In 2006, Spc. Ross Andrew McGinnis, a U.S. Army member, was on patrol in eastern Baghdad during the Iraq War. It was there he earned the prestigious Medal of Honor, which he was awarded posthumously.
Background
Ross Andrew McGinnis was born on June 14, 1987, in Meadville, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Clarion County, just north of Pittsburgh. He always knew that he wanted to join the military. He even expressed this desire to his kindergarten teacher at age 5. Throughout his youth, he participated in team sports and joined the Boy Scouts of America to practice teamwork. Then he joined the Army’s Delayed Entry Program before graduating high school. McGinnis completed BCT at Fort Benning, Georgia. Following his basic training, he joined the 1st Battalion, C Company, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division in Germany. In August 2006, he deployed to Iraq, where he took part in the action that earned him the Medal of Honor.
Medal of Honor Citation
“Private First Class Ross A. McGinnis distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an M2 .50-caliber Machine Gunner, 1st Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, in connection with combat operations against an armed enemy in Adhamiyah, Northeast Baghdad, Iraq, on 4 December 2006. That afternoon his platoon was conducting combat control operations in an effort to reduce and control sectarian violence in the area. While Private McGinnis was manning the M2 .50-caliber Machine Gun, a fragmentation grenade thrown by an insurgent fell through the gunner’s hatch into the vehicle. Reacting quickly, he yelled “grenade,” allowing all four members of his crew to prepare for the grenade’s blast. Then, rather than leaping from the gunner’s hatch to safety, Private McGinnis made the courageous decision to protect his crew.
“In a selfless act of bravery, in which he was mortally wounded, Private McGinnis covered the live grenade, pinning it between his body and the vehicle and absorbing most of the explosion. Private McGinnis’ gallant action directly saved four men from certain serious injury or death. Private First Class McGinnis’ extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in 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
Medal Ceremony
On June 2, 2008, President George W. Bush presented McGinnis’ parents with his Medal of Honor in a special ceremony held at the White House. The military posthumously awarded McGinnis the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart, in addition to the Medal of Honor. This recognition was for his selfless bravery in sacrificing his own life to protect his fellow service members from the grenade explosion.The presentation of these prestigious military honors was a recognition of McGinnis’ extraordinary service and sacrifice to his country and a testament to the lasting impact of his heroic actions.
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.