Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe is a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor. He earned his award for courageous action during the Iraq War.
Sergeant First Class Cashe Background
SFC Alwyn Cashe was a highly decorated Army veteran. He served America with distinction in various military campaigns. Born in Sanford, Florida, in 1970, he joined the Army after completing high school and served in the Gulf War and the Kosovo Defense Campaign.
However, his final deployment to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom would earn him the Medal of Honor. Cashe’s bravery and selflessness in the face of danger during a mission in Samarra, Iraq, in 2005 have made him a revered figure in the military community and beyond.
Medal of Honor Citation
“Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe distinguished himself by acts of gallantry above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Platoon Sergeant with Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division in Salah Ad Din Province, Iraq, on October 17th, 2005. While on a nighttime mounted patrol near an enemy-laden village, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle which Sergeant First Class Cashe was commanding was attacked by enemy small-arms fire and an improvised explosive device, which disabled the vehicle and engulfed it in flames. After extracting himself from the vehicle, Sergeant First Class Cashe set about extracting the driver, who was trapped in the vehicle. After opening the driver’s hatch, Sergeant First Class Cashe and a fellow soldier extracted the driver, who was engulfed in the flames. During the course of extinguishing the flames on the driver and extracting him from the vehicle, Sergeant First Class Cashe’s fuel soaked uniform, ignited and caused severe burns to his body. Ignoring his painful wounds, Sergeant First Class Cashe then moved to the rear of the vehicle to continue in aiding his fellow soldiers who were trapped in the troop compartment.
“At this time, the enemy noted his movements and began to direct their fire on his position. When another element of the company engaged the enemy, Sergeant First Class Cashe seized the opportunity and moved into the open troop door and aided four of his soldiers in escaping the burning vehicle. Having extracted the four soldiers, Sergeant First Class Cashe noticed two other soldiers had not been accounted for and again he entered the vehicle to retrieve them. At this time, reinforcements arrived to further suppress the enemy and establish a Casualty Collection Point. Despite the severe second-and third-degree burns covering the majority of his body, Sergeant First Class Cashe persevered through the pain to encourage his fellow soldiers and ensure they received needed medical care. When medical evacuation helicopters began to arrive, Sergeant First Class Cashe selflessly refused evacuation until all of the other wounded soldiers were evacuated first. Sergeant First Class Cashe’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty were keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.” – Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Upgraded Valor Medal
SFC Cashe’s heroic actions and sacrifices did not go unnoticed, and his recognition continued to grow even after his death. Many people, including military officials and lawmakers, believed that Alwyn Cashe deserved the Medal of Honor for his actions. Some felt his Silver Star not reflective of his heroism and sacrifice. Military officials and lawmakers were among those who pushed for a review of his case for an upgrade.
In 2020, the DoD announced that it would conduct a thorough review of Cashe’s case. The review considered new evidence, including witness statements. It was led by a panel of experts, which ultimately recommended the upgrade. In November 2020, Congress voted to approve the upgrade of SFC Cashe’s award. He is the first Black service member from the Iraq War to receive the Medal of Honor.
On December 16, 2021, President Joe Biden presented Cashe’s widow Tamara with the Medal of Honor during a special ceremony at the White House. The president praised Cashe’s heroic actions and selflessness, describing him as “a true American hero.” The presentation of the Medal of Honor to SFCashe was a significant moment in recognizing his bravery and the sacrifices he made for his country.
How to support the Medal of Honor mission
- Learn more about the Congressional Medal of Honor Society at cmohs.org or find them on Instagram |Facebook
- Participate in Medal of Honor Day on March 25 by sharing a recipient’s story
- Support veteran hiring and transition programs in your workplace
- Teach younger generations about the values of courage, sacrifice, and service
Medal of Honor Month isn’t just about recognizing history. It’s about keeping the mission alive for the future. Observe Medal of Honor March on We Are The Mighty here.