to 10 shots at the Iraqi, mortally wounding the gunman.
"Sgt. Staley's quick reaction in securing the site enabled him to quickly administer first aid and buddy carry his wounded soldier to the medical evacuation vehicle, ultimately saving the soldier's life," the Bronze Star narrative states.