By AP
Fort Campbell, KY – A Fort Campbell soldier will receive a Silver Star for helping to save the life of a wounded soldier in Afghanistan. Sgt. 1st Class John I. Smith Jr. will be presented with the award during a ceremony Thursday. The Silver Star is the third highest award given for valor in the face of the enemy.
The 34-year-old soldier is an infantryman with Troop C, 1st Battalion, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. According to the award citation, Smith ignored incoming fire and killed two insurgents, leading to the rescue of the stranded soldier in August 2008.